Travel Trends Among Generation Z: A Focus on Knowledge-Based Sustainable Development

Anca Laura Asandului –  “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Bulevardul Carol I, Nr.11, 700505 Iasi, Romania

Gina lonela Butnaru –“Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Bulevardul Carol I, Nr.11, 700505 Iasi, Romania

Cristiana Melinte – “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Bulevardul Carol I, Nr.11, 700505 Iasi, Romania

Abstract: In recent years, the impact of tourism on environmental degrada- tion has intensified the focus on knowledge-based sustainable development, as research increasingly identifies tourism as a major contributor to environmental pollution and damage. This study explores Generation Z’s preference for nature- based tourism, a group known for their environmental consciousness. The present study aims to identify the travel trends of Generation Z youth in the context of sustainable knowledge-based development. Questionnaires were administered to students and masters from tourism-specialized higher education institutions, and structured interviews were conducted with representatives of institutions and organizations in the tourism sector. The research area is the North-East Region of Romania. Findings indicate a relationship between the travel preferences of young people towards natural settings and their awareness of environmental quality. Therefore, there is an increase in the awareness of natural values among young tourists of this generation and a growing involvement from institutions and organizations in the tourism sector. The study contributes to existing literature by identifying sustainable travel trends among Generation Z, analyzed from both the perspectives of young people, and representatives of institutions and organizations within the tourism sector.

10th International Scientific ERAZ Conference – ERAZ 2024 – Selected Papers: KNOWLEDGE BASED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT,  hybrid – online, virtually and in person, Lisbon, Portugal, June 6, 2024

ERAZ Selected Papers published by: Association of Economists and Managers of the Balkans – Belgrade, Serbia

ERAZ conference partners: Faculty of Logistics, University of Maribor, Maribor (Slovenia); University of National and World Economy – UNWE, Sofia (Bulgaria); Center for Political Research and Documentation (KEPET), Research Laboratory of the Department of Political Science of University of Crete (Greece); Institute of Public Finance – Zagreb (Croatia); Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Ohrid, University of St. Kliment Ohridski from Bitola (North Macedonia)

ERAZ Conference 2024 Selected Papers: ISBN 978-86-80194-87-5, ISSN 2683-5568, DOI: https://doi.org/10.31410/ERAZ.S.P.2024

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