Disturbing development: younger travelers prefer virtual to real travel
A new study shows the downside of the computer age: young people would rather sightsee from the comfort of their own homes than actually visiting other places.
Young people are more likely to play computer games and indulge in social networking than enjoy leisure activities outside, says “The Future of Free Time” report commissioned by lastminute.com.
"Perhaps worryingly, a new generation will reject travel altogether in favor of gaming, social networking and ‘always on’ media,” the report said. It added:
"As in-home leisure is becoming more engaging, a group of young people will emerge who do not go out any more.”
"So what they’ve seen in the last ten years is that they’re (young people) spending more time now on in-home entertainment and technology rather than traveling the world,” said futurologist Dr. Ian Yeoman.
Patrick Hoffstetter, vice president at lastminute.com, said:
"We all have a natural inclination to travel and explore, but the travel industry must remain innovative and embrace technology to remain exciting for a younger generation."
In the future, in-home games will expand and compete more intensely with out-of-home free time.
The report concluded young people found out-of-home activity too “action poor.”
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt