In an increasingly digital world, the younger generation is seeking to switch off when travelling, with industry experts noting a strong uptick in demand for nature-based experiences, spiritual tourism, and soft adventure.
Prasoon P Sankar, corporate general manager of Kerala-based Intergrande Hotels, which curates experiences for guests, said younger travellers want to trade technology for nature while engaging in travel that boosts their well-being.
“The new generation are looking for back-to-basics travel. They want to switch from the blue screen to the green screen of nature, so it’s important to provide them with opportunities to connect with nature and people,” he said.
Activities proving popular with younger travellers include exploring tea plantations, backwater boat adventures, accompanying flower farmers, one-day rural bicycle experiences, and meeting traditional beekeepers.
“Often young urban travellers today don’t know where they come from and they’re looking to get back to nature and to have meaningful experiences. We’re seeing an increase in demand for natural heritage, soft adventure and responsible tourism. The younger generation have more of a desire to be responsible for the future generations,” Sankar said.
Rozillah Matsahini, revenue manager at Borneo Nature Tours, noted an uptick in young honeymooners seeking to immerse themselves in nature and soft adventure, especially from the European Union, the UK, and the US, where there is no access to ancient rainforests that date back 130 million years.
“Young honeymooners are more active today. They really want to experience something different with nature and wildlife,” she said, noting that the average minimum stay is three days and two nights in jungle accommodation, with the canopy walkway, river rafting, and night safaris all popular activities.
Dagelje Sherpa, expedition director at Expedition Himalaya, said the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with climate anxiety is driving demand for health- and wellness-oriented trips among youth.
“Young people are more conscious about their health, so we’re seeing more demand for soft treks combined with meditation, culture and wildlife,” he said, adding that younger travellers are mainly opting for a three- or four-day trek in the Himalayas combined with a nature safari and soft adventure experiences.
In India, Arnab Nayek, co-founder of Travellers Paradise, has curated a series of spiritual and wellness tourism packages in response to growing demand, especially from the younger generation. These range from yoga and meditation retreats to local therapies such as panchakarma and shirodhara.
“We’re seeing a rise in demand for spiritual tourism among young travellers, so we’re trying to develop that market to promote India as a spiritual tourism destination.”
Qamar Zafeer, managing director of India-based Earthen Experiences, is also curating more products geared towards the younger generation.
“They are increasingly looking for experiences related to spiritual tourism and wellness, as well as in-depth cultural experiences. They spend so much time online that when they travel, they want to be able to switch off and experience real life.”
