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Gastronomy as the New Driver for Luxury Travel
From October 1 to October 31, 2026, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts will host "Taste of Shangri-La 2026." This month-long initiative shifts the focus of luxury travel from sightseeing to tasting, positioning the hotel's restaurants as platforms for cultural discovery.
The program leverages a growing trend where high-net-worth travelers select destinations based on culinary prestige rather than traditional landmarks. By integrating local ingredients with contemporary techniques, the event allows guests to experience the identity of a city through its flavors.
Strategic Hubs: London, Dubai, and New Delhi
Three major cities will serve as primary anchors for the 2026 celebration, each offering a distinct intersection of local and international cuisine.
- London: TĪNG, located at Shangri-La The Shard, will provide a high-altitude dining experience. The focus here is the synergy between modern British dining and the city's multicultural influences.
- Dubai: The program will center on Shang Palace, utilizing Dubai's status as a luxury tourism magnet to showcase refined Chinese culinary traditions.
- New Delhi: Shangri-La Eros New Delhi will offer a dual-continent experience. Shang Palace will highlight Chinese heritage, while Sorrento focuses on contemporary Italian gastronomy.
European and Middle Eastern Culinary Integration
The celebration extends into Europe and the Middle East, emphasizing the role of food in regional diplomacy and tourism.
In Paris, the experience is spread across Shang Palace, Maison Roland, and Les Salons du Prince, blending French hospitality with global standards. Istanbul will utilize IST TOO and Shang Palace to highlight its unique geographic position as the bridge between Asian and European flavors.
The Middle East's participation underscores a regional push toward luxury tourism diversification:
- Abu Dhabi: Focuses on Chinese cuisine and signature beverages via Shang Palace and Al Hanah Bar.
- Jeddah: Combines heritage and modern creativity through Shang Palace and Niyyali, reflecting Saudi Arabia's expanding hospitality sector.
Island and North American Perspectives
The program also highlights destinations where geography dictates the menu. In Sri Lanka, the experience is split between the tropical flavors of the southern coast in Hambantota and a diverse array of Chinese and grilled specialties in Colombo. The event also extends to Toronto, further broadening the global reach of the series.
Event Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Taste of Shangri-La 2026 |
| Duration | 1 October – 31 October 2026 |
| Organiser | Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts |
| Theme | Global culinary journey celebrating flavours and traditions |
| Destinations | 11 international locations |
| Focus Areas | Luxury dining, cultural discovery, destination cuisine |
Key Takeaways
- Culinary Tourism: The event marks a shift toward "food-first" travel, where dining is the primary motivator for destination choice.
- Global Footprint: 11 cities across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America are participating.
- Cultural Synthesis: The program blends traditional heritage (specifically Chinese and Italian) with local regional ingredients.
- Economic Driver: In regions like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, these experiences are used to increase visitor stay duration and attract international luxury travelers.
FAQ
When does Taste of Shangri-La 2026 take place? The event runs for the entire month of October, from October 1 to October 31, 2026.
Which restaurants are featured in London? The signature experience in London will be hosted at TĪNG, located at Shangri-La The Shard.
How many destinations are participating in the program? A total of 11 international locations are part of the 2026 celebration.
