Tourexpi
Malaysian travelers rank among the most food-motivated
tourists in Asia, according to a new study by digital travel platform Agoda.
Data from the company’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report shows that Malaysia places
fourth among the region’s top foodie travel markets, with one in three
Malaysians citing culinary discovery as a key reason for traveling.
The survey highlights the growing importance of
gastronomy in travel planning across Asia. More travelers are choosing
destinations based on food experiences and local culinary culture. According to
Agoda, culinary exploration has now become one of the top three travel
motivations for Asian travelers, climbing from sixth place in the previous
year.
Taiwan leads the ranking
Travelers from Taiwan top the list of Asia’s most
food-focused tourists. In the survey, 47 percent of respondents from Taiwan
said culinary experiences are one of their main motivations for travel.
Vietnamese travelers rank second, with 35 percent
highlighting food as a major factor in their travel decisions. South Korea
follows closely in third place with 34 percent.
Malaysia and Japan occupy fourth and fifth positions,
with 33 percent and 32 percent respectively prioritizing food when planning
their trips.
Strong interest in global cuisine
The ranking is completed by travelers from Indonesia,
Thailand and India. In Indonesia, 31 percent of respondents said food plays a
central role in their travel plans, while the share stands at 20 percent in
Thailand and eight percent in India.
According to Agoda, the findings reflect a broader
trend toward immersive travel experiences that allow visitors to explore local
food cultures.
Culinary exploration shapes travel behavior
“For many Malaysians, travel and food naturally go
hand in hand,” said Fabian Teja, Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei at
Agoda.
“Whether it’s seeking out authentic street food,
discovering regional specialties or planning trips around trending dining
spots, culinary exploration plays a big role in how Malaysians experience the
world.”
He noted that Malaysia’s own diverse food culture
contributes to the strong interest in gastronomy-focused travel. Regional
specialties across the country range from Penang’s char kway teow and Johor’s
laksa Johor to nasi lemak in the Klang Valley and Ipoh’s well-known bean sprout
chicken and white coffee.
Agoda currently offers access to more than 300,000
travel activities, over six million accommodation options and more than 130,000
flight routes worldwide, allowing travelers to combine flights, stays and
experiences in a single booking.
Image
Credit: © Tourexpi
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