Culinary Tourism Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Culinary Trails, Food Festivals, Cooking Classes, Restaurants, and Others), By Tourist Type (Domestic and International), By Age Group (Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z), By Mode of Booking (Online Travel Agents, Traditional Agents/ Tour Operators, and Direct Bookings), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global culinary tourism market size was valued at USD 1,009.00 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 1,174.27 million in 2025 to USD 3,766.67 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 18.12% over the forecast period. Europe dominated the culinary tourism market with a market share of 33.93% in 2024.

Culinary tourism, also referred to as food or gastronomy tourism, refers to the pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences as the main purpose of travel, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a destination’s local culture through its cuisine. This form of tourism encompasses activities such as food festivals, cooking classes, and dining at local establishments. This growing desire among tourists for authentic cultural experiences through food is a major driver of the market. Additionally, the influence of social media and food-focused digital platforms, which popularize unique culinary destinations, further boosts market expansion. Increasing disposable incomes and international travel have also made food-centric journeys more accessible, leading to a surge in the number of travelers seeking unique experiences.

Key culinary tourism companies operating in the market include Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, Greaves Travel Ltd, India Food Tour, Classic Journeys LLC, and The FTC4Lobe Group. As the culinary travel industry evolves beyond simple food tastings to offer immersive cultural and gastronomic experiences, market competition is intensifying. Players are emphasizing differentiation through authenticity and local experiences.

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Market Dynamics

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Desire for Cultural Exploration and Authentic Local Experiences to Spur Market Growth

Food is an integral part of the cultural identity, and sampling the local cuisines of a region offers an immersive and direct way to engage with and understand different local cultures. Travelers increasingly seek unique, local cultural experiences through food, which is driving the demand for culinary tourism. Exploring regional dishes and participating in food-related activities allow tourists to connect with local traditions, history, and people. For instance, according to the Wood Food Travel Organization (WFTO), travelers spend around 25% of their trip budget on food and beverages. Moreover, there is a growing trend of travelers seeking meaningful connections with local communities and understanding their traditions and way of life. This authentic engagement through food is a primary motivator, with many tourist choosing destinations specifically for their unique culinary offerings and the opportunity to gain deeper cultural insights through gastronomy.

Influence of Social Media and Digital Technology to Drive Market Expansion

Digital platforms, including social media and food-centric television shows, have significantly expanded awareness and interest in culinary travel. Social media content, influencer marketing, and AI-driven personalized recommendations expose travelers to new destinations and unique food experiences. Furthermore, the visual appeal of distinctive local cuisines, combined with the storytelling aspect of food, makes it highly shareable content across different social media channels. This increased visibility attracts tourists and contributes to the increase in food-centric travel, where destinations are selected based on their culinary appeal. Moreover, technology also streamlines bookings and enhances the overall guest experience, making culinary adventures more accessible and appealing to a global audience.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Poor Infrastructure and Accessibility Limitations in Rural and Remote Locations to Hamper Market Growth

A lack of infrastructure and accessibility in rural or remote food destinations is the major factor restraining the culinary tourism market growth. Many authentic culinary experiences are located in areas with poor transportation networks, limited accommodation options, and inadequate hygiene standards, all of which can deter potential tourists. Additionally, language barriers, safety concerns, and a lack of digital marketing skills among local food providers hinder the effective promotion and marketing of the potential place. Regulatory challenges, such as food safety compliance requirements and visa restrictions, also pose barriers. These factors collectively limit the industry’s ability to attract and retain a global audience, thereby constraining the market’s full potential.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Health and Wellness Trends to Offer Potential Growth Opportunities

The global shift toward health and wellness presents lucrative growth prospects for the market. Travelers progressively prefer nutritious, organic, and locally sourced meals that align with their lifestyle choices, such as plant-based, gluten-free, or low-carb diets. Culinary tourism experiences that integrate wellness elements such as detox retreats, farm-to-table tours, and cooking classes focused on healthy cuisines are gaining popularity. Destinations that highlight traditional healing foods, superfoods, and mindful eating practices can attract health-conscious tourists. By combining wellness with culinary experiences, the industry can tap into a growing segment seeking holistic travel that nourishes the body well. 

MARKET CHALLENGES

Supply Chain Disruptions Pose Significant Market Challenges

One of the significant challenges in the culinary travel market is persistent supply chain disruptions and rising input costs, which have been worsened by ongoing financial and geopolitical uncertainties. These issues lead to fluctuating raw material prices, impacting profit margins, and making it difficult for businesses to maintain consistent quality and pricing. Additionally, complying with stringent food safety regulations and labeling standards adds to operational complexity, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Addressing these challenges requires effective collaboration across the value chain and the development of strategies tailored to specific market conditions to ensure long-term, sustainable growth.

CULINARY TOURISM MARKET TRENDS

Rise of Sustainable and Organic Food Tourism to Support Industry Development

A major trend reshaping the industry is the growing demand for sustainable and organic food experiences. Travelers increasingly seek farm-to-table dining, organic food tours, and eco-friendly culinary activities that emphasize local sourcing and environmental sustainability. This shift is driven by heightened consumer awareness about food origins, health, and sustainability. Operators are responding with zero-waste culinary events, carbon-neutral dining, and partnerships with local farms. This trend enriches the tourist experience, supports local economies, and preserves culinary heritage.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the culinary tourism industry by restricting international travel, enforcing lockdowns, and leading to the widespread closing of restaurants, which drastically reduced the number of tourists seeking food experiences. Tourism-related spending in restaurants dropped sharply, especially in fine dining and local establishments that depend heavily on travelers. In addition, small and medium culinary businesses faced significant financial challenges, with many forced to suspend operations or close permanently.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Type

Restaurants Segment to Lead Due to Their Widespread Accessibility

By type, the market is divided into culinary trails, food festivals, cooking classes, restaurants, and others. The restaurants segment is expected to hold the majority of the culinary tourism market share during the forecast period (2025-2032). Their dominance is supported by the widespread accessibility of restaurants, consistent service quality, and the ability to showcase authentic local cuisine in a structured setting. Moreover, restaurants often serve as the primary touchpoint for tourists seeking regional food experiences, offering curated menus that highlight traditional flavors. Their established infrastructure, adherence to hygiene standards, and strong marketing capabilities make them more appealing to international travelers.

The culinary trails segment is expected to record the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Culinary trails are planned routes that offer travelers an immersive experience by guiding them through a region’s local food offerings. These trials often include visits to farms, artisanal producers, wineries, and unique food settings, providing a deeper connection to the local food heritage venues. They also promote the use of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, appealing to tourists seeking authenticity. For instance, the West Virginia Department of Tourism launched a culinary trails initiative in November 2023 to highlight select top-tier restaurants across the state, aiming to inspire visitors to explore exceptional dining venues.

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By Tourist Type

Increasing Spending on Local Experiences Boosted Domestic Segment Expansion

By tourist type, the market is segmented into domestic and international. The domestic segment captured the largest culinary tourism market share. The segment includes tourists exploring culinary experiences within their own country or even familiar localities. Factors such as familiarity with local customs, traditions, and language, along with the ease and frequency of travel and lower cost of the trip compared to international travel, drive its contribution to market revenue.

The international segment is anticipated to record the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Primary factors contributing to segment growth include cultural curiosity among travelers, globalization of food media, increase in disposable income levels, rise in international travel, and improved travel infrastructure. Moreover, many countries promoting food tourism as part of their national tourism strategies are backed by government and tourism board support, which is likely to strengthen the segment’s growth.

By Age Group

Emphasis on Life Experiences and Financial Stability Supported Generation X Segment Growth

Based on age group, the market is segmented into baby boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z. The Generation X segment accounted for the highest market share in 2024. Individuals in this age group achieve financial stability and have a strong appreciation for cultural and gastronomic exploration. Their desire to indulge in different life experiences contributed significantly to the segment’s expansion. The people of Generation X are also in their peak earning years and thus have higher disposable income to spend on travel and unique dining experiences. They value quality over quantity and often seek immersive, authentic food journeys rather than quick travel plans.

Generation Y, also known as millennials, is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the assessment years. Their passion for authentic experiences, digital engagements, and social media influence, along with an emphasis on sustainability practices, is driving segment growth. Moreover, millennials’ preference for spontaneous and flexible travel plans enables them to incorporate food experiences as a central component of their itineraries, seeking out local flavors and culinary adventures.

By Mode of Booking

Online Travel Agents Segment Dominated Owing to Its Convenience in Booking Tickets

Based on the mode of booking, the market is segmented into online travel agents, traditional agents/ tour operators, and direct bookings. The online travel agents segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2024. Online travel agencies offer transparency and convenience by offering tourists critical information, price comparisons, and the ability to make immediate bookings and receive confirmation. The increasing smartphone penetration and rising internet access further accelerate segment growth. For instance, according to the GSMA, in 2021, the total number of mobile internet users in Asia Pacific exceeded 1.2 billion, with mobile broadband networks covering approximately 96% of the region’s population.

The direct bookings segment is projected to expand at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2032). Tourism operators are increasingly adopting direct-to-consumer digital channels such as optimized websites, mobile apps, and booking engines. These platforms allow travelers to explore, customize, and directly book culinary experiences without third-party intervention. Moreover, social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are powerful tools that showcase unique food experiences, luring consumers to indulge in such experiences.

CULINARY TOURISM MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

By geography, the market is divided into North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.

Europe

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Europe held the largest share in 2024 in terms of revenue and is expected to maintain its leading position in the market over the forecast period. The region boasts a vast range of culinary traditions from French haute cuisine and Italian pasta culture to Spanish tapas and Eastern European comfort foods. This diversity attracts food-focused travelers eager to explore regional dishes and traditional cooking methods. Furthermore, Europe is home to some of the world’s most famous wine regions, and the integration of wine and culinary tours significantly boosts the appeal of the industry, drawing gourmet travelers and wine enthusiasts across the globe.

North America

North America accounted for a significant market share. Modern tourist increasingly prioritizes meaningful experiences over traditional sightseeing. Culinary travel through cooking classes, food markets, wine tastings, and farm-to-table experiences fulfills this demand by offering immersive and sensory-rich activities that drive market growth in the region.

The U.S. accounted for the majority of the share in the North American market. The growth of high-profile food-focused events such as the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, and Taste of Chicago draws thousands of visitors annually, helping to position cities as culinary destinations. Moreover, the popularity of cooking shows, food documentaries, and social media content has fueled interest in visiting restaurants, markets, and food landmarks featured on screen, often inspiring culinary travel.   

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific market is expected to record the fastest CAGR during the forecast period of 2025-2032. The growth of the region is likely to be driven by its rich culinary heritage and diversity of cultures and traditions, affordable and accessible street food options, growing middle class and domestic tourism, and rising popularity of Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Indian, South Korean, and other Southeast Asian countries. Furthermore, governments in the region are actively promoting gastronomy as part of cultural tourism campaigns. Initiatives such as “Amazing Thailand Gastronomy Tourism” or Japan’s “Washoku” cultural heritage promotion attract food-enthusiastic travelers.

South America and Middle East & Africa

South America and the Middle East & Africa region are projected to witness steady growth over the coming years. South American cuisine blends indigenous ingredients with Spanish, Portuguese, and African culinary influences, creating a rich cultural fusion that offers unique food experiences for curious travelers. Meanwhile, countries including Brazil, Peru, and Argentina are gaining international acclaim for their culinary innovation. In addition, Argentina and Chile are renowned wine producers, and Colombia and Brazil attract tourists who are coffee enthusiasts seeking immersive plantation tours and tastings, further driving market expansion in the region.

Competitive Landscape

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Strong Emphasis on Collaborations with Local Food Producers and Tourism Boards to Differentiate Market Players’ Position

Market players are focusing on providing authentic, hyper-local food experiences that reflect the cultural heritage of each region. These offerings include farm-to-table dining, cooking classes with local chefs, street food tours, and foraging experiences. For instance, ITC TRAVEL GROUP Limited offers curated travel experiences that cater to culinary interests, such as the food festival segment and cooking classes. Culinary tourism companies are also establishing strong partnerships with local food producers, restaurants, and tourism boards to enrich the culinary offerings and ensure that economic benefits flow into local communities. Moreover, players are investing in content-driven marketing that tells the story of regional cuisines, chefs, and ingredients through social media, blogs, and influencer partnerships to build a strong consumer base.

LIST OF KEY CULINARY TOURISM COMPANIES PROFILED

• Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC (S.)
• Greaves Travel Ltd (K.)
• India Food Tour (India)
• Classic Journeys, LLC (U.S.)
• The FTC4Lobe Group (U.S.)
• The Travel Corporation (U.K.)
• Gourmet on Tour (U.K.)
• INTERNATIONAL CULINARY TOURS (Argentina)
• Culinary Tours (India)
• Butterfield & Robinson Inc. (Canada)

Key Industry Developments

• November 2024: Epicurean Adventures, a renowned culinary tour operator, extended its range of offerings by introducing immersive farm-to-table culinary tours across Southeast Asia. These experiences incorporate market visits, hands-on cooking experiences, and cultural interactions, which help discover the rich food traditions of the region.
• November 2023: Abercrombie & Kent Group of Companies S.A. declared the exclusive trip to Italy and the Palio, which was hosted by the founder of the company. The journey is set to offer the experience of culinary delights from authentic cooking classes to meals at Michelin-star restaurants.
• October 2023: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) held “K-Food Promotion” with the travel platform Creatrip for foreign tourists. During the launch of these 48 participating restaurants in the foreign tourist-heavy areas of Seoul districts, including Songpa-gu, Jongno-gu, and Yongsan-gu, they were offering up to 80% discounts on food delivery via the app or website of the domestic travel platform Creatrip for the first 1,500 customers.
• December 2022: The global lifestyle and travel parent company of Abercrombie & Kent, A&K Travel Group Ltd., announced its partnership with Ecoventura, a key player in sustainable travel in the Galapagos Islands. This partnership anticipates an equity investment in Ecoventura and the creation of a joint venture.
• October 2022: Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) announced the opening of four new Destination Management Companies in Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Canada, and Namibia. The company has more than 55 offices in over 30 countries, making it the largest network of destination management companies.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects, such as competitive landscape, types, tourist types, age groups, and mode of bookings. Besides this, it offers market insights and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

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Report Scope & Segmentation