JAKARTA - The way Generation Z enjoys traveling seems to be starting to be different from previous generations.
If you used to stay in hotels with a variety of complete facilities as one of the main destinations when on vacation, now not a few young people are actually more selective in allocating their travel budget.
The phenomenon known as budget travel has become increasingly visible in recent years. For many Gen Z, travel is no longer about spending time in hotels but maximizing the experience at the destination visited.
Starting from hunting for local culinary, enjoying the local culture, to exploring various corners of the city is the main priority.
The owner of RedDoorz Plus Terban Yogyakarta, Fanny Ratnawati, sees this trend getting stronger among young tourists. According to him, the majority of Gen Z still want comfortable accommodation, but not necessarily luxurious.
"It's enough to move the trend, because the majority of Gen Z today when they go somewhere or a city must need a comfortable and clean place," he said in Yogyakarta, some time ago.
Fanny assessed that young tourists today have a fairly clear standard regarding accommodation. They are looking for a comfortable place to rest after a day of activity, with basic facilities that function well and hygienic conditions.
"Looking back on my experience, when traveling, I want to stay in a hotel or a comfortable place to sleep, air conditioning is cold and hygienic, and the water flows strongly for bathing or cleaning needs," he said.
However, comfort is not the only consideration. Many young tourists choose accommodation at affordable prices so that they have more room in their travel budget.
The funds saved from the cost of staying are usually transferred to various activities while in the tourist destination. This is what makes budget hotels and inns still have a strong market.
"In addition, why are budget hotels so popular because they have expectations when going to other cities to have more time to explore from culinary, culture, local wisdom to interesting destinations and so on," he explained.
This pattern of travel can also be seen from the preferences of tourists for additional services offered by inns. The room package without breakfast, for example, is actually a choice that is much sought after because it is considered more flexible and helps reduce travel costs.
"That's why accommodations like RedDoorz are mostly non-breakfast, it helps them reduce costs when traveling, on the other hand they can explore more tourism potential in the areas they visit," said Fanny.
Yogyakarta is one example of a city that feels the impact of this trend. As a favorite destination for young tourists, this city offers a combination of cultural, culinary, historical, and creative spaces that are interesting to explore.
Fanny revealed that the level of accommodation such as lodging in Yogyakarta usually increases when there are various agendas and events, including when entering the long holiday period.
"Certain events in Yogyakarta also support occupancy, usually it will also increase on long weekends," he said.
The location of the accommodation is also an important factor in the current budget travel trend. Many tourists choose accommodation that is strategic and close to the center of activity so that they can save time and transportation costs during their vacation.
According to Fanny, guest characters in the city center area such as his business are dominated by tourists who spend more time outside the inn.
"Moreover, we at RedDoorz Terban are in the CBD area, most types are come and go," he said.
This trend shows that for Gen Z, the essence of travel is no longer in the luxury of the place to stay. Instead, they prioritize authentic experiences, budget flexibility, and the opportunity to get to know the character of a destination more closely.
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