The China culinary tourism market accumulated a net worth of USD 5.4 billion in 2022, and it is anticipated that it will reach a market value of USD 24.65 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 14.8%. The market for tourism is expanding, which may be linked to a rising number of food bloggers and traveler interest.
Chinese cuisine is known for its delectable cuisine, variety of dishes, and distinctive tastes. Chinese cuisine has developed its unique culture over thousands of years of growth and cultivation. Chinese cuisine is an illustration of the balance and harmony of nature since Chinese culinary culture is based on ancient Chinese philosophy. Modern Chinese cuisine, which draws inspiration from Chinese philosophy, strives to maintain peoples' health as much as possible in addition to satisfying gourmet appetites. The authenticity of the Chinese cuisine have been drawing the attention of the global consumers towards the China culinary tourism market.
Food blogging has also been one of the prominent reasons behind the growth of this market. Various food bloggers have been promoting the food tours across various regions of China like Lanzhou, Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai and Chengdu. Different kinds of culinary activities are being offered by the various tourism companies. A few examples are:
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Market Value (2022) | USD 5.4 billion |
| Expected Market Value (2023) | USD 6.20 billion |
| Projected Forecast Value (2033) | USD 24.65 billion |
| Anticipated Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) | 1 4.8% CAGR |
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The demand for China’s culinary tourism is projected to increase at a CAGR of over 14% during the forecast period between 2023 and 2033, reaching a total of USD 4,782 million in 2018, according to a report from Future Market Insights (FMI). From 2018 to 2022, sales witnessed significant growth in the global China culinary tourism market, registering a CAGR of 9.1%.
The cuisine is an integral aspect that represents the culture of the country and plays a critical role in shaping the tourism quotient of the place. China's tourism sector is predicted to grow significantly due to its distinctive environment and rich cultural legacy. The practice of creating, appreciating, or indulging in excellent cuisine is one of the many elements that influence culinary tourism in China.
The value of the China food sector has increased. In the case of culinary travel, tourists stop at various places to sample a wide range of foods and drinks that are native to the country’s population. It is projected that the culinary tourism sector in China will grow as more food enthusiasts travel to experience new food cultures, cuisines, and drinks.
Multifaceted Regional Cuisine is Stealing the Show
China's beautiful environment helps fuel the nation's booming tourist industry. Travelers nowadays select locations for their vacation based on local cuisine. China offers a vast selection of cuisines for visitors.
China's tourist industry has made it possible for visitors to independently explore the country's cuisine. The tourism industry might help many unemployed locals find opportunities and raise awareness of Chinese culinary traditions across the globe by promoting culinary tourism in China.
Online Food Blogging is Fueling the Popularity of Chinese Cuisine
The internet has advanced quickly in recent years and is being utilized as a powerful tool for advertising and marketing, especially in the travel and hospitality sectors. In a way that is distinct from traditional media, the Internet offers information representation, collaboration, communication, interaction, and commerce.
A successful website can draw users, hold their attention, improve engagement, guarantee their return, learn about each user's preferences, and then communicate that knowledge back to the users to deliver tailored interactions and experiences.
The internet has had a significant impact on the culinary tourism sector in China as various food bloggers are promoting the cuisine on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and video sharing platform YouTube. This plays a critical role in the development of the China culinary tourism market.
Principal Consultant
Cooking Classes are the Most Popular Activity Among Chinese Food Enthusiasts
In 2022, the cooking classes segment acquired a market share of 43.8%. China's culinary tourism market offers a variety of activities, such as cooking classes, restaurants, food festivals, and culinary competitions. Travelers choose to take culinary lessons to learn how to make delectable Chinese dishes such as dim sum, traditional noodles, hot-pot cooking, and street food.
These lessons last between two and two and a half hours. They occasionally take place at the hosts' homes, when the hosts prepare meals from scratch using items they get at the neighborhood market.
Online Bookings for China are Being Preferred by Travel Enthusiasts
In 2022, the online booking segment registered a global market share above 32%. Bookings for a Chinese food tour can be made through phone calls, online websites, or in person. The online mode is the most popular booking channel. Bookings cannot be made on the spot due to the popularity of China’s culinary tourism and long waiting hours.
Tourists can benefit from fantastic offers, discounts, and comprehensive information about the tour by making online reservations. The online reservations channel has gained popularity because it allows for cashless transactions, which was a crucial practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Influx of International Tourists in China Will Remain High
In 2022, the segment of international tourists gained traction with a market share of 27%. International tourists are showing great interest in China’s culinary tourism experience and the government is also taking initiatives to improve the infrastructure to provide a better experience to travelers. International vacationers are individuals who are extra inquisitive about getting to know the nuances of Chinese cuisine.
Travelers in China are Keen on Street Food Tourism
Chinese food, curries, and other dishes with diverse spice characteristics and flavor notes are recognized as works of art. Chinese food is popular across many countries as it embodies distinctive flavors and strong spices notes. The desire to learn more about China's culture and customs is another important factor that is boosting sales in the country’s culinary tourism market.
Travelers get to explore different regional foods and cuisines and understand the local culture through culinary tourism. Food is considered one of six foundations of tourism alongside travel, transportation, lodging, entertainment, and shopping, which cannot be unnoticed. The Chinese government has issued various policies to support gastronomy tourism and promote the regional food culture in the context of tourism for visitors and travelers.
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Leading players in the China culinary tourism market are specializing in enhancing their services by offering discounts, new excursion places, and applications to provide a memorable experience to international tourists.
Travel agencies are partnering up with homegrown chefs and local bars and eateries to offer unique experiences as the culinary sector in China is witnessing many entrants. They are also offering cab rental services, online booking platforms, and location-specific experiences that enable travelers to enjoy a holistic culinary experience at the most remote locations as well.
The key players in this market include:
Some of the products being launched by the key players are:
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 14.8% from 2022 to 2032 |
| Market Value in 2023 | USD 6.20 billion |
| Market Value in 2033 | USD 24.65 billion |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2022 |
| Historical Data | 2018 to 2022 |
| Forecast Period | 2023 to 2033 |
| Quantitative Units | USD billion for value |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis |
| Segments Covered | Activity Type, Booking Channel, Tourist Type, Tour Type, Customer Orientation, Age Group |
| Key Companies Profiled | Hello Hong Kong: Private & Small Group Tours; Lost Plate Beijing Food Tours; UnTour Shanghai Food Tours; Lost Plate Xian Food Tours; UnTour Beijing Food Tours; UnTour Shanghai Food Tours; Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tour; Discover Beijing Tours; Sunny Tours Shanghai; Withlocals; Dong Dong Tour; Catherine Lu Tours; Janvi Tours - Guangzhou Off the Beaten Path; Catherine Lu Tours Xi'an; Amazing Shanghai Trip; Lily's Private Tours |
| Customization & Pricing | Available on Request |
China's market is booming across the country, with major culinary destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou among them.
Due to China's extensive culinary legacy, rising domestic and international travel, and rising demand for distinctive gourmet experiences, the sector has a significant growth potential.
One of the most popular categories is street food tours, which give visitors a real flavor of China's many regional cuisines.
Culinary tourism promotes cross-cultural interaction by enabling visitors to learn about China's history, customs, and social structure through its numerous food options.
In order to appeal to eco- and health-conscious passengers, the market is undergoing a shift toward sustainable sourcing of foods, organic and healthier menu alternatives, and an emphasis on eliminating food waste.
1. Executive Summary 2. Market Overview 3. Market Background 4. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2018 to 2033 5. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Activity Type 5.1. Culinary Trials 5.2. Cooking Classes 5.3. Restaurants 5.4. Food Festivals 5.5. Others 6. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Booking Channel 6.1. Phone Booking 6.2. Online Booking 6.3. In-Person Booking 7. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Tourist Type 7.1. Domestic 7.2. International 8. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Tour Type 8.1. Independent Traveler 8.2. Package Traveler 8.3. Tour Group 9. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Consumer Orientation 9.1. Men 9.2. Women 10. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Age Group 10.1. 15-25 Years 10.2. 26-35 Years 10.3. 36-45 Years 10.4. 46-55 Years 10.5. 66-75 Years 11. Key Countries Culinary Tourism Market Analysis 12. Market Structure Analysis 13. Competition Analysis 13.1. Hello Hong Kong: Private & Small Group Tours 13.2. Lost Plate Beijing Food Tours 13.3. UnTour Shanghai Food Tours 13.4. Lost Plate Xian Food Tours 13.5. UnTour Beijing Food Tours 13.6. UnTour Shanghai Food Tours 13.7. Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tour 13.8. Discover Beijing Tours 13.9. Sunny Tours Shanghai 13.10. Withlocals 13.11. Dong Dong Tour 13.12. Catherine Lu Tours 13.13. Janvi Tours - Guangzhou Off the Beaten Path 13.14. Catherine Lu Tours Xi'an 13.15. Amazing Shanghai Trip 13.16. Lily's Private Tours 14. Assumptions & Acronyms Used 15. Research Methodology
Travel and Tourism
October 2022
REP-CN-2986
250 pages
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China Culinary Tourism Market
