On the occasion of the Grand Rassemblement des Auberge de Jeunesse du Québec organized by the St-Laurent Youth Hostels Association Inc., our scout Aude Lenoir presented an updated portrait of the young traveller market. Through some key statistics and five major trends, this presentation offers concrete ways to help hostels adapt their offer, strengthen their attractiveness and anticipate the transformations of the sector.
The market for young travelers is changing rapidly: new expectations, new practices and an increased search for meaning are transforming the tourist experience. The presentation highlights some statistics on young people's travel behaviors as well as five structuring trends:
- Human (Re) connections — The need to create relationships, to experience authentic moments and to reach places where community, exchange and conviviality play a central role.
- Sustainability and well-being — A generation attentive to its impact, in search of responsible accommodations, slower experiences and an environment conducive to balance and rejuvenation.
- Flavors and discoveries — Culinary tourism as a motivation for travel, the desire to taste local but also to live varied culinary experiences.
- Sporting and cultural events — Festivals, competitions, gatherings: strong occasions that become so many reasons for traveling and staying in hostels.
- The rise of nomadic work — A hybrid clientele, both travelers and professionals, who are looking for adapted, flexible and stimulating spaces.
These trends are accompanied by strategic thinking inviting hostels to rethink their spaces, enrich their programming, work on their positioning and seize new market opportunities.
The full content of the presentation is available in the PDF below.
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POSTED
11/19/2025