Spending summer holidays in a European country has been a long-cherished dream for many for decades. But over the past few years, a dramatic shift has emerged in how the younger generation, especially Gen Z, envisions their European getaway.

For most Gen Z travellers, taking a holiday is not limited to sightseeing; they aspire for deeper connection, purpose, and captivating experiences, and are generally more interested in visiting destinations that offer a smoother and more accessible visa process.

Most Gen Z travellers see a visit to a foreign location as an opportunity for personal growth, global citizenship, and purposeful engagement. This shift in travelling preferences is further fuelled by the popularity of social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, where content creators highlight “slow travel" hacks, eco-conscious destinations, and smoother travelling experiences facilitated by easy visa processes.

Increased air connectivity, rising income levels, and a surge in discretionary spending are some of the reasons why more and more people, particularly from developing countries such as India, are opting for European holidays, leading to an unprecedented increase in the number of visa applications.

Higher visa applications numbers resulted in several European countries grappling with an overwhelming........

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