byFood Collaborates with ANA for Culinary Tourism
In a landmark initiative aimed at enriching culinary experiences for inbound travelers to Japan, byFood, a food experience platform operated by Tablecross Inc., has announced a new partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA). By integrating the byFood experience platform into the ANA app and international flight booking site, travelers can easily book local culinary experiences before and during their journeys. This strategic move is expected to catalyze demand for inbound travel, simultaneously revitalizing local economies across Japan.
Background of the Collaboration
Recent studies underline the critical role of food in travel experiences. According to the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), a staggering 88% of travelers believe that culinary culture significantly affects their choice of travel destinations. Additionally, a report by Skift Research noted a rising trend where food experiences are cited as a primary travel motivator, especially among Asian travelers.
Despite a high percentage of travelers (around 80%) using mobile devices for travel planning, there exists a significant disconnect between researching and booking experiences. This gap poses a global challenge. With the collaboration between byFood and ANA, a streamlined pathway for booking regional culinary experiences alongside flight bookings has been meticulously crafted, bridging this disconnect and nurturing interest in Japan's diverse culture.
New Features in the ANA App
To enhance the user experience, byFood has introduced a new feature within the ANA app. Under the