Stories
The Rise of Gymcations: How Fitness is Redefining Modern Travel
- •A growing travel trend known as gymcations is replacing traditional indulgent holidays with fitness-focused itineraries, driven largely by Gen Z and wellness-minded Millennials.
- •Hotel amenities are rapidly adapting, with 53 percent of travellers actively seeking out properties with superior fitness facilities and 14 percent viewing high-end gyms as a non-negotiable requirement.
- •Culinary preferences are shifting toward performance-oriented nutrition, as 91 percent of travellers are likely to book hotels offering nutritional and protein-rich breakfast options.
- •Event-based tourism is surging, with up to half of all participants in fitness competitions like HYROX and international marathons traveling out-of-state or internationally solely to compete.
Key Questions Answered
A gymcation is an emerging travel trend where fitness, physical exercise, and active lifestyles dictate the entire holiday itinerary rather than taking a backseat. Driven largely by Gen Z and wellness-minded Millennials according to Skyscanner's Travel Trends 2027 Report, travellers now view getaways as an opportunity to enhance their well-being routines rather than escape them.
The hospitality industry is rapidly transforming by prioritizing fitness amenities, with 53% of travellers actively seeking hotel fitness facilities and 14% considering a high-end gym a non-negotiable requirement. Additionally, hotels are revamping their menus to provide performance-oriented, protein-rich, and clean nutritional breakfast options to fuel active days.
Mass-participation fitness competitions, such as HYROX events and international marathons, have transformed into primary travel motivators that shape event-based tourism. Up to half of all participants in these competitions now travel out-of-state or internationally solely to compete, blending travel, physical challenges, and community building.
