In a recent MediaPost article, Gary Leopold referenced two studies that could indicate future generations won’t share that love.

First, a study of 100K global teens by virtual world site Habbo concluded that today’s teens are far less inclined to want to travel or work overseas.

Then, a study commissioned by lastminutetravel.com said young people were spending more of their money on entertainment and technology than traveling the world. This, in turn, caused the UK’s Daily Telegraph to jump to say “perhaps worringly, a new generation will reject travel altogether in favor of gaming, social networking and ‘always on’ media.”

Telegraph, meet giant leap.

Still, would it surprise you if tomorrow’s adults liked to travel less?

This is a generation weaned online. They explore and connect virtually. It makes sense these experiences might supplant some of the need to travel.

Add to that the joys of travel today: Airports. Security. Global tensions. Not to mention, expense. And, let’s face it, you have to love travel to make it a priority.

Leopold offers the travel industry two pieces of advice. They’re good thoughts, whether you buy the doom-and-gloom or not.

Turn today’s youth into tomorrow’s travelers. In short, make them want it. To do that, you need to recognize what drives them is not the same as generations past.

Create ways to engage children (and help parents interact with their kids). Start a dialogue now that is going to make them want to pursue the wonders of the world beyond the screen.

Really, he’s saying, understand and engage the next generation.

Whether the studies cited point to anything or not, traveler marketers need to heed the advice. Turn on the news — terrorism, storms, oil, the economy. It doesn’t exactly breed a love of travel. If we hope tomorrow’s adults will have one, we might invest in helping grow it among our kids and youth today.

*RevPAR