Travel into my future : perceptions of Generation Z along a fictive journey

Abstract

This paper aims to reveal Generation Z’s perspectives on their distant (2070s) future considering technological, socioeconomic and environmental challenges. This approach reveals latent fears and expectations of this generation and thus highlight key paths for further scientific analysis and strategy development in the tourism sector (e.g. keeping AI development under control, adapting to climate change). The GT-based analysis resulted in a six-variable model identifying key technological (e.g. the rise of AI and smart tourism services), social (e.g. anticipated health challenges) and environmental factors shaping future travel behavior. This study also brings attention to previously underexplored concepts, such as the negative perceptions of technological advancements and Generation Z’s concerns about aging, leading to the introduction of new theoretical perspectives (e.g. AI detoxification tourism, negative perceptions of seniority) that could shape the future of consumer behavior.