McKinsey expert Margaux Constantin discusses new tourist behavior insights for tailored offerings, while Kurt Strovink shares CEO strategies for stakeholder engagement in the travel industry. Topics include generational travel preferences, customer data utilization, generative AI, overcrowding challenges, and stakeholder engagement techniques.
Younger generations prioritize unique travel experiences and cultural exploration over possessions.
Stakeholder engagement is crucial for CEOs to connect effectively with diverse audiences in the tourism industry.
Deep dives
Travel as a Priority for All Generations
The podcast episode discusses how travel has transitioned from a mere interest to a top priority for travelers worldwide. With a significant shift towards spending on experiences rather than possessions, travel has become increasingly appealing, especially for younger generations who prioritize unique experiences and cultural exploration. Factors such as lower travel costs, increased connectivity, and social media influence have made international travel more accessible, attracting younger travelers.
Diverse Travel Preferences Across Generations
The research presented insights into the travel preferences of different generations, highlighting distinct motivators and spending patterns. While younger generations like Gen Z prioritize new experiences and cultural interactions, older travelers, particularly Baby Boomers, focus on visiting friends and family. The podcast emphasizes that despite varying preferences, all generations share a common reliance on technology for travel planning and execution.
Market Disparities and Stakeholder Engagement Challenges
The podcast delves into the challenges faced by the tourism industry due to disparities in travel preferences across different markets. It emphasizes the need for synchronized efforts among stakeholders to enhance travel experiences and manage overcrowding. Additionally, the discussion on stakeholder engagement highlights the importance for CEOs to connect effectively with diverse audiences, noting the significance of a strategic communication approach encapsulated in the EDGE framework.
McKinsey spoke with more than 5,000 travelers across geographies and generations as part of a recently published survey that reveals clear differences in behaviors, motivations, and expectations among a diverse set of tourists. On this episode of The McKinsey Podcast, McKinsey’s Margaux Constantin and Jasperina de Vries speak with editorial director Roberta Fusaro about data that can help travel and tourism companies tailor their offerings and realize more bookings, higher satisfaction, and, ultimately, repeat visitors.
In our second segment, from our CEO Insights series, McKinsey senior partner Kurt Strovink shares an approach to help CEOs connect with stakeholders—a relationship that’s prized but too often elusive.