India Culinary Tourism Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

India’s culinary tourism market is estimated to reach US$ 23,028.91 million in 2023. According to Future Market Insights, from 2023 to 2033 the scope for culinary tourism in India is anticipated to increase at an astounding 23% CAGR.

India has a great deal of tourism potential due to its rich cultural heritage as well as its gastronomy, which is a delicious mix of spices and flavors. International tourists are increasingly interested in culinary tourism, a concept that was not often associated with India until recently.

Different cities host food festivals organized by the government in partnership with a number of organizations and private entities. In Delhi, the North-East Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS) organizes every year the National Street Food Festival, and in Mei Ram-ew, the North-East Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS) organizes the ethnic food festival.

There are many cultural events and mouth-watering delicious food items belonging to different Indian states at the Sacred Grove in Mawphlang, Meghalaya, to preserve and promote the various forest-foraged and locally-grown food items prepared and served by indigenous communities in Northeast India.

Attributes Key Statistics
India Culinary Tourism Market Estimated Size (2023) US$ 23,028.91 million
India Culinary Tourism Market Estimated Size (2033) US$ 182,525.90 million
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 23%

In 2012, India received 6.58 million foreign tourists (FTAs) compared to 6.31 million in 2011. As compared to 2011, FTAs grew by 4.3% in 2012 over 2011, while they grew by 9.2% in 2011. International tourist arrivals in 2012 increased by 4.3% for India, compared to 4% for international tourist arrivals in 2011.

Indian leisure travelers engaged in 37% of culinary activities, according to a survey. This is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, according to the International Culinary Tourism Association. According to an India Today survey, Indians are increasingly making culinary activities part of their travels as they explore new foods and explore influences on food. A recent study estimated that the value of food tourism in India is nearly US$ 2 billion per year. The many food and drink festivals occurring across India throughout the year, resulting in unfailingly rich gastronomic experiences, also drive culinary tourism.

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2018 to 2022 India Culinary Tourism Scope Compared to 2023 to 2033 Forecast

Due to its distinctive locations, hospitality, and cultural legacy, Indian food tourism businesses are predicted to showcase significant growth in the next decade. Culinary also referred to as the skill of making, tasting, or eating fine food, is one of the many aspects that influence tourism.

In the last few years, culinary tourism activities in India have surged in terms of value. Visitors are traveling to various parts of the country to enjoy a wide range of cuisines and beverages. Many travelers are turning to Ayurvedic cooking and wellness retreats in India due to the growing interest in health and wellness. Healthy eating and traditional healing practices are often combined in these experiences.

The rising number of food aficionados traveling to study food cultures and drinks is likely to push the Indian local food tourism sector in the evaluation period. High disposable income and rapid globalization are some of the other factors that would contribute to growth.

Top 5 Trends Responsible for the Expansion of Culinary Tourism in India

Dine-in Practices in a Native’s House

In India, tourists often dine in a native's house and observe how a family connects while preparing a meal together through local eateries and food tours. They do so for the purpose of spreading detailed information about first-hand culinary cultural customs in their own countries.

An Increasing Shift towards Localism

Growing demand for an authentic tourism experience is anticipated to fuel the trend of travelers joining locals for home-cooked dinners and getting to know each other.

People living in remote areas are moving away from globalization and shifting towards localism, which would favor demand for local food and beverages. It is also set to help reflect their cultures, instead of following a global trend.

Rising Popularity of Cooking Lessons

In the era of culinary tourism, cooking lessons are becoming increasingly popular among tourists. While dining at a restaurant allows travelers to try out local cuisines, observing and participating in food preparation programs help them to gain a deeper understanding of a country’s gastronomy.

Cooking lessons are nowadays becoming immensely popular among young people, families with young children and single travelers as a fun opportunity to meet and engage with new people, including locals and international tourists. Besides, travelers may acquire insights into various forces that have produced cuisine by starting the process of creating a meal.

Availability of Traditional Ingredients

The presence of a large number of conventional grocery stores across India providing traditional cooking ingredients is set to aid growth. Foreign tourists often treat spices, curries, and Indian dishes of various flavors as art. Apart from that, a growing desire to learn more about India’s vibrant traditions, culture, and lifestyles is expected to drive the market.

Government Initiatives to Boost Culinary Tourism

The Indian government is taking various initiatives to boost tourism in the country. It is also focusing on developing new hotels and hostels at relatively low-cost for international travelers.

As the quality, tourists, the Food Safety, frequently question cleanliness, and origin of ingredients used in street food and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has undertaken various programs to ensure food safety across the country. In phase one of Project Clean Street Food, which began in 2016, the goal is to teach the importance of health and cleanliness to nearly 20,000 street sellers in Delhi.

Sudip Saha
Sudip Saha

Principal Consultant

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Category-wise Insights

Which is the Most Preferred Activity Type in the India Culinary Tourism Market?

Food Festivals Are Gaining Traction in the India Cooking Tourism Sector

Based on activity type, the food festival segment is expected to generate the highest Indian culinary tourism market share in 2022 and the trend is set to continue throughout the forecast period. Growth is attributed to increasing demand for exotic food and drinks from tourists.

In addition, culinary experiments allow tourists to make the most of their vacation time. These also enable them to explore different cities in a short amount of time and experience numerous flavors in one area. Therefore, a large number of restaurants are expected to organize novel food festivals to provide tourists with several options to experience more dishes in a relatively short time.

Which is the Leading Booking Channel in the India Culinary Tourism Market?

Tourists Are Preferring Online Booking Platforms for Gastronomic Tourism

Booking channel, the online booking segment is expected to hold a significant market share in the upcoming decade. Increasing penetration of the internet across the globe is projected to drive the segment.

It would further provide customers with easy access to detailed information about various locations in India. In addition, many service providers are targeting online channels as an effective platform for marketing and promotional activities.

Which is the Most Popular Tour Type?

Customers Are Opting for Package Travelers for Culinary Tourism Activities

In terms of tour type, the package traveler segment dominated the Indian culinary tourism market in 2021. Various travel agencies provide innovative tour packages that include unique cooking activities, including cooking with natives. Some of the other packages also include additional language courses and outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and horseback riding, along with cooking.

Competitive Landscape

Culinary tours are becoming more popular among foreign tourists who are looking for spicy street foods in India. To ensure a safe experience for foreign tourists, key companies are carefully managing their tours to include food venues with a great deal of emphasis on quality and hygiene.

Domestic travelers are also expected to explore these tour options. However, the number of domestic travelers is still very low, compared to international travelers. It is further anticipated to create new growth opportunities for Indian street food tourism companies.

  • In March 2023, Delhi Tourism organized a three-day food festival at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium that featured both Indian and international cuisines. In collaboration with the Sahitya Kala Parishad a series of cultural programs were organized to entertain visitors at the event. It would also provide knowledge about the nutritional value and preparation of international and Indian food delicacies.
  • In June 2023, TAT Mumbai and Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road hosted the Thai Food Festival to elevate Thailand's gastronomy tourism status and increase awareness of its culinary diversity. A trip to Thailand is a memorable experience for many, and this event began on June 9 and will end on June 18, 2023. During the event, travelers will be able to experience the Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters, an event that encourages international tourists to travel to Thailand in the future.

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Scope of the Report

Attributes Details
Market Size Value in 2023 US$ 23,028.91 million
Market Forecast Value in 2033 US$ 182,525.90 million
Global Growth Rate 23% CAGR from 2023 to 2033
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for 2018 to 2022
Market Analysis MT for Volume and US$ million for Value
Key Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; South Asia & Pacific; East Asia; Middle East & Africa
Key Countries Covered United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, Czech, Republic, Romania, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, GCC countries, South Africa, Israel
Kay Segments Covered Product Type, Source, Application, Region
Key Companies Profiles Koninkljike DSM N.V; Zhejiang Xinhecheng Co Ltd; BASF Se; Fermenta Biotech Ltd; PHW Group; Synthesia; Bio-Tech Pharmacal; McKinley Resources Inc; Taizhou Hisound Pharmaceutical Co Ltd; Stabicoat Vitamins
Customization & Pricing Available Upon Request

India Culinary Tourism Market Outlook by Category

By Activity Type:

  • Culinary Trials
  • Cooking Classes
  • Restaurants
  • Food Festivals
  • Others

By Booking Channel:

  • Phone Booking
  • Online Booking
  • In-Person Booking

By Tourist Type:

  • Domestic
  • International

By Tour Type:

  • Independent Traveler
  • Package Traveler
  • Tour Group

By Consumer Orientation:

  • Men
  • Women
  • Children

By Age Group:

  • 15-25 Years
  • 26-35 Years
  • 36-45 Years
  • 46-55 Years
  • 66-75 Years

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Expected Market Value of India Culinary Tourism Market by 2033?

The market is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 182,525.9 million by 2033.

How Big is the India Culinary Tourism Market in 2023?

The market is likely to be worth around US$ 23,028.91 million in 2023.

Which Activity Type Generate Substantial Revenue in the Market?

Food festivals gain immense traction in the India culinary tourism market.

What Drives Sales of India Culinary Tourism Market?

The variety of Indian cuisine, accessibility, wealth of culture and history.

What Key Trends are Driving the India Culinary Tourism Market?

Increasing knowledge about Indian cuisine and the popularity of food festivals.

Table of Content
1. Executive Summary
    1.1. India Market Outlook
    1.2. Demand-side Trends
    1.3. Supply-side Trends
    1.4. Technology Roadmap Analysis
    1.5. Analysis and Recommendations
2. Market Overview
    2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy
    2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations
3. Market Background
    3.1. Market Dynamics
        3.1.1. Drivers
        3.1.2. Restraints
        3.1.3. Opportunity
        3.1.4. Trends
    3.2. Scenario Forecast
        3.2.1. Demand in Optimistic Scenario
        3.2.2. Demand in Likely Scenario
        3.2.3. Demand in Conservative Scenario
    3.3. Opportunity Map Analysis
    3.4. Investment Feasibility Matrix
    3.5. PESTLE and Porter’s Analysis
    3.6. Regulatory Landscape
        3.6.1. By Key Regions
        3.6.2. By Key Countries
    3.7. Regional Parent Market Outlook
4. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
    4.1. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis, 2018 to 2022
    4.2. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Projections, 2023 to 2033
        4.2.1. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis
        4.2.2. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis
5. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Activity Type
    5.1. Introduction / Key Findings
    5.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Activity Type, 2018 to 2022
    5.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Activity Type, 2023 to 2033
        5.3.1. Culinary Trials
        5.3.2. Cooking Classes
        5.3.3. Restaurants
        5.3.4. Food Festivals
        5.3.5. Others
    5.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Activity Type, 2018 to 2022
    5.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Activity Type, 2023 to 2033
6. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Booking Channel
    6.1. Introduction / Key Findings
    6.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Booking Channel, 2018 to 2022
    6.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Booking Channel, 2023 to 2033
        6.3.1. Phone Booking
        6.3.2. Online Booking
        6.3.3. In-Person Booking
    6.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Booking Channel, 2018 to 2022
    6.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Booking Channel, 2023 to 2033
7. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Tourist Type
    7.1. Introduction / Key Findings
    7.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Tourist Type , 2018 to 2022
    7.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Tourist Type , 2023 to 2033
        7.3.1. Domestic
        7.3.2. International
    7.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Tourist Type , 2018 to 2022
    7.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Tourist Type , 2023 to 2033
8. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Tour Type
    8.1. Introduction / Key Findings
    8.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Tour Type, 2018 to 2022
    8.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Tour Type, 2023 to 2033
        8.3.1. Independent Traveler
        8.3.2. Package Traveler
        8.3.3. Tour Group
    8.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Tour Type, 2018 to 2022
    8.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Tour Type, 2023 to 2033
9. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Consumer Orientation
    9.1. Introduction / Key Findings
    9.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Consumer Orientation, 2018 to 2022
    9.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Consumer Orientation, 2023 to 2033
        9.3.1. Men
        9.3.2. Women
        9.3.3. Children
    9.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Consumer Orientation, 2018 to 2022
    9.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Consumer Orientation, 2023 to 2033
10. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Age Group
    10.1. Introduction / Key Findings
    10.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Age Group, 2018 to 2022
    10.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Age Group, 2023 to 2033
        10.3.1. 15-25 Years
        10.3.2. 26-35 Years
        10.3.3. 36-45 Years
        10.3.4. 46-55 Years
        10.3.5. 56-75 Years
    10.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Age Group, 2018 to 2022
    10.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Age Group, 2023 to 2033
11. Market Structure Analysis
    11.1. Competition Dashboard
    11.2. Competition Benchmarking
    11.3. Market Share Analysis of Top Players
        11.3.1. By States
        11.3.2. By Activity Type
        11.3.3. By Booking Channel
        11.3.4. By Tourist Type
        11.3.5. By Tour Type
        11.3.6. By Consumer Orientation
        11.3.7. By Age Group
12. Competition Analysis
    12.1. Competition Deep Dive
        12.1.1. Alkof Holidays
            12.1.1.1. Overview
            12.1.1.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.1.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.1.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.1.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.1.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.2. Raj Tour & Travel
            12.1.2.1. Overview
            12.1.2.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.2.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.2.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.2.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.2.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.3. Intrepid Travel
            12.1.3.1. Overview
            12.1.3.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.3.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.3.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.3.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.3.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.4. MW Tours (Mandarin World Tours)
            12.1.4.1. Overview
            12.1.4.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.4.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.4.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.4.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.4.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.5. Agora Voyages OPC Pvt Ltd
            12.1.5.1. Overview
            12.1.5.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.5.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.5.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.5.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.5.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.6. SpiceRoads Cycling
            12.1.6.1. Overview
            12.1.6.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.6.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.6.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.6.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.6.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.7. Wendy Wu Tours
            12.1.7.1. Overview
            12.1.7.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.7.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.7.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.7.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.7.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.8. Travel Con
            12.1.8.1. Overview
            12.1.8.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.8.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.8.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.8.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.8.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.9. Karma Yatri
            12.1.9.1. Overview
            12.1.9.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.9.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.9.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.9.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.9.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.10. A Chef's Tour
            12.1.10.1. Overview
            12.1.10.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.10.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.10.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.10.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.10.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.11. The lost compass
            12.1.11.1. Overview
            12.1.11.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.11.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.11.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.11.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.11.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.12. No footprints
            12.1.12.1. Overview
            12.1.12.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.12.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.12.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.12.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.12.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.13. Yo Tours
            12.1.13.1. Overview
            12.1.13.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.13.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.13.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.13.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.13.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.14. Five senses tours
            12.1.14.1. Overview
            12.1.14.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.14.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.14.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.14.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.14.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        12.1.15. Delhi urban adventures
            12.1.15.1. Overview
            12.1.15.2. Product Portfolio
            12.1.15.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            12.1.15.4. Sales Footprint
            12.1.15.5. Strategy Overview
                12.1.15.5.1. Marketing Strategy
13. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
14. Research Methodology
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