Exploring Generation Z’s Tourism Preferences in Bangka Belitung: Towards More Inclusive Local Destinations

This study explores how Generation Z in Bangka Belitung selects local tourism destinations, focusing on their preferences and implications for inclusive tourism development. A qualitative exploratory design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with fifteen informants aged 17–25 who actively travel within Bangka Belitung. Field observations complemented the interviews by providing contextual insights into visitor behavior and destination conditions. Data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns in the motivations, constraints, and expectations shaping Gen Z’s travel decisions. The findings revealed five interrelated themes: essential amenities for inclusive travel, digital influence on travel motivation, contrasting travel lifestyles across generations, empowering youth voices in tourism, and the multiple dimensions of inclusivity. Together, these themes indicate that inclusivity, from young travelers’ perspectives, extends beyond physical accessibility to encompass digital visibility, social participation, and intergenerational compatibility. Gen Z’s destination choices are shaped by convenience, affordability, and online visibility, while social media functions both as a source of travel inspiration and a platform for self-expression. The findings also highlight the importance of adequate facilities, recognition of diverse travel preferences, and meaningful youth participation in tourism development. The study concludes that advancing inclusive tourism in Bangka Belitung requires improving basic infrastructure, strengthening digital promotion, accommodating differences in travel preferences across generations, and creating opportunities for young people to contribute to destination development. These measures can help align tourism provision with Gen Z’s evolving expectations while supporting more equitable and sustainable tourism development. From a managerial perspective, the findings offer practical insights for local tourism authorities and destination managers in refining marketing strategies, improving facilities, and designing youth-friendly experiences. By considering young travelers’ preferences alongside the needs of other visitor groups, destination stakeholders can develop tourism experiences that are more responsive, accessible, and inclusive.