SINGAPORE - Known for its night markets and street food, Taiwan has been ranked as the top culinary holiday spot for Singapore travellers, reported Hilton Worldwide, with Hong Kong and Japan following closely behind.
The survey, which seeks to study the behaviour patterns of travellers in the Asia-Pacific region, also found out that 30 per cent of Singaporeans listed food as a "critical factor" when deciding a holiday destination.
According to the survey, food influences the activities of travellers when on vacation. 77 per cent of the Singaporeans surveyed said they would seek out unique culinary experiences when they are travelling; and over 90 per cent make a point of trying well-known local dishes.
Almost all the Singaporeans surveyed also said they seek out local street food when they are travelling.
Hilton Worldwide surveyed 2,700 leisure travellers across nine countries in the region such as Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Malaysia. 95 per cent of the total respondents said food and drink was a consideration when choosing a holiday spot.
Markus Schueller, vice president for Food & Beverage Operations, Asia Pacific at Hilton Worldwide, said a destination's culinary offering is a big driver as appreciation for food and drink continues to grow.
Hotels also have to be food and drink destinations themselves, said Schueller, and provide guests with quality services and information that fit their culinary experience needs.
Across the region, the study also found out that food was also a priority when it comes to holiday expenditure with more 43 per cent of the respondents allocating up to half of their budget to food and drink.
wjeanne@sph.com.sg