2 out of 10 Gen Z travellers (in the 18-24 age group) or 19% of the cohort are likely to choose the independence of a home or rented apartment. This drives home a crucial point for the global hospitality sector in major markets like Dubai and others. Gen Z travellers are increasingly gravitating to flexible accommodation choices like aparthotels for their trips.
Why does it matter? Dubai welcomed 9.88 million overnight visitors in H1 2025 alone, representing an increase of 6% (from the year-ago period). It signals that travel is now more than a luxury for many younger people worldwide. Gen Z (18-26) comprises approximately 1.4 million of the UAE’s population (around 12%) and travel is a priority for them (like their global peers). That’s where aparthotel accommodation is poised to witness a major boom in the near future. Let’s explore why.
Key Reasons Why Gen Z Travellers Look for Aparthotels
Here is a closer look at some of the biggest reasons why Gen Z travellers are increasingly looking for aparthotels globally.
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More Space & Comfort:
Unlike cramped and basic hotel rooms, aparthotels ensure home-like space and comfort with open-plan layouts, furnishings and stylish interiors. Gen Z travellers appreciate this freedom to work and relax as they want. Home-like comfort and more privacy win brownie points among this cohort. Guests can also cook meals and live like locals.
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More Flexibility:
Gen Z travellers are clearly looking for more flexible accommodation when they travel. With digital nomadism, remote work and Bleisure (work + leisure) travel on the rise, aparthotels fit neatly into the gap. Gen Z guests want extendable or flexible stays (backed by convenient leases) that allow them to stay as long as they want without rigid hotel-like restrictions.
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More Pocket-Friendly:
Budgets are still a concern for Gen Z travellers, many of whom want more value for their stay. That’s where aparthotels may offer all-inclusive rates (covering utilities, internet and services) that may be lower than many hotels. Along with lower nightly rates for extended stays, there are added perks like self-catering (helps save money on dining out regularly) too.
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Ideal for Both Work & Leisure:
Most of the best aparthotels for young travellers offer great on-site amenities like gyms, swimming pools, meeting spaces, co-working lounges and concierges. Many also have dedicated workspaces and high-speed internet to get work done seamlessly.
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Prime Locations:
Booking an aparthotel does not mean missing out on a prime location. There are many properties across cities that offer easy access to iconic attractions, nightlife, restaurants and business hubs. For example, you will find multiple trendy accommodation options in Dubai’s finest localities like Downtown, Dubai Marina, JBR and Business Bay. All of them offer elevated lifestyles that attract Gen Z travellers in large numbers.
Aparthotels are clearly booming with Gen Z guests looking for accommodation offering more than only a regular hotel stay. The comfort and space of a private apartment with hotel-like services make it a value proposition for them, especially for longer stays.
What Gen Z Expects In Terms of Travel Experiences
When analysing why aparthotels are finding favour among Gen Z travellers, several other factors also come into play. Gen Z has several expectations in terms of their travel experiences (many of which neatly sync with the aparthotel concept). Let us examine some of them below.
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Culturally Immersive and Authentic Travel:
Younger travellers no longer view travel as a luxury. It is a priority for them, with an increasing focus on culturally immersive and authentic stays. For example, 63% of UAE Gen Z respondents in a survey preferred properties that reflect the local culture. They are looking for deeper connections to the destinations they visit, local flavours and experiences, community/local living and buildings/interiors that tell stories.
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Sustainability at the Forefront:
About 55% of Gen Z respondents in a study also confirmed choosing more sustainable transportation options, while 36% actively sought eco-friendly stays while booking. This generation is clearly looking for properties that sync with their desire for a lower environmental footprint.
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Self-Directed and Social Media-Driven Travel:
Gen Z travellers are using technology to book trips, while social media platforms are major influences for them when choosing destinations or properties. This generation wants more autonomy and flexibility over rigid travel packages and plans. They want platforms that give them more control over their stays. They also love documenting their stays on social media and prefer properties with more character, lovely views or amenities.
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Higher Flexibility, Loyalty and Value:
This is a more value-driven generation of travellers that believes in loyalty but is not as interested in hotel upgrades or reward points. They want immediate value and more flexible benefits, i.e. extendable or flexible leases, changing bookings with zero fuss, contactless check-ins/check-outs, etc. They want more transparent pricing and access to local experiences.
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The Rise of Bleisure Travel:
Gen Z travellers are increasingly looking at Bleisure travel. There is growing interest in combining work trips with leisure. Properties with communal spaces, work desks, wellbeing offerings and Wi-Fi are more appealing to them as a result.
Aparthotels are interestingly positioned to cater to the evolving travel needs of this generation. They bridge the gap between conventional hotel stays and the need for more independence/flexibility with their unique value propositions.
