Travel Agent NewsEU Holidays bets on Asia’s 18-35s who want to DIY the fun but outsource the work.

Will Gen Z turn to travel agents?

Apr 27, 2026

The real differentiator for 1835, Ang believes, is community.

For many young travellers, the idea of guided tours often conjures up images of “boring” itineraries better suited for families or retirees.

That couldn’t be further from the truth, says Alan Ang, managing director of EU Holidays. The Singapore-based travel agency has been offering tours with an experiential bent, and Ang observes that such views persist among Gen Z and millennial travellers.

He wants to change that.

Enter 1835, a new travel arm of EU Holidays, created specifically for travellers aged 18 to 35. The focus is to design socially-driven, experience-led tours that resonate with how the younger generation actually travels.

1835, a new travel arm of EU Holidays designs socially-driven, experience-led tours that resonate with how the younger generation actually travels. Photo Credit: Natalie Joy Lee

Spontaneity = opportunity

If there is one defining trait of Gen Z and younger millennials, Ang says, it is “a very short decision-to-execution window”. This is a generation that
is at ease making fast, instinct-led travel choices, often driven by social media and passing conversations.

Rather than viewing this spontaneity as a challenge, 1835 is designed to harness it. “When people of similar mindsets start talking, ideas bounce around,” says Ang. “Sometimes it’s not about discovering something new – it’s realising you can do it a new way.”

While younger travellers are adept at finding information online, they are increasingly selective about where to spend their time and energy. Ang believes that lengthy research, review-trawling and logistical planning should be the first things they can outsource – freeing up time for discovery and enjoyment on the ground.

A youth-first, Asian model

Unlike traditional tours anchored around checklists of landmarks, 1835 prioritises community and immersion. Its itineraries are built on a flexible framework that allows travellers to dial experiences up or down – an approach well suited to impulse-led decision-making and shared experiences.

1835 can be viewed as a “Contiki of the East”, but Ang is quick to stress that the brand is not about replicating Western youth tour models. Instead, travellers are grouped by mindset and interests, a distinction EU Holidays sees as increasingly important for younger clients.

A hike might conclude with a conventional descent and lunch, or include an optional paragliding route to the pickup point. Groups can split and regroup, thanks to EU Holidays’ network of trusted local operators, giving travellers autonomy without the stress of coordination.

Days are designed around cultural immersion and physical activities, while evenings lean into nightlife, dining and social experiences. Importantly, there is built-in flexibility while maintaining safety and high service standards. “We’re giving them time to explore whatever they fancy,” says Ang, whether solo, with a small group, or as a whole.”

But the real differentiator for 1835, Ang believes, is community.

“The glue is cohesion,” he explains, and finding “links to get the young adults connected”.

1835 is set to officially launch in 2Q 2026.