Singapore Ranks as a Top Global Destination to indulge in Gastronomy

Eat Your Way Around the World:
Singapore Ranks as a Top Global Destination to Indulge in Gastronomy

• Booking.com data shows ‘Food’ as one of the top endorsements made by Singaporeans when they travel
• Singapore secures its position as a globally renowned foodie destination, ranking 11^th out of 25 gastronomic hotspots endorsed for food.
• Asian cities make up almost half of the global Top 10 with Hong Kong taking first place

With three quarters (75%) of global travellers saying that they would likely travel somewhere renowned for its great food and drink when choosing their next travel destination[i], Booking.com has confirmed that Singaporeans are truly a part of this culinary travel trend. ‘Food’ was the top endorsement from the top 10 destinations Singaporeans flocked to in the last 12 months, second only to ‘Shopping.’ The top cities that Singaporeans ate and shopped their way through were Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Melaka, Taipei, Tokyo, Batam, Ho Chi Minh and Seoul.

Singapore; globally recognised as foodie paradise

Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, also uncovered the top food destinations around the world, as endorsed by Booking.com travellers[ii]; Singapore made the cut at the 11^th spot amongst these gastronomic hot spots, being edged out by Hong Kong, with its famous dim sum, Sao Paulo with Brazilian barbeque and Tokyo, whose restaurants have accrued more Michelin stars than New York and Paris combined[iii].

Foodie favourites: the global hotspots

Among the over 118 million real traveller reviews on Booking.com, food stands out as a clear passion for many, representing a central theme in countless reviews. The data reveals Asian and South American flavours feature highly in the top ten foodie favourite destinations with Greece, Australia and Spain also included.

Gastronomic tourism

Booking.com reveals it’s millennials who are the most keen to combine travel and food, with 79% of travellers between the ages of 18 and 34 considering travelling somewhere that’s specifically known for its gastronomic delights[iv].

Almost one in 10 (8%) people have travelled in the last year to fulfil their hobby of fine dining and seven percent for their passion for wine. Millennials are most keen on seeking out food passions whilst travelling, with one in 10 (10%) combining their love of street food with travelling, compared to only four percent of those travellers aged over 55[v].

Pepijn Rijvers, Chief Marketing Officer at Booking.com comments:

“Culinary travel is an ever-growing trend, with travellers planning trips centred on taste-inspired exploration and seeking to fully immerse themselves in the local culture, of which food plays a huge part. Not only are people looking for luxury gastronomic experiences, but also sampling local and street food.

By using real traveller reviews, of which there are over 118 million on Booking.com and growing each day, we’re able to help travellers to discover the best places to explore as recommended by fellow travellers from the best neighbourhoods and dishes to try to discovering hidden gems beyond the mainstream culinary destinations.”

-Ends-

Media Contact
For further information, contact:
Nicole Verghese, Public Relations
nicole.verghese@booking.com / +65 6645 0500

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[i]According to data collected by Booking.com with 12,781 respondents across 13 markets in September 2016. Respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2016 and had to be planning at least one trip for 2017. All respondents had to consider themselves part of their travel decision-making process

[ii] To find the top 25 destinations, Booking.com looked at destinations that had the most endorsements for 'food' by global Booking.com travellers, which needed to have over 300 endorsements or more for 'food' between 1 January 2016 - 31 December 2016 to be considered.

[iii] http://uk.businessinsider.com/cities-with-the-most-michelin-stars-in-the-world-2016-12/#2-kyoto-japan-135-stars-17

[iv] According to data collected by Booking.com with 12,781 respondents across 13 markets in September 2016. Respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2016 and had to be planning at least one trip for 2017. All respondents had to consider themselves part of their travel decision-making process.

[v] According to data collected by Booking.com with 12,781 respondents across 13 markets in September 2016. Respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2016 and had to be planning at least one trip for 2017. All respondents had to consider themselves part of their travel decision-making process.