Skibidi Travel Trends: Ohio Core, Riz Energy, Zero Chill.

(Live from my household of actual Gen Alpha tourism executives.)

Listen… I don’t need research to tell me Gen Alpha is running travel.

I have two of them in my house. Two. Live. Unfiltered. 6 7 certified Gen Alphas who treat my home like a Roblox server and my bank account like an in-app purchase.

You think YOU understand travel trends? I get tourism insights screamed at me through a bathroom door while someone does the “Gyatt” meme.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Destinations get one shot to pass the Vibe Check

My kids don’t care about brochures. They care about whether your town “gives aesthetic” or “looks like NPC energy.”

One of mine literally said: “I’m not going somewhere if the snacks aren’t bussin’.”

Tell me your state tourism office has data on that.

2. Roblox > Your DMO

Another child tried to explain to me that a random Roblox map “felt more slay” than an actual U.S. city we visited.

I stood there like: “I have dedicated my entire career to destination branding… only to be outdone by a digital mall created by a 9-year-old.”

I have never recovered.

3. Itinerary? No. ‘Quest Chain.’

I said: “Let’s plan our weekend.” She said: “I already did. We’re visiting the frog statue, the boba place with the neon cloud sign, and the dog named Pickles. Don’t make it weird.”

What do you MEAN don’t make it weird??

4. They are ruthless travel critics

Show them a hotel and they will instantly say: “That lobby looks like trauma.” Or, if we’re lucky: “This pool is giving main character arc.”

They have no fear. No filter. And no emotional attachment to your Tripadvisor rating.

5. Snacks are economic drivers

Did not know my tourism strategy career would one day be controlled by a 13-year-old screaming: “THEY HAVE THE BLUE TAKIS. WE HAVE TO GO.”

The DMO toolkit did not prepare me for this.

6. Gen Alpha is influencing family travel without even pretending to hide it

The decision-making flow is: Kid: “I wanna go.” Parent: “We’ll see.” Kid: sends 17 TikToks Parent: “…okay, fine.”

The funnel works. They are the funnel.

The point?

Destinations are out here crafting brand pillars, editorial guidelines, and $250K campaigns…

Meanwhile Gen Alpha is choosing travel based on: snacks, vibes, whether the bathroom looks haunted, and if it’s “slay or mid, no offense.”

If you’re ignoring the Alphas? You’re already behind.

The future visitor is 11, has zero chill, and more influence than your entire Chamber board combined.

Signed, A very tired mom with four kids in three separate generation vibes, each of whom thinks they are the DMO of this house.