Yunnan’s Rich Cultural and Culinary Heritage Captivates at the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025: What You Need To Know

At the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025 held at Hong Kong, the province of Yunnan lured the participants with a mouth-watering and stunning presentation of its distinctive cultural and gastronomic inheritance. Supporting the Hong Kong Coalition, China Daily collaborated with it to organize the event on October 23, 2025, which showed the increasing importance of Yunnan as a world destination for tourism and culinary innovation. While presenting itself under the theme ‘Yunnan: A Many-Splendored Life‘, the province gave the public a peek into its enchanting world through a variety of exquisite products, such as fragrant teas and rare coffees, wild mushrooms and even biscuits influenced by the local flavors. This event was a significant turning point in Yunnan’s struggle for recognition as a global tourist magnet endowed with abundant biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Discovering Yunnan’s Flavorful Offerings

At the conference, the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism presented an array of the province’s most cherished specialties. Among the most popular offerings were Yunnan’s coffee and black tea, with the highlight being the flower-fermented coffee, a product that left a lasting impression on international guests. This unique coffee is made using a process that incorporates flowers, giving it a distinctive aroma and taste that stood out at the event. As Yunnan has long been known as the “Hometown of Chinese Coffee”, its coffee culture is gaining significant attention both domestically and internationally.

Adding to the allure, Yunnan’s tea culture was also prominently featured. With its rich history of tea production, the province has seen increasing demand for its specialty teas in markets like Hong Kong. The city’s strong tea-drinking culture makes it an ideal base for Yunnan’s tea brands to introduce their products. At the event, attendees were introduced to Chen Sheng Hong Tea, a notable Yunnan tea brand that is expanding its footprint in the Hong Kong market. The tea‘s smooth taste and rich heritage were a perfect introduction to the growing tea tourism experience in the region.

Yunnan’s Culinary Innovation: Wild Mushrooms and More

In addition to coffee and tea, the event also showcased Yunnan’s culinary innovation with wild mushroom biscuits and sauces. These unique products, derived from Yunnan’s rich biodiversity, demonstrate the province’s commitment to blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. Yunnan’s diverse ecosystems allow for a wide range of wild mushrooms and other ingredients, which are now being creatively incorporated into local cuisine. These products are part of Yunnan’s efforts to upgrade its food industry while promoting its sustainable agricultural practices. Visitors to the event were not only able to sample these delicacies but were also invited to explore the province’s growing culinary tourism offerings.

Building Cultural Bridges: Yunnan’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

Beyond food, Yunnan’s intangible cultural heritage was also celebrated during the event. A mesmerizing dance performance by the Yunnan Gengma National Song and Dance Troupe took center stage, captivating the audience with the Water-Splashing Dance, a tradition performed by the Dai people during the Water-Splashing Festival. This performance highlighted the province’s rich cultural traditions and its role in preserving ethnic diversity through the performing arts. Such performances are a testament to Yunnan’s ability to weave together modern tourism with cultural preservation, offering travelers a unique glimpse into the province’s vibrant heritage.

As Yunnan’s cultural tourism continues to grow, the province is positioning itself as a key destination for travelers seeking to explore authentic, immersive experiences in both nature and culture. Visitors to Yunnan can not only enjoy its stunning landscapes but also engage with its rich cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.

Yunnan’s Growing Role in Global Tourism

The success of the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025 underscores Yunnan’s growing importance in global tourism. With increasing numbers of Hong Kong residents traveling to Yunnan for both leisure and cultural exploration, the province is becoming a bridge for cross-border tourism. The event served as an excellent platform for Yunnan to connect with international buyers and industry leaders, further cementing its reputation as a world-class destination for travelers looking for more than just typical tourist attractions.

By promoting products such as flower-fermented coffee and tea, alongside cultural performances and unique food products, Yunnan is positioning itself as a destination where visitors can experience not only the beauty of its landscapes but also its rich traditions and culinary creativity. As the province continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, more and more travelers will find Yunnan to be the next must-visit destination on their travel lists.

Yunnan – A Destination for the World

The Greater Bay Area Conference 2025 emphasised Yunnan’s increasing presence on the international scene and the region’s showing its diversity, cultural legacy, and excellence in food. The province is making its way into the hearts of tourists and industry insiders through its wide range of products from flower-fermented coffee to wild mushroom biscuits. The area is now developing into a major tourist destination that offers every type of traveller something: culture, food, or outdoor activities. Yunnan’s leading position in tourism is going to be more apparent, and its global allure will be proportionate to the growing desire of people to visit places that are sustainable and authentic.

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Celebrating Excellence in Global Tourism: The 20th Annual Hospitality India Awards in New Delhi with Honorees from Goa, Mussoorie, and Georgia, Sharing the Details of the Event

The 20th Hospitality India Annual International Awards 2025 celebrated the incredible achievements in the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors, gathering prominent figures from across India and around the world. Held at Hotel The Ashok in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, this prestigious event brought together over 400 distinguished guests, including politicians, industry leaders, and hospitality experts. The ceremony honored exceptional contributions from various sectors like education, real estate, and airlines, among others. As one of the most important events of the year, the awards served as a powerful platform to acknowledge those shaping the future of the travel and tourism industry, enhancing India’s position on the global tourism map.

A Grand Celebration of Hospitality Excellence

The Hospitality India Annual International Travel Awards 2025 recognized a broad range of professionals and organizations for their outstanding efforts in shaping the hospitality landscape. The event was organized by DLK Publication Pvt. Ltd., in collaboration with Singh Travels, a leading Destination Management Company (DMC) from Georgia. The prestigious awards ceremony took place at the renowned Hotel The Ashok in New Delhi, a fitting venue for the celebration of tourism, hospitality, and travel excellence.

The awards not only acknowledged top performers in the hospitality industry but also recognized leaders from other key sectors such as airlines, education, real estate, and healthcare. These awards emphasized the diverse contributions driving India’s tourism sector forward, including those fostering innovation, sustainability, and exceptional customer experiences.

Notable Attendees and Guests of Honor

The event was graced by several eminent personalities from both the political and business spheres. Among the key figures present were Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, a Member of Parliament from New Delhi; Shri Vijay Goel, Vice Chairman of BJP; and Mr. Harvansh Chawla, Founder & Managing Partner at K.R. Chawla & Co.. Other dignitaries included Smt. Madhu Bhatt, Vice President of the Uttarakhand Culture Council, and Mr. Sunil Kumar R, President of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI). Their presence underscored the importance of tourism and hospitality in India’s growing global influence.

The ceremony also welcomed industry leaders like Mr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Chairman & MD of Himalaya Construction Co., and Mr. Pradeep Jain, Founder of Parsvnath Developers, among others. These esteemed guests further demonstrated the strong connection between hospitality and other business sectors.

Recognizing Industry Excellence

This year’s awards were special as they acknowledged the efforts of individuals and organizations that have raised the bar in customer service, sustainability, and innovation within the tourism and hospitality industry. The awardees included some of the most respected names in the hospitality sector, such as ITC Group of Hotels, Radisson Group, Marriott, and Accor Hotels. These companies have consistently delivered superior services and experiences to travelers, setting new standards in the global hospitality landscape.

Apart from hotels, other awardees came from sectors like real estate, education, and airlines, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of the various industries that contribute to a thriving travel ecosystem.

Cultural Entertainment and Fashion Highlights

Beyond the awards, the evening included a vibrant cultural program that featured dance performances and a fashion show by renowned designer Rosy Ahluwalia. This addition of entertainment provided guests with a chance to relax and enjoy the rich cultural diversity that India is known for, adding a unique touch to the event.

Promoting India’s Global Tourism Potential

The Hospitality India Awards have long been a platform to highlight India’s tourism sector and its potential as a global destination. As the country continues to grow as a hub for tourism and business, such events provide an important opportunity to recognize the individuals and organizations who play a pivotal role in this development.

The awards are also a testament to the vision of Suneet Kalra, Managing Director of Hospitality India Publications, who continues his late father’s legacy of promoting hospitality excellence. His commitment to showcasing India’s warmth, culture, and world-class hospitality has been a driving force behind the success of the Hospitality India Awards.

Travel Tips for Exploring India

For those inspired by the celebration of India’s tourism and hospitality industry, here are some travel tips for making the most of a visit:

• Explore India’s diverse regions: From the beaches of Goa to the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India offers a wide range of landscapes and experiences.
• Indulge in local cuisines: Indian food varies greatly by region, with every state offering unique flavors and dishes.
• Book hotels with the best reviews: For the ultimate hospitality experience, choose accommodations with high ratings on international travel websites.
• Travel during festivals: India’s festivals, such as Diwali and Holi, offer a chance to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage.

In Closing

The 20th Hospitality India Annual International Travel Awards 2025 was not just an event—it was a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and innovation that drives the tourism and hospitality sectors forward. With influential leaders, a vibrant cultural program, and the recognition of the industry’s best, the event helped showcase India’s growing significance in the global travel landscape. As these awards continue to evolve, so too does the promise of a bright future for the tourism and hospitality industries in India and beyond.

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Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival of this Year Celebrates Gastronomy Tourism, Blending the Culinary Experiences with Luxury Travel, MICE, and Sustainability

Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival 2025 returns with a lively theme, “REMIX. BEST OF ALL WORLDS”, highlighting the city’s gastronomic charm and cementing its position as a worldwide culinary hub. Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), its annual flagship edition from October 23 to 26, 2025, is more than about food and beverage—it’s about making memories for tourists and celebrating the confluence of gastronomy, tourism, and business travel. The festival is a key component of the HKTB’s long-term strategy to establish Hong Kong as a leading tourism destination, with a focus on high-yield tourism and luxury travel.

A Celebration of Hong Kong’s Unique Role in Global Culinary Tourism

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival plays a pivotal role in establishing the city as a leading epicurean capital. Gastronomy tourism, where food and culinary experiences become key elements of the travel experience, has seen exponential growth globally, and Hong Kong is capitalizing on this trend by showcasing its rich cultural diversity, culinary traditions, and world-class restaurant scene. Visitors from all over the world travel to Hong Kong to indulge in its vibrant food culture, ranging from street food markets to Michelin-starred dining experiences.

Hong Kong’s culinary offerings extend beyond food alone; the city is a melting pot of flavors and international influences, blending local Cantonese cuisine with global flavors brought by international chefs. From dim sum and roast goose to international wine pairings, the festival celebrates this fusion of cultures and provides a unique space for food lovers, tourists, and gastronomists to experience new tastes and creative interpretations of traditional dishes.

Strengthening Business Tourism: MICE Meets Gastronomy

A major component of this year’s festival was its integration with MICE tourism—a rapidly growing segment in the global tourism market. Business tourism and conventions are crucial drivers of high-yield travel, and the HKTB strategically used the festival as an opportunity to engage top-tier travel agents, convention organizers, and business partners from around the world.

By hosting an exclusive sommelier wine-pairing private tour and the “Toast to Success: Hong Kong Top Travel Agents Celebration & Gala Dinner,” the HKTB highlighted Hong Kong’s capacity to host premium events and high-profile guests. The gala dinner, featuring an exquisite Cantonese tasting menu curated by five master chefs, not only celebrated culinary excellence but also emphasized Hong Kong’s dual identity as a luxury travel destination and a global MICE powerhouse.

Hong Kong’s Incentive Playbook 2.0: Driving High-Yield MICE Tourism

In tandem with the festival, the HKTB launched the “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook 2.0: New Discovery Product Update” at the Ocean Park Marriott Hotel. This initiative aims to drive high-yield MICE tourism through the introduction of innovative incentive products and tailored experiences for corporate events and incentive groups. By offering customized itineraries, luxury hotel stays, and exclusive gastronomic experiences, the Incentive Playbook 2.0 positions Hong Kong as a leading destination for incentive travel and corporate meetings.

The program also includes strategic partnerships with major airlines, hotels, and event planners to offer a seamless tourism experience for corporate clients. This innovative approach to MICE tourism not only caters to business visitors but also promotes Hong Kong’s global tourism appeal, encouraging high-spending tourists and business delegations to experience the city’s cultural richness alongside its luxury offerings.

Driving Sustainable Tourism and Culinary Innovation

The growing interest in sustainable tourism is a significant trend in the global tourism industry, and the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival addresses this by promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainable culinary tourism. With a focus on local sourcing, organic ingredients, and sustainable food practices, the festival underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to becoming a sustainable tourism destination. Local chefs and restaurant owners are encouraged to embrace eco-friendly practices, from zero-waste cooking to responsible sourcing of ingredients, ensuring that the culinary sector contributes to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

The festival also emphasizes the importance of promoting sustainable tourism in local communities. By encouraging responsible travel and highlighting local food producers, farmers, and artisans, the event supports local economies while offering tourists an authentic and sustainable experience of Hong Kong.

Tourism and Cultural Exchange: The Power of Gastronomy

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is more than just a celebration of food—it is a platform for cultural exchange. Food tourism fosters cross-cultural understanding, as tourists can experience a destination’s cultural diversity through its culinary offerings. Hong Kong’s multicultural environment makes it a perfect location for showcasing how gastronomy can be a vehicle for cultural diplomacy and international collaboration. The festival brings together chefs, food experts, and international tourists, allowing them to share their culinary traditions, try new dishes, and learn from each other.

Encouraging Year-Round Tourism Through Culinary Events

The Wine & Dine Festival is part of HKTB’s larger strategy to increase year-round tourism in Hong Kong. By offering seasonal events such as the festival alongside year-round culinary experiences, the HKTB is helping to extend the appeal of Hong Kong as a culinary tourism destination. Whether it’s a Michelin-starred meal, a street food tour, or a private dining experience, Hong Kong’s gastronomy scene remains a year-round attraction for both tourists and business travelers.

Hong Kong’s Bright Future as a Global Tourism and Culinary Destination

With its exclusive combination of gastronomy, luxury tourism, and MICE tourism, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2025 has re-established Hong Kong as a top global tourist destination. The HKTB’s multi-pronged strategy of tourism promotion through high-yield tourism, sustainable tourism, and culinary innovation puts Hong Kong in a cutting-edge position in the global tourism industry. With the city developing world-class tourism infrastructure and gastronomy offerings, it is poised to attract high-value travelers, business delegations, and foodies in search of an exciting, immersive destination for business and leisure travel.

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Hong Kong Now Welcomes Global Tourism Leaders with Immersive Familiarization Trip for MICE Sector

The annual large-scale familiarization trip for the MICE industry by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is in its fourth iteration and has extended invitations to over 80 representatives from 9 regions for a MICE-trade tour in a Hong Kong business hosting the regional travel trade. The program scheduled till October 27, 2023, comprises a number of engaging activities in line with Hong Kong’s “Mega Events + Tourism” framework, with emphasis on the signature tourism/cultural highlight of the city, Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.

With the MICE sector in Hong Kong’s tourism economy, representatives from China, India, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines have shown how in-demand this business segment is. This is a clear demonstration of Hong Kong’s position as a MICE city with a variety of business tourism services inclusive of cultural, culinary, and leisure activities.

A Taste of Hong Kong: Wine & Dine Festival

The HKTB familiarization trip aligns with the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, a key event in the city’s tourism calendar. The festival serves as a backdrop to promote Hong Kong’s diverse culinary scene and the city’s appeal as a destination for both leisure and business travelers. This year’s event featured a range of on-site experiences, including guided tours of local venues, cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, and tastings of fine wines and gourmet dishes.

During the trip, MICE trade partners were given the opportunity to explore new and existing tourism resources, including world-class event venues, dining hotspots, and unique cultural experiences. These activities are designed to enhance Hong Kong’s profile as a top MICE destination, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the city’s diverse attractions and capacity to host high-profile corporate and incentive events.

One of the highlights of the familiarization trip was the “Toast to Success: Hong Kong Top Travel Agents Celebration & Gala Dinner” held on Saturday. This prestigious event brought together overseas MICE professionals to enjoy a specially crafted Cantonese gourmet menu paired with fine wines. The evening highlighted the growing appeal of Hong Kong’s culinary tourism, which is increasingly important to MICE visitors, particularly the younger generation.

Expanding the MICE Offering

The familiarization trip underscored Hong Kong’s commitment to expanding its MICE tourism offerings. Representatives from Thailand, for example, expressed their appreciation for Hong Kong’s extensive cruise itineraries, noting that these options complement the city’s MICE offerings and provide greater flexibility for event organizers looking to offer a diverse range of experiences. Hong Kong’s ability to provide such variety positions it as a leading MICE destination in Asia.

Additionally, the HKTB’s focus on enhancing visitor experiences is reflected in the recent upgrade to the “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook,” a comprehensive guide to the city’s tourism offerings for the MICE sector. The updated playbook now includes more than 200 activities, with new themes such as “Cruise” and “Empowerment,” offering unique and immersive experiences like fencing, billiards, movie set exhibitions, and temple tours. These new additions aim to further distinguish Hong Kong as a versatile destination for MICE travel, ensuring that visitors have access to a wide range of activities, whether for leisure or team-building purposes.

Strengthening Hong Kong’s Position as a MICE Hub

The familiarization trip not only showcases the city’s infrastructure but also highlights the collaborative efforts of both the public and private sectors to position Hong Kong as a prime MICE destination. The continued success of this initiative is a testament to the effective strategies put in place by the HKTB and its partners. The trip emphasizes Hong Kong’s ability to cater to the evolving needs of the MICE sector while remaining focused on sustainability and responsible tourism practices.

In addition to these developments, the HKTB has been active in promoting Hong Kong’s image as a leading global tourism destination, leveraging events like the Wine & Dine Festival to attract both tourists and business travelers. The ongoing promotion of Hong Kong’s diverse tourism offerings through such programs ensures that the city remains an attractive choice for international visitors.

Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism

A key focus of the HKTB’s strategies is to promote sustainable tourism in Hong Kong, with particular attention given to ensuring that tourism benefits are shared across all regions of the city. The integration of cultural, recreational, and business-related activities allows for a balanced tourism model, where both local communities and visitors benefit from the growth of the sector. Additionally, the introduction of self-navigating tours helps distribute tourism traffic away from crowded areas, encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known parts of the city and supporting a more sustainable tourism model.

By continuing to promote the city’s diverse tourism assets and expanding its MICE offerings, Hong Kong is well-positioned to maintain its status as a world-class destination for meetings, conferences, and incentives, while also nurturing sustainable growth and inclusivity.

Looking Ahead: The Future of MICE Tourism in Hong Kong

As the global tourism landscape continues to evolve, Hong Kong’s ability to adapt and innovate within the MICE sector will be crucial to maintaining its competitive edge. The recent familiarization trip, coupled with the upgraded offerings in the Hong Kong Incentive Playbook, underscores the city’s ongoing commitment to attracting high-value corporate visitors and expanding its global tourism footprint.

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