How Gen Alpha and Gen Z
are shaping the travel industry

ITB Berlin | Green stage, Hall 7.1b 
Wednesday, 4 March 2026 | 14:45 – 15:25 CET

Panellists:

Dominic Barrow

Contiki

Sarah Clifford

UNiDAYS

Alex Hill

Drifter

Moderator:

David Chapman

WYSE Travel Confederation

Where and how are Gen Alpha and Gen Z influencing change in the travel industry? What can these shifts tell us about the coming generation of young consumers? What does a future travel and tourism industry look like with such consumers? Professionals specialised in serving young consumers and travellers will share their insights on Gen Z, Gen Alpha and the future of travel and tourism during this session. Join us for ideas and scenarios related to the future travel marketplace. 
Dominic Barrow

Dominic
Barrow

National Business Development Manager UK / EU

Contiki
Dom leads business development, partnerships and activations across the UK & Europe, focussing on connecting with young travellers and understanding travel trends. 
Sarah Clifford

Sarah
Clifford

Global Lead, Travel and Experience

UNiDAYS
Sarah connects the world’s biggest travel brands with the global student audience. She works to create unique, value-driven travel and experience opportunities that truly resonate with the next generation of consumers.
Alex Hill, Director of Partnerships, Drifter

Alex
Hill

Director of Partnerships

Drifter
Alex Hill is Director of Partnerships at Drifter, a new‑generation accommodation brand blending boutique design, social connection, and flexible stays for Gen Z and emerging Gen Alpha travellers. Alex leads global collaborations across youth and adventure travel, focussing on traveller trends, sustainable growth, and authentic experience design. Based in Melbourne, he represents Drifter internationally and helps shape industry conversations on the future of youth travel. 

David
Chapman

Director General

WYSE Travel Confederation

For the past years as Director General of WYSE Travel Confederation, David has led the Amsterdam-based team in representing and advocating the youth, student and educational travel industry. During his tenure as Director General, WYSE Travel Confederation has expanded upon its legacy of producing essential market research and industry events, and supporting top-notch youth travel organisations worldwide.

Prior to becoming Director General, David was an active board member of STAY WYSE and chairman of WYSE Travel Confederation. He brought a wealth of experience in both the youth travel and hospitality sectors, having served for six years as COO and Deputy Director of a London based non-profit social centre with student accommodation. He also worked at some of the best hotels in Europe including Grosvenor House, The Waldorf and the George V in Paris before becoming General Manager of several of the UK’s top country house hotels.