66% of South African Gen Z travellers plan to take more holidays in 2026, highlighting a growing appetite for exploration and experiences.
Youth Month is coming to an end, and as South Africa reflects on this celebration, a new generation of travellers is rewriting the rulebook. They view travel not merely as a quick holiday, but as a journey towards independence, fresh perspectives and profound self-discovery.
According to recent findings by Marriott Bonvoy, 66% of South African Gen Z travellers plan to take more holidays, proving that the appetite for meaningful exploration has never been higher.
Across the broader South African market, travellers are aiming for an average of six holidays per year, two domestic, two short-haul and two long-haul getaways. The top travel destinations are South Africa, England, Mauritius, the USA, Mozambique, France, Botswana, Zanzibar and Italy.
We look at the top trends shaping how young South Africans are moving around the globe.
