[EP. 83] How Gen Z Plans Travel: TikTok, 48-Hour Trips, and What it Means for Destination Marketing

Gen Z travelers aren't starting their trip planning on Google alone. They're scrolling TikTok, saving videos, and building itineraries from what shows up in their feed. In this episode of The Redirect Podcast, host Jason Dodge talks with Bethany Bee, Digital Content Specialist at Explore Utah Valley, about how this generation actually discovers and plans travel. Bethany brings a unique perspective as both a DMO marketer and a Gen Z traveler who's visited six countries and ten states in the past year. They cover why ChatGPT isn't a trusted travel guide yet, what makes content trustworthy versus skippable, why most trips are planned after arrival, and how DMOs can show up where travelers are actually searching. Plus, practical advice on repurposing content, leveraging local audiences, and measuring success beyond impressions.