Agoda Data Reveals Asian Travelers Prefer Accommodations with Kitchens, Led by Taiwanese, Vietnamese and South Korean Travelers Seeking New Flexibility and Food-Centered Travel

Agoda’s latest statistics reveal that there is a shift in the trend of Asian travelers’ preferences. This is because there is an increasing demand for kitchen-equipped accommodations. These are mainly Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and South Korean travelers. These travelers are highly interested in staying in hotel rooms that are equipped with kitchen facilities. This is because, according to Agoda’s statistics, 14% of accommodation searches in Taiwan, 13% in Vietnam, and 12% in South Korea were filtered for properties that were equipped with kitchen facilities.

This is part of a wider trend towards individualized travel experiences, especially among foodie travelers who enjoy using their stay to cook and experience local cultures. This is not a trend that is going to pass quickly. This is because there is an increasing need to accommodate sustainable travel solutions that can accommodate various diets, groups, and budget-conscious families.

The Rise of Food-Centric Travel in Taiwan, Vietnam, and South Korea

The demand for kitchens in accommodations is closely linked to the growing influence of food tourism in Asia. According to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, Taiwan, Vietnam, and South Korea are home to some of the world’s most passionate food lovers, with 47% of Taiwanese travelers, 35% of Vietnamese travelers, and 34% of South Korean travelers citing food as a primary motivator for their travel. These numbers highlight a strong correlation between gastronomic experiences and destination choices, signaling that food is no longer just a part of the journey, but rather a central aspect of the travel planning process.

Travelers from these regions seek to explore local cuisine but also prefer the flexibility to prepare their meals in accommodations, allowing them to indulge in their love for food while experiencing the culture firsthand. This growing desire for food-centric travel is reshaping the way destinations and accommodation providers approach local experiences, where self-catering options play a key role in meeting travelers’ needs. This shift in travel preferences is driving the growth of food tourism, leading to more local experiences, culinary tours, and sustainable tourism practices across the continent.

The Impact of Kitchen-Equipped Accommodations on Sustainable and Local Tourism

The increasing popularity of kitchen-equipped stays speaks to a wider demand for sustainable tourism in Asia. Self-catering options not only offer travelers the flexibility to cook their own meals but also present a cost-effective alternative to dining out. This trend helps reduce food waste and gives travelers the ability to purchase ingredients from local markets, benefiting local producers and fostering community-based tourism. In addition, kitchen-equipped accommodations allow tourists to tailor their meals to their dietary needs, further enhancing their overall travel experience.

For destinations like Taiwan, Vietnam, and South Korea, this trend has a positive impact on local economies. By encouraging travelers to buy local ingredients and prepare their meals in accommodations, these destinations are able to channel tourism spending into their local food economies, creating opportunities for small businesses and farmers. As food tourism continues to gain traction, countries in Asia are increasingly integrating sustainable food practices into their tourism strategies, helping preserve local food cultures and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Shaping the Future of Travel: Personalization, Flexibility, and Food-Centric Tourism

The growing trend of kitchen-equipped accommodations highlights a larger shift in how travelers approach personalized travel. This trend toward self-catering options is part of a broader move towards flexible, customizable travel experiences. As travelers seek more control over their itinerary and culinary experiences, they also expect accommodations to offer more than just a place to sleep—they want the ability to fully engage with local food culture in a way that fits their preferences and schedules.

In addition to flexibility, the rise of food tourism and sustainable travel solutions points to a growing demand for more authentic, local experiences that help preserve destinations’ cultures and ecosystems. By integrating these preferences into travel offerings, hospitality providers can create more meaningful experiences for guests, driving growth in the food tourism sector and contributing to the long-term development of sustainable tourism.

Kitchen-Equipped Stays Driving the Growth of Culinary and Sustainable Tourism in Asia

The growing trend of kitchen-equipped accommodations among Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and South Korean travelers indicates a major shift in the tourism industry. In this context, food tourism is playing an increasingly important role in the decision-making process of travelers. Therefore, accommodations that can meet the demands of flexibility, local engagement, and sustainability are acting as major drivers for the growth of the tourism market.

By meeting such demands, the tourism industry can contribute to economic growth, sustainable tourism development, and cultural preservation. Thus, food tourism is bound to flourish in Asia and across the world. This trend is bound to pick up momentum in the coming days, and more tourist destinations will comply with the growing trend of kitchen-equipped accommodations.

Image Source: Agoda