Air Travel Expected to See a Healthy Boost This Holiday Season According to Latest OAAA-Harris Poll Research

More Gen Z consumers are planning to travel this holiday season as compared to other generations and are prioritizing new cities and experiences, according to “OOH Consumer Insights & Opportunities Q4 2023: Holiday Travel & Shopping,” the latest research report conducted by The Harris Poll for the Out of Home Association of America (OAAA), the leading trade group representing the entire out of home (OOH) advertising industry.

The study also found that Gen Z consumers plan to spend more this year on holiday travel, gifts, decor, meals, and other holiday prep expenditures when compared to last year.

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Other key findings include:

• 86% of consumers will be spending more or the same amount on holiday travel this year compared to last, up from 76% in 2022.
• 59% of Gen Z consumers are planning to travel for more days this holiday season, more than any other generations.
• 51% of Gen Z consumers are looking for new cities and experiences this holiday travel season vs. just 32% of the general population.
• More than half (53%) of Gen Z consumers want to vacation at a resort compared to one out of four Boomers.
• 64% of Boomers want to have an extended stay with friends and family vs. just 46% of Gen Z consumers.

While holiday travel rates remain steady, with 60% of consumers planning to travel this holiday season, nearly half (44%) of travelers are planning longer trips, and a third (36%) are planning to travel longer distances. Personal vehicles will continue to serve as the main mode of transport (62%), while the skies will see a healthy surge in traffic (59% vs. 48% in 2022).

“This coming holiday season, the coveted Gen Z consumers are emerging as top spenders who will be traveling more, going further, and embracing new cities and new experiences. Whether it’s in airports, cars, or at bus stops and train stations, it’s a bright opportunity for brands to capture Gen Z attention and drive real-world action through OOH advertising,” said Anna Bager, President & CEO, OAAA. “OAAA continues to analyze consumer insights, economic trends, and cultural moments to track where brands and consumers are headed next.”

On the holiday shopping front, nearly four in 10 (37%) shoppers plan to spend more on gifts this year, with Gen Z (57%) leading the pack. Overall, 68% of holiday shoppers plan to spend over $500 on holiday gifts this year vs. 57% in 2022. Clothing is what most consumers will be spending big on (60%), followed by technology products (41%) and toys (37%).

Holiday shoppers will flood stores in late fall with November marking the height of their planned purchases (38% will make the majority of their gift purchases in November).

“OOH Consumer Insights Q4 2023: Holiday Travel & Shopping Intent” was sponsored by The Foundation for Out of Home Advertising Research and Education (FOARE), a 501 (c) (3) not for profit, charitable organization.

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