How do mental health and information sources influence younger tourism choices? Evidence from a generation Z survey

Abstract

Generation Z belongs to a new youth travel segment, which is already the one with the highest growth. They were exposed to internet technology from birth and grew up in a challenging economic, social, and environmental context, which may have shaped their tourist decisions. This study intends to investigate (i) the main motives to choose a tourist destination and the in-destination activities preferred by members of Gen Z, and (ii) the influence of youth’s emotional well-being, translated into anxiety and depression states and tourism information sources on their destination choice and in-destination activities. Methodology/Design/Approach - An online questionnaire was applied to collect data on young Portuguese people, obtaining a sample of 305 participants. The quantitative analysis was performed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) method. Findings - We found that (i) depressive and anxiety states enhance economic and convenience motives in choosing a destination and encourage engagement in wellness activities, and (ii) information sources influenced the motives to choose a destination and in-destination activities with emphasis on convenience motives and wellness activities. Originality of the research - This study is the first to explore Gen Z tourism behaviours shaped by anxiety and depression states and dependence on information sources.