The culinary tourism market growth is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 17.1% during the forecast period. The industry is standing at USD 1,160.7 billion as of 2024 and is on its way forward to cross USD 5,627.2 billion by 2034.
The industry is growing because more people want to eat food from nearby places, tourists want to taste local foods, and travelers who explore food from different cultures are increasing. According to the World Food Travel Association 2022 Report, 34% of tourists visit places they like for their cuisine. The 2023 report also says that culinary culture helps tourists understand different ways of life, which is important for socio-political awareness.
One big reason people travel for food is to explore cultures and have real experiences. Food is a big part of culture, and exploring local food tourism trends helps understand different cultures deeply. This is especially appealing to travelers who want to go beyond just seeing sights.
Industry Analysis of the Culinary Tourism
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Culinary Tourism Market Size (2024E) | USD 1,160.7 billion |
| Projected Global Culinary Tourism Market Value (2034F) | USD 5,627.2 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 17.1% |
More people want authentic travel experiences and to connect with local communities and their ways of life. This is pushing the gastronomic tourism market to grow. Food tourism lets travelers connect with a culture through its food, cooking styles, and food traditions, making their trip more special and meaningful.
Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the United States are top spots for food travel. Culinary tourism demand in Asia Pacific skyrocketing as more people are visiting its countries to taste local food and drinks.
Food tourism helps local economies grow and change. It brings in money not only for restaurants but also for farmers, markets, and artists. Food tourism leads to better local facilities for tourists, making the area more enjoyable to visit and possibly helping the local economy be more sustainable and varied.
Governments and tourism groups see the economic value of promoting local food and invest in events like food festivals and cooking classes, which keep people interested and bring money to the area. Now focus is on immersive experiences where people can travel with a chef, shop, cook, and learn about a new culture through food.
Technological advancements in web and mobile platforms are augmenting the ease of access and customization of food experiences. These resources make it easier for tourists to find and reserve several kinds of gastronomic experiences.
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The table shows how fast the global food and drink tourism industry will grow from 2024 to 2034. It also compares these new predictions with the old ones from 2023 to 2033.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 17% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 16.6% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 16.7% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 17.4% (2024 to 2034) |
The industry is expected to take its pace at a CAGR of 17% in the first half of the previous forecast decade, from 2023 to 2033. This rate is foreseen to drop slightly to 16.6% in the second half of this period. From 2024 to 2034, the growth rate of culinary tourism is ready to take off at 16.7% and then projected to surge to a whopping 17.4% in the second half of this period.
Food Tourism Shifts toward Ethical and Local Dining Experiences
The industry is growing because people care more about health. Travelers now want food that matches their lifestyle, like organic, farm-to-table, vegan, or gluten-free options. This change means more places offer healthy, local, and sustainable food experiences. Also, more people want to know about the nutrition in different foods and join wellness-related cooking activities, like healthy recipe classes.
Food tourism isn't just about indulging anymore; it's about eating in a way that's good for the body and the planet. Requirements for culinary tourism sustainability practices and ethical dining experiences are on the rise with an emphasis on encouraging small-scale businesses and buying locally.
Social Media's Impact on Food Tourism and Travel Planning
Food and social media go hand in hand in the present day. Food-related content on social media is getting more attention. More people engaging with food content on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook means they're more into food and cooking experiences. A study by Zizzi says young adults spend lots of time on Instagram looking at food pictures.
Gen Z and Millennials use social media extensively to plan their travels, and many of them are looking for unusual and attractive to the eye culinary experiences. Unique and local foods look good and tell stories, so people share them a lot. This makes more people want to travel for food, picking places known for their food.
Social media influencers and food bloggers are important in this. Food blogging is becoming popular worldwide. They show cool dining and local foods, making others want to try them too. This online talk is a strong way to get people interested in food destinations.
TV Shows are Sparking Wanderlust for Culinary Adventures
TV shows about food are getting popular too. Shows like Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown, MasterChef, and Top Chef have lots of fans. People's growing love for food is also seen in their interest in food shows on TV.
More people are looking up stuff online and watching travel shows or YouTube channels about cooking, travel, and lifestyle. This makes them want to go to specific places and try their local food. Also, famous chefs, actors, and media talking about tours and travel are big reasons why food and drink tourism is growing. Plus, more people liking seasonal and festival trips also boosts the food tourism industry worldwide.
Principal Consultant
The market size of culinary tourism was USD 533.05 billion in 2019 and USD 922 billion in 2023. Taking into account the CAGR of 16.8% from 2019 to 2023, it can be inferred that the culinary tourism market investment and development opportunities are set to remain highly promising.
More people traveling worldwide because of globalization really helped the industry in the past. But when the pandemic hit and travel stopped, the industry slowed down. However, it quickly picked up again as people still wanted authentic food from where it comes from.
Tourism has changed a lot lately, with food tourism developing as a conspicuous trend in the hospitality industry. Traveler preferences have changed, and this has given hotels and restaurants an excellent opportunity to capitalize on the increasing pool of food-loving tourists.
Hotels and restaurants see the potential in food tourism, changing what they offer and how they advertise to please food-loving travelers. They focus on showing off the unique foods of a place, making them a big part of the trip.
Many places now have food events and festivals to make the most of gastronomic tourism. These events bring in both locals and tourists, giving hotels and restaurants a chance to show how good they are at food.
Travel agencies are enhancing their trips by including gastronomic destinations on their itineraries. Apart from popular tourist destinations, hotels, and other culinary centers are increasingly being included in tours as part of the overall visitor experience.
Possibilities include developing and marketing sophisticated culinary events like interactive food festivals, fusion cuisine partnerships, and themed pop-up dinners. Travelers looking for unforgettable and photogenic eating experiences are drawn to distinctive and unusual offers.
Tier 1 companies lead the culinary tourism industry with big names like TripAdvisor, Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, G Adventures, and The Travel Corporation controlling it. They bring in about USD 446.4 billion, which is 45% of the global industry share.
They are known for their extensive networks, top-quality services, and innovative offerings, which have solidified their position as industry leaders. These companies have a strong industry presence and their role in shaping the direction of this industry is inevitable. They often set culinary tourism market development strategies and industry standards.
Tier 2 companies like Intrepid Travel, Context Travel, Zicasso, Abercrombie & Kent, and Viator hold about 35% of the global industry value share, worth USD 347.2 billion. While not as large as Tier 1, Tier 2 companies are popular among budget-conscious customers because of their affordability.
They provide exceptional value for money by offering reasonably priced packages and services. Even though Tier 2 companies are smaller, they are important for many types of travelers and help the industry grow. They contribute to making the industry more competitive and diverse.
Tier 3 companies like Epitourean, Classic Journeys, Food N’ Wine Vacations, Tasting Europe, and Eatwith are less prominent than Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies, yet they still bring in a considerable revenue of about USD 198.4 billion, accounting for roughly 20% of the industry. What distinguishes them is their focus on unique experiences and niche categories.
These companies give special food tours and experiences that are unique to different travelers' interests. Tier 3 companies add variety to the industry and give special options to specific types of travelers, even though they are not as big as Tier 1 and Tier 2.
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The columns explore various aspects of the travel and tourism sector to find new opportunities for growth. Apart from the studied sector, the wine tourism sector and the food tourism sector have been analyzed as well. Culinary tourism is considered the parent industry of both wine tourism and food tourism.
Comparing these three sectors can reveal valuable insights. These insights help businesses identify trends and opportunities. They can improve their strategies and offerings. By analyzing the differences and similarities, companies can better meet customer needs. This knowledge can lead to increased customer satisfaction and business growth.
Wine Tourism Industry Assessment:
Wine tourism is getting bigger as more people are interested in wine in their trips. Famous places for wine tours are France, Italy, Spain, the United States, and newer wine regions too.
Wine tourism includes winery visits, tasting events, festivals, and classes. It helps the economy by helping local businesses grow. Wine regions are improving their tourist spots to make visits better. Learning about wine and being sustainable are also important parts of wine tourism.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Related Industry | Wine Tourism Industry |
| CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 13.1% |
| Growth Factor | Influence of social media in promoting wine tourism destinations |
| Opportunity | Customized wine tours and packages for different consumer segments |
| Key Trend | Adoption of virtual wine tastings and online booking platforms |
Food Tourism Industry Assessment:
Travelers want special food experiences, so the food tourism sector is doing well. People like trying real local food and going to new places for food adventures. This has led to more food-focused travel companies, cooking classes tourism demand, and food events.
Social media and online reviews also help spread the word about food tourism by letting travelers share their experiences. As more places see the economic benefits of their local food and work on promoting it to attract food-loving tourists, the food tourism industry could keep growing.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Related Industry | Food Tourism Industry |
| CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 14.7% |
| Growth Factor | Rise of food-centric travel motivations, such as food festivals and culinary events |
| Opportunity | Promotion of food trails and gastronomic routes to attract tourists |
| Key Trend | Focus on storytelling and cultural heritage in food tourism marketing efforts |
The following section discusses the culinary tourism market regional tourism reports. The report provides information about key economies in Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America.
In North America, the United States is the prominent wine and food tourism market and is on its way to surge at 5.9% CAGR through 2034. In Europe, Italy tops the chart and is set to progress at 7.1% CAGR through 2034.
In Asia Pacific, India is emerging as a leading industry for food and drink tourism. It is on track to grow more rapidly than China, with a yearly growth rate of 29.4% compared to China's 27.3% until 2034.
| Countries | CAGR 2024 to 2034 |
|---|---|
| United States | 5.9% |
| Canada | 23.3% |
| China | 27.3% |
| Italy | 7.1% |
| India | 29.4% |
The 5.9% CAGR expected for the United States culinary tourism market means that it is growing steadily. More people are interested in food-related travel experiences. Big United States cities have something in common. They have amazing restaurants with world cuisine.
In New York, Rezdôra is an Italian restaurant that offers regional pasta-tasting and wine-pairing menus. Travel agencies can offer more food-focused trips. They can also create packages that include local food experiences.
Canada is set to establish itself as a key industry amid burgeoning culinary travel trends at a 23.3% CAGR. The government and associations work together as well as independently to promote food tourism.
In 2020, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) started Destination Indigenous. It shows the best Indigenous experiences in Canada. One part is the ITAC Culinary Directory with 27 restaurants, wineries, and other places. Destination Indigenous aims to show Canada's Indigenous cultures.
Italy's food tourism is boosted by its famous wine industry. Wine lovers tour vineyards in Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sicily. They taste vintage wines and learn about old winemaking traditions.
Italy's food and drink tourism is always changing. There are more culinary tours, food festivals, and gourmet events for curious tourists. Eco-friendly and responsible gourmet cuisine programs are popular. They aim to protect Italy's culinary heritage and support local producers. Luxury cooking holidays are popular in Italy as well.
Food and wine festivals in Italy attract tourists from every corner of the world. Families, children, and young people go to the Castle Street Food Festival in Parma. The festival celebrates the region's cultural traditions through street food.
The Mangia Street Food Festival is an Italian food and wine event. It celebrates the best food trucks and street food in Italy. Along with traditional local recipes, it offers a variety of delicious street foods to try. As a result, the culinary tourism market in Italy is anticipated to experience a moderate CAGR of 7.1%.
India culinary tourism market outlook looks bright as it is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 29.4%. The latest Godrej Food Trends 2022 report shows that India is quickly becoming a popular place for culinary tourism. More Indians are exploring different cuisines now than ever before. A decade ago, market trends in culinary tourism didn't exist.
Now, the culinary tourism sector is about to boom as Indian travelers start to enjoy the richness of local cuisines. In March 2023, Delhi Tourism held a three-day food festival at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
The festival had Indian and international cuisines. With Sahitya Kala Parishad, cultural programs were arranged to entertain visitors and teach them about the nutritional value and preparation of different international and Indian food.
Culinary tourism helps increase tourism revenue and economic growth in India. Data from the Ministry of Tourism shows that culinary tourists spend more on dining and related experiences than other travelers. This spending boosts the local economy and supports small food businesses.
Cities in India host food festivals with government and private partnerships. For example, in Delhi, NESFAS organizes the National Street Food Festival, and in Mei Ram-ew, they organize the ethnic food festival.
In Meghalaya's Sacred Grove in Mawphlang, there are cultural events and tasty food from different Indian states. Indigenous communities serve forest-foraged and locally-grown food to preserve and promote their culture.
This section of the culinary tourism market forecast analysis arranges for the whole story about the industry's top segments. In terms of activity type, the culinary trials segment is estimated to dominate by holding a share of 28.1% in 2024. By tourist type, the domestic tourist category is projected to fortify its standing as the outright champion by obtaining a share of 73.7% in 2024.
The culinary trials segment dominates the food tourism industry because it offers unique and immersive experiences for food enthusiasts. These food and drink trails, ranging from the delicious dumplings of Canada’s Richmond to France’s Camembert cheese, are designed to satisfy both travelers' aspirations and appetites.
| Segment | Culinary Trials (Activity Type) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 28.1% |
Culinary trials often involve local chefs and artisans, which adds authenticity and value to the experience. In November 2023, West Virginia's Tourism Department made a culinary trail to show off great restaurants and food.
This helps promote food tourism and makes that part of tourism grow. Besides, social media plays a significant role in promoting culinary trials, as people share their experiences online, attracting more travelers to participate.
Domestic tourists are familiar with the local food scene and are eager to explore new culinary experiences within their own country. They often take pride in discovering hidden gems and supporting local businesses. Lots of different types of people like domestic food tourism, from food lovers to families and groups looking for fun trips nearby.
| Segment | Domestic Tourist (Tourist Type) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 73.7% |
Domestic tourists have emerged as the top segment because they know the language and customs. Also, it's usually cheaper than going abroad which makes it appealing to budget-conscious travelers. This can mean visiting famous food cities, trying out regional foods, or going to local food events.
The rise of food-related media coverage and influencer marketing has sparked a renewed interest in culinary tourism among domestic travelers. This is further driving the dominance of the domestic tourists segment in the culinary tourism market.
Culinary tourism market opportunity analysis indicates that companies compete depending on the quality and range of services they provide. The industry is competitive because companies are always trying to offer better services and multiple options. This competition benefits customers because they get more choices and better quality experiences.
The industry is growing fast, and it's speeding up with unique culinary tourism digital marketing strategies. There are a lot of new ideas because technology is improving quickly. For example, NFC tech gives travelers info about the place, popular foods, and personalized details. The industry is expected to grow as infrastructure gets better, leading to more sales.
To stay ahead in the game, the major players in the culinary tourism industry are putting their entire emphasis on the unique selling points of their offerings to distinguish themselves. The culinary tourism market competitive landscape shows that top companies are also concentrating on the affordability aspect, which helps them attract more customers and stay competitive in the industry.
Recent developments in the culinary tourism industry show that top players in the industry are doing some mergers and acquisitions, but not too many. They do it to make more money, be in more places, have more products, beat their competitors, and make their brand better known.
Players often target tourists with memberships and packages that offer many benefits. They also promote seasonal and festival food tours using digital channels.
Industry Updates
Based on activity type, the industry is branched into culinary trials, cooking classes, restaurants, food festival, and others.
In terms of tourist type, the industry is categorized into domestic tourist and international tourist.
A regional analysis of the industry is conducted across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.
The industry is set to reach a valuation of USD 1,160.7 billion in 2024.
A CAGR of 17.1% is projected for the industry through 2034.
Culinary tourism market size and forecast suggests opportunities worth USD 5,627.2 billion by 2034.
Culinary trials to account for a significant industry share in 2024.
India is predicted to be an investment hotspot for investors and stakeholders.
1. Executive Summary 2. Industry Introduction, including Taxonomy and Market Definition 3. Market Trends and Success Factors, including Macro-economic Factors, Market Dynamics, and Recent Industry Developments 4. Global Market Demand Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, including Historical Analysis and Future Projections 5. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 5.1. Activity Type 5.2. Tourist Type 6. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Activity Type 6.1. Culinary Trials 6.2. Cooking Classes 6.3. Restaurants 6.4. Food Festival 6.5. Others 7. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Tourist Type 7.1. Domestic Tourist 7.2. International Tourist 8. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Region 8.1. North America 8.2. Latin America 8.3. Western Europe 8.4. South Asia 8.5. East Asia 8.6. Eastern Europe 8.7. Middle East & Africa 9. North America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 10. Latin America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 11. Western Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 12. South Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 13. East Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 14. Eastern Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 15. Middle East & Africa Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 16. Sales Forecast 2024 to 2034 by Activity Type and Tourist Type for 30 Countries 17. Competition Outlook, including Market Structure Analysis, Company Share Analysis by Key Players, and Competition Dashboard 18. Company Profile 18.1. Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC 18.2. Classic Journeys, LLC 18.3. G Adventures 18.4. Greaves Travel Ltd 18.5. India Food Tour 18.6. ITC Travel Group Limited 18.7. The FTC4Lobe Group 18.8. Topdeck Travel (Flight Centre (UK) Limited) 18.9. The Travel Corporation 18.10. Gourmet on Tour 18.11. Culinary Adventures International 18.12. Culinary Tours 18.13. Butterfield & Robinson Inc.
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Culinary Tourism Market
