Study reveals dominant travel patterns among Generation Z and millennial age groups
Top Fandom Travel Destinations for Gen Z and Millennials
Fan culture is increasingly influencing travel choices for young adults, with Gen Z and millennial travelers eager to explore destinations linked to their favourite TV shows, movies, and comic conventions.
According to recent surveys and travel trends, popular fandom travel hotspots include major fan conventions and iconic pop culture cities, particularly those associated with comics, superheroes, and fandom events.
New York City, USA, stands out as a significant destination, hosting the renowned New York Comic Con and boasting a strong superhero presence. Madame Tussauds features Marvel figures, and the city serves as a major filming location for various superhero movies.
Atlanta, Georgia, another popular destination, is known for its role in Marvel productions, especially "Black Panther" and "X-Men." Fans can embark on studio and location tours to immerse themselves in the Marvel universe.
London, home to the MCM Comic Con, is another favourite among fans, offering a strong cosplay community and unique events. Meanwhile, Lucca, Italy, and Tokyo Comic Con in Chiba, Japan, attract international fans with their European and Asian comic and cosplay events, respectively.
While not strictly fandom destinations, cities like Memphis and Denver appeal to Gen Z and millennials for their music heritage, unique experiences, and vibrant cultures.
Interest in fandom travel extends to various TV shows and movies. For instance, more than a quarter of respondents expressed a desire to explore Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii, known for its role in "Jurassic Park." Paris, France, holds a special place for 22% of survey-takers, inspired by the romantic charm of "Emily in Paris."
Locations featured in the series "White Lotus," such as Kihei, Hawaii, and Sicily, Italy, also attract a significant number of travelers. Fans of "Bridgerton" dream of visiting Greenwich, London, the show's filming location.
"Game of Thrones" enthusiasts are drawn to Northern Ireland, Croatia, Spain, or Iceland, where the series was filmed. The majestic landscapes of New Zealand, famously featured in "Lord of the Rings," continue to inspire travelers.
Fans of the show "Stranger Things" are eager to visit Albuquerque, New Mexico, the show's filming location. Lastly, the Keahua Arboretum in Hawaii, featured in the movie "Avatar," attracts 24% of respondents.
Gen Z and millennial travelers are prepared to spend an average of $2,357 on fandom travel, with 15% willing to spend between $2,000 to $3,000, and 7% willing to spend between $4,000 to $5,000.
These findings suggest that fandom-focused travel is a growing trend, with fans eager to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favourite TV shows, movies, and comic conventions. Whether it's exploring superhero cities, visiting filming locations, or attending comic cons, the appeal of fandom travel shows no signs of waning.
Social-media platforms are buzzing with excited posts about upcoming trips to fandom destinations, as Gen Z and millennials plan their vacations around travel hotspots associated with their favorite entertainment. The entertainment industry, from movies and TV shows to comic conventions, is significantly influencing lifestyle choices for these travelers.
Travelers looking to dive deeper into the Marvel universe can plan trips to cities like New York or Atlanta, which have become popular destinations due to their connections with Marvel productions. For fans of other franchises, location-based entertainment venues such as Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii (Jurassic Park), Greenwich (Bridgerton), or the Keahua Arboretum in Hawaii (Avatar), offer unique opportunities to connect with their favorite entertainment experiences.
On social media, entertainment-focused travel photos and experiences are gaining traction, as fans showcase their journeys to iconic entertainment destinations. This trend underscores the growing influence of fandom travel on the lifestyle and travel choices of Gen Z and millennials.