- 47% of Polish “zetas” prefer to spend money on experiences, such as concerts, travel, going out to restaurants, rather than on material things.
- 58% of respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 plan to travel and visit more.
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Global Consumer Trends 2025: On the Journey to Longevity .
According to Generation Z, the best gifts are those that provide an emotional experience. In Europe, more than 60% of “Zets” increased their spending on experiences this year. The Mastercard survey also showed that of all age groups, it is representatives of this generation who spend the most on experiences. As for Poland, 97% of respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 intended to spend part of their budget on emotional experiences in 2024. More than 70% of respondents believe that spending money on experiences is a worthwhile investment, and 36% admitted that they had saved earlier in order to allocate this year’s budget surplus to activities that will provide them with unique emotions.
Young people are spending more and more on travel
What are Polish “zetas” most likely to spend money on? 58% of those surveyed planned to spend part of their 2024 budget on travel. 45% of them visit places they are passionate about, at the same time 16% admit that they get their travel inspiration from social media. 37% of respondents were willing to spend money on live music events, while just under 34% were willing to spend money on outdoor experiences such as hiking, biking or wellness, spa and fitness activities (32%). 29% of those surveyed said they spend money on culinary experiences, and 26% on movie experiences, such as cinema premieres or film festivals.
Experiential living – what drives the “zetas”?
Young Europeans value travel experiences the most, with 68% wanting to visit the places on their wish list. More than half dream of seeing a favorite artist perform live (53%). A significant portion of respondents would appreciate dinners at their dream restaurant (42%) and a stay at an exclusive hotel (41%).
Aurora borealis and meteor shower
Young Poles are looking for unique experiences. More than 90% of Polish “zetas” surveyed admitted that they would be very impressed by experiencing natural phenomena live, such as watching the aurora borealis or meteor shower. They would also find it an amazing experience to see a world-famous tourist spot, such as the Sydney Opera House (83%), and for 63% it would be of great importance to attend an immersive and interactive theatrical performance.
Positive emotions among young people are also evoked by sports spectacles. A trip to a world-famous sports venue, such as the Stade Roland Garros in Paris or Wembley Stadium in London would be meaningful to 78% of respondents. The opportunity to watch their favorite sports team or a trophy-winning athlete is of high value to more than half of respondents (53%), and 15% admitted that such an experience would change their lives.
Enjoyment of small and large experiences
Polish “zetas” want to experience both spectacular experiences and more intimate or local ones. Nearly 60% of this generation’s representatives are interested in attending concerts by world-class stars, while 35% derive just as much joy from performances by Polish artists. Although more than half of Polish respondents (55%) would appreciate going out to dinner at an exclusive Michelin-starred restaurant, 42% would also find a meeting at a local family restaurant an attraction.
– Gifts based on experiences have a special power of influence. They provide an opportunity to experience together what matters most, with the people closest to us. At Mastercard, we believe that it is moments like these – with loved ones and friends, full of positive emotions – that are priceless, because they create memories that will stay with us forever. Consumers of the younger generation appreciate just such gifts the most,” says Jerzy Holub, marketing director for Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia at Mastercard.
