[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Blog Section” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Introduction %911%93″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Food and tourism go hand in hand. For many tourists, trying local delicacies and exotic flavours is the highlight of a trip. The statistics back this up: according to the World Food Travel Association (WFTA) 2022 Report<\/a>, 34% of travellers choose their destinations based on cuisine, and a further 47% are motivated to travel for unusual dining experiences.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Quote %912%93″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n South Africa has a reputation for offering some of the world\u2019s best fine dining at (relatively) low prices. For years, this has been a major drawcard bringing foreign foodies to our shores. \u2013 Caitlin Kennedy<\/p><\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body %913;4%93″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Last month, we explored the global shift away from high-end dining<\/a> and a move towards more ethical and simple eating. If this is a trend in the tourism sector too, then what does this mean for our currently flourishing fine dining scene?<\/p>\n Global restaurant guides such as Michelin and San Pellegrino are widely used as marketing tools by tourism departments worldwide. According to the Eater Guide<\/a>, many countries actively fund these organisations. But these, and even many of our local guides, are heavily skewed towards fine dining. While this might appeal to a select group of luxury travellers, the focus has now shifted, and most tourists seem to be looking for something different.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.dineplan.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/annie-spratt-kr_88BakygA-unsplash-1.png” alt=”annie spratt kr 88BakygA unsplash 1″ title_text=”annie spratt kr 88BakygA unsplash 1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” enable_caption_text=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body %915;6%93″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The WTFA\u2019s report found that the second biggest influence in choosing a travel destination (after advice from friends) was consumer review sites. They also found that travellers are increasingly interested in culturally rooted activities such as food tours and experiences. A 2023 Booking.com<\/a> survey found that 80% of holidaymakers are looking for travel immersed in community and culture.<\/p>\n The Eater Guide, one of the few organisations highlighting non-luxury establishments, released their global \u201cWhere to Eat in 2023\u201d list, and the focus is very clearly not on fine dining. In the introduction, they say: \u201cIn picking destinations for the coming year, we thought not just about hit lists and must-try dishes, but also the aspects of meals that make them feel immersive: the people, environment, culture, and history behind foods.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]