Culinary Tourism Market Size & Share

Culinary Tourism Market Insights
Global Culinary Tourism Market size was valued at USD 11.5 Billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 13.79 Billion in 2024 to USD 58.89 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 19.9% in the forecast period (2025-2032).
The global culinary tourism market growth can be attributed to the increasing consumer spending on travel & tourism, tourists desire to try food products made of locally sourced ingredients, and increasing food travelers who explore new cultures through food worldwide. The primary driver of market growth is the rise in desire to explore local dishes as a way to connect with the locals and gain more insight into the destination, history, and culture.
The market is characterized by a high degree of innovation owing to the rapid technological advancements driven by factors such as NFC technology used to provide travelers with important information about the destination and many other personalized information for the traveler.
The market is characterized by moderate level merger and acquisition (M&A) activities by the leading players. It is due to several factors, including increasing revenue, increased market presence, geographical expansion, and enhanced brand portfolio. Culinary tours and events may be subject to regulations governing the tourism industry. It is also subject to health and safety regulations to ensure the quality and safety of the food they serve. Some countries have regulatory frameworks aimed at promoting sustainable practices in the culinary industry, such as waste reduction, sourcing local ingredients, and energy efficiency.
The culinary tourism market growth can be attributed to a rise in instances of people opting for unique and exotic holiday destinations, to get away from the daily hectic schedule and gain valuable experiences. Private, serene, and exotic locations with a prevalent food culture are the major factors that people consider while choosing their travel location. Regions with a large variety of food and drinks that taste unique have been voted as the top preference by travelers.
Market snapshot – (2025-2032)
Global Culinary Tourism Market ($ Bn)
Country Share for North America Region (%)
To get more reports on the above market click here to
Buy The Report
Culinary Tourism Market Segments Analysis
The global culinary tourism market is segmented by tourist type, activity, booking mode and region. Based on activity, the market is segmented into culinary trails, cooking classes, restaurants, food festivals, and others. Based on booking mode, the market is segmented into online travel agencies, tour operators and direct travel. Based on tourist type, the market is segmented into recreational, diversionary, existential, and experimental. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
Analysis by Activity
As per global culinary tourism market outlook, the food festivals segment dominated the market with a revenue share of over 30.0% in 2024. Events, food festivals, and tours are crucial factors in culinary tourism that attract tourists to different locations. Food festivals provide the assurance of variety and an all-round food experience. Food festivals showcase regional cuisines and culinary heritage, drawing tourists seeking authentic and memorable cultural experiences. These events often cater to large crowds, generating significant revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, and food vendor participation. Moreover, countries like Ireland conduct food festivals, such as “Taste of Dublin” and “Burren Slow Food Festival” in May and June.
As per global culinary tourism market analysis, the culinary trails segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Culinary trails pull together the best of a region’s food and drink offerings, whether to showcase a specific food item or cuisine or highlight the diversity of local producers. In November 2023, the West Virginia Department of Tourism launched culinary trail to promote the must-visit restaurants and the best cuisine to consume. Culinary trails typically involve guided tours through specific regions or cities, offering visitors opportunities to sample regional cuisines, visit local markets, interact with artisans, and participate in hands-on activities like cooking classes.
Analysis by Type
The existential segment dominated the market in 2024, with a revenue share of over 40.0%. Travelers actively seek local and regional culinary experiences, opting for eateries popular among the locals. The existentialist demographic displays a relaxed and laid-back disposition preferring for simple and rustic dining venues over gourmet and 5-star restaurants. Furthermore, the tourists express interest in engaging activities such as cooking schools, cooking classes, fishing trips, vineyard tours, and attendance at food festivals. Consumers increasingly prioritize experiences over material possessions, seeking transformative journeys that enrich their lives and create lasting memories. Travelers are drawn to experiences that allow them to engage deeply with local traditions, cuisines, and communities, making the existential segment highly appealing.
The diversionary segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Diversionary tourists enjoy socializing and involving in food festivities, prioritizing the experience over ambiance. They prefer streamlined access to dining information, favoring recommendations and curated top 10 lists over engaging in extensive research. As modern lifestyles become more fast-paced and stressful, more individuals are turning to tourism to disconnect and recharge. Many tourists prefer short, diversionary trips that are easier to plan and fit into their schedules, making this segment particularly attractive. This segment typically involves leisure-oriented activities and destinations that provide entertainment, fun, and an opportunity to unwind without a strong emphasis on cultural or existential engagement.
Global Culinary Tourism Market By Tourist Type (%)
To get detailed analysis on other segments,
Request For Free Sample Report
Culinary Tourism Market Regional Insights
North America dominated the market influenced by its rich and diversified food culture and the need for new and exciting experiences with food. The United States and Canada are strong representatives of the combination of old traditional and multicultural cuisines due to their immigrant history. Activities revolving around food, such as wine and brewery tours, farm-to-table experiences, and food festivals, are in high demand both among local and international tourists. Moreover, North America benefits from its advanced infrastructure, which makes it easy for travelers to explore various culinary destinations. Furthermore, the region’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and locally sourced ingredients resonates with current consumer preferences, driving growth in this market.
Culinary tourism in Asia Pacific is projected to grow substantially during the forecast period. South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and many other countries offer a blend of historical and cultural heritage with modern culture. Preserving this local identity also allows tourists to explore and enjoy the local culture, natural environment, and unique food, fostering market growth. For instance, Thailand is also home to numerous world-class gourmet restaurants, Michelin-rated restaurants, award-winning bars, and innovative cafes in large cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The integration of food with cultural and historical exploration enhances the appeal of destinations across the region, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and South Korea.
Global Culinary Tourism Market By Geography
To know more about the market opportunities by region and country, click here to
Buy The Complete Report
Culinary Tourism Market Dynamics
Drivers
Rising Emergence of Mobile Applications
- Technology is now necessary to ensure that many tasks are completed flawlessly, and the travel and tourism sector is no exception. Online hotel aggregators and search engines are two examples of technology-driven firms that have substantially invested in big data analytics. To deliver a smooth customer experience, artificial intelligence has also been implemented in Chatbots and virtual assistants.
Economic Development and Diversification
- Culinary tourism plays a significant role in local economic development and diversification. By attracting tourists, it provides revenue streams not only for restaurants and food vendors but also for local farmers, market operators, and artisans. This influx of visitors helps sustain small businesses and artisanal producers, preserving local culinary traditions and promoting regional cuisine.
Restraints
Political Unrest and Increase in Crime and Terrorism
- The overall number of international visits and travelers choice of destinations has been impacted by political upheaval and terrorism. Tourist views of destinations and travel behavior are often greatly influenced by the threat of terrorism. A disaster hurt the area’s reputation for safety and the tourism industry for a long time. For example, after the most recent terrorist attacks, tourism in Sri Lanka dropped for a long time. As a result of the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, several tour companies canceled reservations there until April 2020.
High Competition Among Destinations
- The market experiences intense competition from a wide range of destinations and attractions offering similar leisure experiences. This saturation makes it difficult for individual providers to differentiate themselves and attract a consistent customer base, further restraining market growth. Many destinations in the diversionary tourist segment, such as beaches, theme parks, and resorts, face increasing scrutiny regarding their environmental impact.
Request Free Customization
of this report to help us to meet your business objectives.
Culinary Tourism Market Competitive Landscape
The culinary tourism market is highly competitive, with key players including tour operators, travel agencies, hospitality providers, and local food enterprises. Prominent companies like G Adventures and Trafalgar focus on offering immersive gastronomic experiences, such as cooking classes, food festivals, and wine tours, often partnering with local chefs and restaurants to create authentic cultural connections. Luxury hotel chains like Marriott International and Hyatt have also expanded their offerings to include culinary-focused packages and in-house experiences, attracting food enthusiasts. This competitive landscape is shaped by innovation, partnerships, and a growing emphasis on sustainable and authentic culinary adventures.
Top Player’s Company Profiles
- MW Tours (Mandarin World Tours)
- Agora Voyages OPC Pvt Ltd
Recent Developments
- In November 2024, Tripcaso Destination Private Limited launched its exclusive range of new holiday packages for unmatched travel and culinary experiences.
- In December 2022, A&K Travel Group Ltd.- the company that owns Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal Cruises, and Cox & Kings-announced its equity partnership with Ecoventura, a sustainable travel company of the Galapagos Islands. This partnership foresees an equity investment in Ecoventura and the creation of a joint venture.
- In October 2022, Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) announced the opening of four new Destination Management Companies in Canada, Colombia, Namibia, and Saudi Arabia. The company has over 55 offices in 30 countries, making it the largest network of destination management companies.
Culinary Tourism Key Market Trends
- Rise of Social Media Influence: Social media platforms are becoming vital in shaping travel behaviors, with food experiences often being shared and popularized online. The visual appeal of unique and local cuisines, coupled with the storytelling aspect of food, makes it highly shareable content. This visibility is leading to an increase in food-centric travel, where destinations are chosen based on their culinary reputation.
- Health and Wellness Trends: The growing focus on health and wellness is supporting market growth. Modern travellers are becoming health-conscious and are seeking food experiences that align with their lifestyle choices, such as organic, farm-to-table, vegan, or gluten-free options. This shift is leading to a rise in destinations offering healthy, locally sourced, and sustainable dining experiences.
Culinary Tourism Market SkyQuest Analysis
SkyQuest’s ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Co-relates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by the robust Secondary Desk research.
According to SkyQuest analysis, tourists have a growing interest in learning how the food is prepared in addition to tasting. Many culinary travellers are eager to attempt the learning of regional cooking methods and abilities. Culinary lessons, seminars, and food tours are now becoming more common as trip itinerary elements. Travelers can learn new techniques and recipes and appreciate local cuisines more with these interactive experiences. Increasing popularity in culinary events like the Charleston Wine, culinary Festival and the New York City Wine & Food Festival are attracting both locals and tourists. These events allow guests to interact with famous chefs and celebrate regional cuisine. Interest in learning more about the nation’s food culture has also increased because of the success of TV series and online resources that highlight culinary adventures. One key restraint for the growth of culinary tourism in the Asia Pacific region is the inconsistency in food safety and hygiene standards.
Report Metric | Details |
---|---|
Market size value in 2023 | USD 11.5 Billion |
Market size value in 2032 | USD 58.89 Billion |
Growth Rate | 19.9% |
Base year | 2024 |
Forecast period | (2025-2032) |
Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Billion |
Segments covered |
|
Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
Companies covered |
|
Customization scope |
Free report customization with purchase. Customization includes:-
|
To get a free trial access to our platform which is a one stop solution for all your data requirements
for quicker decision making. This platform allows you to compare markets, competitors who are prominent
in the market, and mega trends that are influencing the dynamics in the market. Also, get access to
detailed SkyQuest exclusive matrix.
Buy The Complete Report
to read the analyzed strategies adopted by the top vendors either to retain or gain market share
link