How do Gen Z Travel for Business?
Everything You Need to Know About the New Generation of TravellersAs the first digital-native generation enters the workforce en masse, Gen Z is already making a noticeable impact on how businesses operate, and how employees travel…
A lot has been said about the generation born between 1997 and 2012. This new era of young adults is unique in the way it has been shaped by technology, nurtured by social media, and defined by the digital world. As more and more members of Gen Z enter the workforce, businesses want to understand what makes them tick and tap into their potential as new employees and customers.
While it is reductive to lump all Gen Z into a homogenous group with identical values and interests, there are common threads that tie them together. This includes an increased awareness of climate change, a desire for digital convenience, and a demand for personalised experiences.
These personal values extend to business travel, too. According to a 2023 survey by SAP Concur, over 70% of Gen Z professionals say they view business travel as a career perk, and nearly 40% say they would decline a job that doesn’t include travel opportunities. For Gen Z, business travel isn’t just about meetings and clocking miles – it’s about purpose.
In this blog, we explore how Gen Z might approach business travel differently from previous generations, what values influence their travel behaviours, and the key takeaways for travel managers and bookers looking to serve them better.
1. Digitally Native Expectations
Gen Z has grown up in a fully digital world, where instant access to information, services, and entertainment is the norm rather than the exception. Unlike previous generations, they have never experienced travel planning without the aid of smartphones, apps, or real-time connectivity.
As a result, they have come to expect seamless digital experiences at every stage of their journey. Whether it’s researching destinations, booking flights and accommodations, modifying itineraries on the go, or submitting expense reports, Gen Z prioritises the convenience of going digital.
A study by eMarketer highlights this shift in behaviour. 55% of Gen Z travellers and 62% of Millennials have made travel-related purchases directly from their smartphones. In contrast, only 44% of Gen X and a mere 28% of Baby Boomers have done the same, underscoring a generational divide in tech adoption and expectations. For Gen Z, mobile-first isn’t a luxury; it’s a baseline requirement.
Their expectations also extend beyond booking. They want real-time notifications about flight delays or gate changes, easy mobile check-ins for hotels and flights, and hassle-free communication with customer service via chat or social media. In the event of disruptions, they expect automated solutions such as instant rebooking or alternative travel options without the need for lengthy calls or manual processes. Additionally, AI-powered travel tools that offer personalised recommendations based on their preferences, past behaviour, and current trends are not just welcomed, they are expected.
“When I travel for work, I want it to feel intentional. I don’t want to just rush from the airport to the meeting room – I like being able to schedule in time to explore the place I’m visiting. Even though it’s for professional purposes, I firmly believe that travel should add something to your life, not just fill a date on the work calendar. I also like having the option to travel on more eco-friendly routes where possible, even if it means spending a little more time getting from place to place.”
– Emily, 24, Junior Marketing Executive
2. Purpose Driven and Eco-Conscious
For Gen Z travellers, sustainability is not a tick-box exercise; it’s a core expectation. Many actively seek out greener travel options and are willing to make trade-offs in convenience or cost to align with their environmental values. This can include:
- Choosing trains over planes for shorter distances
- Opting for airlines with carbon-offset programmes such as Gray Dawes’ LEGACY
- Staying at sustainable hotels with eco-certification
Travel managers might need to rethink traditional priorities like cost and convenience by adding sustainability as a core pillar of travel policy. Integrating carbon footprint tracking directly into booking platforms allows travellers to make informed decisions about their environmental impact.
As a result, your TMC should be equipped with technology that allows you to track and report CO₂ emissions per trip, offer filters for eco-friendly flights and hotels, and provide transparent sustainability ratings. Additionally, access to real-time data on emissions can help companies meet ESG goals.
3. More “Bleisure” Travel Options
According to the 2023 Expedia Business Travel Index, 65% of Gen Z business travellers reported extending a work trip for personal leisure, significantly outpacing Gen X, of whom only 44% did the same. This data highlights a generational shift toward maximising travel opportunities for both professional and personal enrichment.
Unlike previous generations, travel is seen not just as a necessity for work but as a chance for personal growth, self-care, and exploration. This mindset is closely linked to Gen Z’s emphasis on work-life integration, where flexible travel policies are seen as a reflection of broader company values around autonomy and well-being.
To support this evolving travel behaviour, corporate travel programs must become more adaptable. Traditional rigid travel policies that prioritise short trips with little room for customisation have the potential to frustrate Gen Z travellers. Instead, travel bookers should:
- Look for booking platforms that make it easy for travellers to extend a work trip with leisure days either before or after business obligations.
- Find a TMC that allows travellers to customise their hotel stays easily. This includes extending stays beyond company-covered nights or choosing properties that match personal preferences (e.g., boutique hotels or eco-resorts).
“One of the best parts of business travel for me is being able to stay a few extra days and keep working remotely. If I’m flying somewhere for a meeting, why not set up my laptop at a local café or a co-working space in a new city? I get my work done, but I also get inspired – it’s a win-win in my eyes.”“
– Megan, 21, Travel Consultant
Sustainability is in our DNA
At Gray Dawes, our mission is to ensure that everything we do is great for you, your company, our employees, the business travel industry, and the planet. Discover how we help clients minimise the environmental impact of their travel programmes, engage with local charities and communities, and empower our employees to be their best selves at work.
4. Remote Working Opportunities
Gen Z has entered the workforce with a fundamentally different perspective on where and how work gets done. As digital natives, they are inherently comfortable with virtual collaboration tools, cloud-based systems, and mobile work environments. This fluency with technology, combined with a strong preference for flexibility and autonomy.
A 2023 report by Deloitte found that nearly 75% of Gen Z employees consider flexibility in where and when they work to be a top priority when evaluating job opportunities. This preference aligns with a growing trend among young professionals to “work from anywhere,” turning business travel into extended remote work experiences rather than single-purpose trips. For Gen Z, a work trip doesn’t necessarily start and end with a meeting or conference. It may involve working remotely from the destination for a few days before or after the main event.
According to a 2024 Skyscanner travel trends report, 58% of Gen Z business travellers expressed interest in extending work trips specifically to work remotely from new locations. This approach is seen not just as a perk but as a means to improve mental health, reduce burnout, and increase job satisfaction. Platforms like Airbnb have also noted a rise in long-term stays (28+ days), particularly among younger travellers, many of whom are combining work and travel in non-traditional ways.
For Gen Z, business travel is no longer just about being present at a physical location for a fixed schedule. It’s about choice. Companies that want to attract and retain top Gen Z talent must recognise this shift and build travel programs that support hybrid or remote-first business travel models.
It’s not an exaggeration to suggest that Gen Z is reshaping the corporate travel scene
They expect seamless digital experiences, flexible itineraries, personalised options, and ethical alignment with the brands and services they engage with. For TMCs and travel bookers, this represents both a challenge and a significant opportunity. In short, the traditional one-size-fits-all model no longer applies.
To meet Gen Z’s expectations, travel programs must evolve to become smarter, more adaptive, and values-driven. That means integrating AI-powered personalisation, enabling hybrid and bleisure travel, offering transparent carbon tracking, and delivering user experiences that mirror the convenience of modern consumer apps.
As businesses become increasingly global and purpose-oriented, companies and TMCs that embrace the generational shift will be better positioned to attract top talent, boost traveller satisfaction, and demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to corporate responsibility. Adapting to Gen Z’s travel preferences isn’t just about meeting the needs of a single generation; it’s about future-proofing corporate travel for years to come.
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