Gen Z Trends and Perspectives on Sustainable Mobility

The Future of Sustainability in Mobility: Professional and Private Mobility Patterns and Perspectives of the Generation Z in the DACH Region

Tourism is responsible for 5-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with 75% coming from travel to and from destinations. This contributes to climate change, which negatively affects the tourism industry through extreme weather and changing conditions. Generation Z (1995-2010), a rapidly growing tourism segment, makes up about a third of the global population, but we know little about their travel habits and environmental values. There’s a gap between their climate awareness and actual travel behaviors, especially during vacations when sustainable actions tend to be overlooked.

To address the environmental impact of this "home-away gap," this project aims to better understand Generation Z's travel values and behavior. It will explore their mobility patterns and views on sustainability within the DACH region (Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland).

The research will focus on:

• Understanding Generation Z's perspectives and values on climate and mobility based on their socio-demographic background

• Mapping their professional and private mobility habits

• Provide a country comparison overview (DACH region) of the awareness and perceived development of sustainable mobility infrastructure and management

The Mobility Z project will provide insights and guidance for implementing sustainable travel and tourism practices in the DACH region and beyond, highlighting how different cultural, political, and socio-demographic factors influence climate-related mobility behavior.