Sanya hosts 8th World Chefs Art Festival to boost culinary tourism

The eighth World Chefs Art Festival recently wrapped up in Sanya, gathering culinary experts and food enthusiasts to explore new ways of blending gastronomy with tourism.

As China's domestic tourism recovers in 2024 - with 5.6 billion trips and 5.75 trillion yuan ($802 billion) in expenditure - the event exhibited how Sanya, an international coastal destination, can harness its culinary heritage to draw additional visitors.

As a globally recognized coastal tourism hotspot, how can Sanya integrate food and cultural tourism to transform the city into the "tip of the tongue Sanya" as a new growth driver? On-site specialists provided thorough insights and helpful recommendations.

On-site experts discuss the integration of food and cultural tourism. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

Dong Zhenxiang, vice president of the World Federation of Chinese Catering, emphasized Sanya's potential to become a major hub for both global and Chinese cuisines. He said, "Sanya should not only bring in international flavors but also present its local specialties to a worldwide audience." With its distinct tropical ingredients and diverse cultural influences, the city is well-positioned as an ideal platform for culinary exchange.

Zhao Wenke, the federation's secretary-general, praised local dishes such as fermented rice vinegar hot pot, describing them as "a taste of tropical Sanya". He encouraged the city to concentrate on three main areas: creating iconic street snacks, cultivating master chefs to innovate using local ingredients, and supporting exceptional restaurants to improve dining experiences.

Wang Haidong, chair of the International Young Chinese Chefs Committee, discussed the role of AI in modern kitchens. He said that although AI can help with preparation, the art of seasoning and creativity stays a distinctly human skill. With Sanya set to host over 2,200 conferences and exhibitions in 2024, implementing smart kitchen tech could improve efficiency for these large-scale events.