New Holiday Inn by IHG Study Reveals: Children Want Simpler Holidays Than Parents Think

German parents often feel pressure to create the perfect family holiday, yet children may be looking for something much simpler.

Key Survey Findings
- 86% of German parents feel responsible for making holidays special for their children.
- However, parents believe children value:
- Fun
- Freedom
- Quality family time
- Simple, carefree moments more than packed itineraries or expensive attractions.

Children Are Influencing Holiday Planning
- Family holidays are becoming increasingly collaborative.
- 40% of parents actively seek their children's opinions when planning trips.
- Children most often help decide:
- Activities and excursions (70%)
- Food and drink choices (58%)
- Parents say involving children increases excitement and anticipation before the trip and makes the overall experience more enjoyable.

What Children Really Want on Holiday
According to parents, children would prefer:
- More time to play (30%)
- More adventure (30%)
- Greater spontaneity (22%)
- More meaningful family time (18%)
Nearly seven in ten parents believe children value small, carefree moments more than costly attractions or major sightseeing experiences.

Launch of the 'Chief Holiday Officer' Initiative
- Holiday Inn is introducing a new Chief Holiday Officer programme across Germany during the autumn school holidays.
- Children staying at Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn – the niu hotels will:
- Be welcomed as "Chief Holiday Officers"
- Receive a symbolic iron-on badge
- Get a holiday wish list to help shape family holiday activities and experiences
- The initiative encourages children to play an active role in planning their holiday.

Statement from IHG Hotels & Resorts
Mario Maxeiner, Managing Director Northern Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts Said "The research reinforces what we've long believed at Holiday Inn that great family holidays are often built around simple moments spent together. While parents are always looking for ways to create memorable experiences for their children, our findings show that fun, freedom and quality time together are what matter most."

Children's Growing Influence During Travel
- 58% of parents say their children significantly influence food and drink decisions while travelling.
- Around one-third of parents believe children enjoy:
- Freedom of choice
- Shared experiences
- Unstructured family time more than rigid schedules and crowded sightseeing plans.

Family-Friendly Features at Holiday Inn
- Open Lobby Concept
- Holiday Inn's Open Lobby serves as a flexible social space where families can:
- Play games
- Plan activities
- Share meals
- Spend quality time together
- The concept is designed to encourage spontaneous and memorable moments.
- Kids Stay & Eat Free Programme
- Helps families travel more affordably.
- Gives children greater freedom in choosing meals.
- Supports a more inclusive family travel experience where younger guests feel valued.

Research Insights on Food Choices
- One-third of parents believe:
- Familiar food options
- Freedom to choose what they eat are particularly important for children while travelling.

Overall Message
- The research suggests that the best family holidays are often not the most carefully planned ones.
- Children increasingly want holidays centered on:
- Play
- Flexibility
- Adventure
- Time together as a family

Through its Chief Holiday Officer initiative, Holiday Inn aims to give children a greater voice in shaping family travel experiences and creating meaningful memories.