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Exploring Tourism Experiences: The Vision of Generation Z Versus Artificial Intelligence

Author

Listed:
  • Ioana-Simona Ivasciuc

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500068 Brașov, Romania)

  • Adina Nicoleta Candrea

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500068 Brașov, Romania)

  • Ana Ispas

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500068 Brașov, Romania)

Abstract

Generation Z, known for its digital fluency and distinct consumer behaviors, is an increasingly influential demographic in the tourism industry. As a sustainability-focused generation, their preferences and behaviors are shaping the future of travel. This study explores the tourism experiences of Romanian Generation Z members, focusing on their travel patterns, motivations, information sources, and service preferences. A bibliometric analysis of the existing literature was conducted to identify research trends and gaps in understanding Generation Z’s tourism behaviors. Using a mixed-method approach, the study integrates survey data from 399 respondents with AI-generated insights from ChatGPT 4o mini to compare traditional research methods with AI-driven analysis. It examines how AI interprets and predicts travel behaviors, highlighting the reliability and biases inherent in AI models. Key discrepancies between the two methods were found: The survey indicated a preference for car travel and commercial accommodation, while AI predictions favored air travel and private accommodation. Additionally, AI emphasized a growing interest in eco-friendly transportation and connections to natural and cultural environments, offering a broader scope than the survey alone. Both methods revealed a trend toward digital platforms for travel planning, moving away from traditional agencies. The findings suggest that AI can complement traditional research by providing actionable insights, though its limitations emphasize the need for a balanced integration of both methods. This study offers new perspectives on Generation Z’s tourism experiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Ioana-Simona Ivasciuc & Adina Nicoleta Candrea & Ana Ispas, 2025. "Exploring Tourism Experiences: The Vision of Generation Z Versus Artificial Intelligence," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-23, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:15:y:2025:i:5:p:186-:d:1658906
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ana Cláudia Campos & Júlio Mendes & Patrícia Oom do Valle & Noel Scott, 2018. "Co-creation of tourist experiences: a literature review," Current Issues in Tourism, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(4), pages 369-400, March.
    2. Nees Jan Eck & Ludo Waltman, 2010. "Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 84(2), pages 523-538, August.
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