China Culinary Tourism Market Overview, 2029
The culinary market in China represents a rich tapestry of flavors, traditions, and innovations, reflecting the country's diverse regional cuisines and cultural heritage. Renowned for its exquisite dishes, ranging from spicy Sichuan specialties to delicate Cantonese dim sum, China's culinary scene captivates both locals and international food enthusiasts alike. With a blend of ancient culinary traditions and modern influences, the Chinese culinary market offers a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, presenting endless opportunities for exploration and gastronomic delight.
According to the research report ""China Culinary tourism Market Overview, 2029,"" published by Bonafide Research, the China culinary tourism is projected to grow with over 15% by 2024-29. Deeply rooted regional cuisines entice both locals and tourists, while hyper-local experiences cater to the rising demand for authenticity. Rising disposable income fuels exploration, pushing preferences towards health-conscious options and diverse influences. Tech-savvy consumers are swayed by social media stars, while government initiatives propel gastrotourism and infrastructure development.
The report has been segmented in five segments on the basis of activity type : Culinary trails which typically refer to curated journeys or experiences that focus on exploring and enjoying the diverse and distinctive foods of a particular region or culture. These trails are designed to showcase the unique culinary offerings of an area, allowing participants to savor local flavors, traditional dishes, and the rich gastronomic heritage of the destination. Cooking classes, a cooking class is a structured educational session where individuals or groups come together to learn and practice cooking techniques, culinary skills, and recipes under the guidance of an instructor or chef. Restaurants, a restaurant is a business establishment that prepares and serves food and drinks to customers. Customers typically consume their meals on the premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services. Food festivals, a food festival is an event that celebrates and showcases a variety of food and culinary offerings, often featuring a diverse range of dishes, cuisines, and culinary styles. These festivals are organized to bring together food enthusiasts, chefs, local vendors, and the community at large to indulge in a gastronomic experience. Food festivals can take place in different settings, such as outdoor venues, marketplaces, parks, or designated event spaces. Lastly others include food tour, cooking competitions ,pop-up restaurants.
Culinary trails offer profound engagement through market explorations, farm visits, and hands-on experiences with locals. Deep dives into regional gems like fiery Sichuan or delicate Cantonese fare foster genuine cultural connection. Flexible options cater to diverse budgets and interests, attracting a wider audience than rigid tours. Aligning perfectly with sustainability trends, they're government-backed, attracting both domestic and international travelers with unique experiences and social media buzz. From foraging adventures to ancient cooking techniques, these trails offer an unforgettable journey, positioning them as the undisputed star of China's diverse and delicious culinary tourism landscape. Food festivals are forecasted to have the highest CAGR, they offer a festive atmosphere with music, performances, and diverse regional bites, fostering deeper engagement than solo exploration. This accessibility attracts budget-conscious travelers, while injecting revenue into local communities and aligning with sustainable practices. Media buzz fuels their growth, attracting families with engaging activities. Constantly evolving with celebrity chefs and interactive elements, they offer unique experiences like competitions and shows, catering to broader interests. Plus, their one-stop-shop nature simplifies planning, making them the undisputed star of China's culinary tourism scene.
By the mode of booking the report has been segmented in three segments : Online travel agents, an Online Travel Agent (OTA) refers to a web-based platform or application that allows users to book and reserve travel-related services and accommodations online. Traditional Agents, it may refer to travel agents who operate in physical brick-and-mortar offices or agencies. These agents typically assist clients in person or over the phone, providing guidance on travel options, booking flights, hotels, and other accommodations. Direct Booking, it refers to the process by which consumers make reservations or purchases directly with a business or service provider, bypassing third-party intermediaries or channels. Online travel agents ( OTA ) reigns supreme with vast selections, easy booking through user-friendly apps, and multilingual support catering to China's tech-savvy population and rising disposable income. Global marketing and social media buzz attract international foodies, while AI recommendations and partnerships with local players ensure personalized, exclusive experiences. Trustworthy platforms, secure payments, and package deals solidify their lead. With government support for digital tourism and a population embracing online platforms, OTAs seem poised to keep the flavor in China's culinary tourism. Traditional agents are favored for their familiarity and personalized service, catering to consumers who value building relationships. The rise in spending power and leisure time is driving a surge in domestic tourism, particularly among older generations or individuals less inclined toward online booking methods. This preference is amplified by the language barriers some travelers face with online platforms, making traditional agents with Mandarin-speaking staff an attractive option.
Further on the basis of tour the report has been segmented in two segments domestic tour and international tour. China's culinary tourism market currently sees domestic tours reigning supreme. They benefit from their convenience, affordability, and diverse regional offerings, attracting travelers eager to explore the vast gastronomic landscape within China's borders. Rising disposable income and government initiatives fueling domestic tourism further contribute to their dominance. Familiarity with language and culture adds another layer, making them a comfortable choice for many. However International tours are forecasted to have the highest CAGR. For adventurous foodies, international tours offer the allure of novelty and unique culinary experiences beyond their familiar territory, fueled by social media showcasing exotic cuisines. Additionally, high-end international destinations boast renowned chefs, Michelin-starred restaurants, and unique food specialties, catering to high-end travelers with growing affluence. Government support through initiatives like ""Silk Road Economic Belt and Cultural Routes"" further bolsters outbound tourism and international culinary tour growth. Relaxed visa policies and improved infrastructure, including high-speed rail networks and direct flights, have significantly enhanced the accessibility and convenience of international travel, making these tours more.
Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029
Aspects covered in this report
• Culinary Tourism market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation
By Activity Type
• Culinary Trials
• Cooking Classes
• Restaurants
• Food Festival
• Others
By Mode of Booking
• Online travel agents (OTA)
• Traditional agents
• Direct booking
By Tour
• Domestic
• International
The approach of the report:This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.
Intended audienceThis report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Culinary Tourism industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.