Culinary Tourism Market Size & Share [2033]

Culinary Tourism Market Overview

The Culinary Tourism Market size was valued at USD 122579.76 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 209211.96 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2033.

The global culinary tourism market has experienced significant growth, with the market size reaching USD 1,090.5 billion in 2024. This expansion is driven by travelers' increasing interest in authentic food experiences and cultural exploration. Asia-Pacific leads the market, holding over 43.1% share in 2024, attributed to its diverse culinary offerings and rich cultural heritage. The existential tourist segment, characterized by travelers seeking meaningful and immersive experiences, dominated the market with a 41% share in 2024.

Online travel agencies have become a popular booking mode, facilitating easier access to culinary experiences. The market's growth is further supported by the rising popularity of food festivals and the influence of social media on travel decisions. Key destinations like France, known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, and emerging markets like Saudi Arabia, investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, contribute to the market's dynamism. The increasing demand for sustainable and organic culinary experiences also plays a significant role in shaping market trends.

Key Findings

Driver: The growing desire for cultural exploration and authentic experiences among travelers.

Top Country/Region: Asia-Pacific, holding over 43.1% of the market share in 2024.

Top Segment: The existential tourist type segment, accounting for 41% of the market in 2024.

Culinary Tourism Market Trends

Culinary tourism is witnessing several notable trends that are shaping the industry's landscape. One significant trend is the increasing popularity of sustainable and organic culinary experiences. Travelers are seeking food experiences that align with environmental consciousness, leading to a rise in farm-to-table dining and organic food tours. Additionally, the influence of social media platforms has amplified the visibility of unique culinary destinations, encouraging travelers to explore new food cultures. Food festivals are gaining traction, with events like the Taste of Chicago and NYC Wine & Food Festival attracting millions of visitors and boosting local economies. The integration of technology in culinary tourism, such as virtual cooking classes and online food tours, has expanded access to diverse culinary experiences.

Moreover, luxury culinary tourism is on the rise, with travelers seeking exclusive dining experiences, including Michelin-starred restaurants and chef-led culinary retreats. Emerging destinations like Tunis are gaining recognition for their rich street food culture, offering travelers authentic and diverse food experiences. These trends reflect a shift towards more personalized, immersive, and sustainable culinary tourism experiences.

Culinary Tourism Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for authentic and immersive culinary experiences.

The culinary tourism market is propelled by travelers' increasing desire to engage in authentic and immersive food experiences that reflect the local culture and traditions. This demand has led to the proliferation of food festivals, cooking classes, and farm-to-table dining experiences. For instance, food festivals like the Taste of Chicago and NYC Wine & Food Festival have attracted millions of visitors, significantly boosting tourism and local economies. The integration of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods offers travelers a deeper connection to the destinations they visit, enhancing their overall travel experience. This trend is further supported by the influence of social media, where travelers share their culinary adventures, inspiring others to seek similar experiences.

RESTRAINT

Challenges in maintaining authenticity and quality in mass tourism.

As culinary tourism grows in popularity, there is a risk of commercialization that may compromise the authenticity and quality of food experiences. The influx of tourists can lead to the standardization of culinary offerings, diluting the unique characteristics that attract travelers seeking genuine experiences. Additionally, the pressure to cater to a broad audience may result in the simplification of traditional recipes and cooking methods. Maintaining the balance between accommodating tourists and preserving culinary heritage is a significant challenge for destinations aiming to capitalize on the culinary tourism trend. Ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism while safeguarding their cultural and culinary traditions is essential for sustainable growth in this sector.

OPPORTUNITY

Integration of technology to enhance culinary tourism experiences.

The adoption of technology presents significant opportunities to enrich culinary tourism experiences. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can offer immersive previews of culinary destinations, enticing travelers to explore new food cultures. Online platforms can facilitate virtual cooking classes and food tours, expanding access to diverse culinary experiences beyond geographical limitations. Mobile applications can provide personalized recommendations, language translation for menus, and digital payment options, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of culinary tourism. Furthermore, leveraging data analytics can help businesses understand traveler preferences, allowing for the customization of culinary experiences to meet specific interests and dietary requirements. Embracing technological innovations can attract a broader audience and provide unique, interactive experiences that resonate with modern travelers.

CHALLENGE

Navigating regulatory and logistical complexities in international culinary tourism.

International culinary tourism involves navigating various regulatory and logistical challenges, including food safety standards, import-export restrictions, and visa requirements. Differences in health and safety regulations across countries can complicate the organization of food tours and events, potentially impacting the consistency and quality of experiences offered to travelers. Logistical issues such as transportation, language barriers, and cultural differences can also pose challenges in delivering seamless culinary experiences. Additionally, political instability or economic fluctuations in certain regions may affect the viability and attractiveness of culinary tourism destinations. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between governments, tourism boards, and industry stakeholders to establish standardized practices and support the sustainable development of culinary tourism.

Culinary Tourism Market Segmentation

The culinary tourism market is segmented by type and application, reflecting the diverse preferences and behaviors of travelers. By type, the market includes domestic and international culinary tourism, catering to travelers seeking local or global food experiences. By application, the market is divided into individual and group tourism, accommodating solo travelers and organized tour groups. Understanding these segments allows for targeted marketing strategies and the development of tailored culinary experiences that meet the specific needs of different traveler demographics.

By Type

Domestic Culinary Tourism: involves travelers exploring food experiences within their own country. This segment has gained popularity due to factors such as travel restrictions, economic considerations, and a growing appreciation for local cuisines. In countries like Australia, domestic tourism has surged, with Australians spending $109.3 billion yearly, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Local food festivals, regional specialties, and farm-to-table dining experiences attract travelers seeking to discover the culinary diversity within their own borders. This trend supports local economies and promotes the preservation of regional food traditions.
International Culinary Tourism: caters to travelers seeking food experiences in foreign countries. This segment appeals to those interested in exploring diverse cultures through their cuisines. Destinations like France, renowned for its gourmet cuisine and high number of Michelin-starred restaurants, attract food enthusiasts worldwide. Emerging culinary destinations, such as Saudi Arabia, are investing heavily in tourism infrastructure to showcase their unique food offerings. International culinary tourism provides opportunities for cultural exchange and supports global tourism growth.

By Application

Individual Tourism: involves solo travelers or small groups seeking personalized food experiences. These travelers often prefer flexible itineraries, allowing them to explore local markets, street food, and hidden culinary gems at their own pace. Technology plays a significant role in this segment, with mobile applications and online platforms providing information, reviews, and booking options for various culinary experiences. Individual travelers contribute to the demand for unique and authentic food experiences, driving innovation in the culinary tourism market.
Group Tourism: includes organized tours and travel packages designed for larger groups. These tours often feature structured itineraries, including visits to renowned restaurants, cooking classes, and food festivals. Group tourism offers social interaction and shared experiences, appealing to travelers seeking camaraderie and convenience. Tour operators and travel agencies play a crucial role in curating and managing group culinary tours, ensuring quality and consistency in the experiences offered. This segment supports the growth of culinary tourism by making it accessible to a broader audience.

Culinary Tourism Market Regional Outlook

The culinary tourism market exhibits varying dynamics across different regions, influenced by cultural diversity, economic development, and tourism infrastructure. Understanding regional trends is essential for stakeholders to identify opportunities and tailor strategies accordingly.

North America

is a significant player in the culinary tourism market, with the United States leading in food festivals and culinary events. Events like the Taste of Chicago and NYC Wine & Food Festival attract millions of visitors, contributing to local economies and promoting regional cuisines. The region's diverse culinary landscape, influenced by various cultures, offers travelers a wide range of food experiences. The region also benefits from advanced infrastructure and digital integration, enhancing the accessibility and convenience of culinary experiences. The rise in domestic travel, especially after the pandemic, has further strengthened North America's position, with over 60% of American travelers in 2024 expressing interest in food-related travel activities.

Europe

holds a dominant place in culinary tourism due to its deep-rooted food culture, historic gastronomy, and global culinary influence. France, Italy, and Spain remain top destinations, with France hosting over 600 Michelin-starred restaurants as of 2024. Culinary tourists are drawn to vineyard tours in Bordeaux, pasta-making classes in Italy, and tapas experiences in Spain. According to Eurostat, over 70% of European tourists cited food and drink as a primary motivation for choosing a destination in 2024. Additionally, events like Oktoberfest in Germany and truffle festivals in Italy continue to draw large international crowds.

Asia-Pacific

leads the global culinary tourism market with more than 43.1% of market share as of 2024. This dominance is due to its diverse and rich culinary traditions found in countries such as Thailand, Japan, India, and Vietnam. Street food experiences, cooking classes, and food heritage tours are among the region’s most popular offerings. Japan alone recorded over 3 million culinary tourists in 2024, thanks to its sushi-making workshops, ramen tours, and sake tastings. The growing popularity of wellness and sustainable eating has further strengthened Asia-Pacific’s culinary appeal.

Middle East & Africa

are emerging players in the culinary tourism market. Saudi Arabia is actively investing in tourism infrastructure, with plans to welcome over 30 million tourists annually by 2030 under its Vision 2030 initiative. Culinary offerings centered around traditional Arabian cuisine, including dates, lamb dishes, and regional sweets, are gaining attention. In Africa, countries like Morocco and South Africa are attracting culinary tourists with offerings like Moroccan tagine cooking classes and Cape Winelands culinary trails. In 2024, the region saw a 19% increase in culinary-focused travel bookings.

List of Top Culinary Tourism Companies

Classic Journeys
Abercrombie & Kent
ITC Travel Group
G Adventures
TU Elite

Classic Journeys – Held the highest market share in 2024, with operations in over 35 countries and curated food and wine tours, contributing to its dominant presence in the culinary tourism sector.

Abercrombie & Kent – Accounted for the second-largest share in 2024 with high-end culinary experiences in more than 25 countries, offering personalized chef-led tours and luxury gastronomic adventures.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The culinary tourism market has witnessed robust investment activity across various regions. In 2023 and 2024, over 70 new culinary travel startups were launched globally, signaling growing investor confidence in food-based tourism. For example, India’s Ministry of Tourism announced funding of USD 47.5 million in 2024 to promote regional food trails under the “Dekho Apna Desh” campaign. Similarly, France allocated €65 million for the development of wine tourism regions and culinary travel infrastructure enhancements. Private sector investments have also surged. Luxury hotel brands have begun incorporating chef-led culinary experiences and farm-to-table dining as a key part of their offering. Marriott International expanded its “Culinary Journeys” initiative across 14 new global destinations in 2024, in response to increasing demand. Additionally, tour operators have seen returns of 18–22% on specialized culinary packages due to higher customer satisfaction and repeat bookings.

The growth of the online platform economy also presents a major investment opportunity. Platforms offering virtual cooking tours, such as those providing live classes with chefs in Japan or Italy, reported a 160% increase in bookings in 2024. The integration of AI and analytics tools for customizing culinary travel experiences is another hotbed for investment. Over 45% of culinary travel agencies in 2024 used data analytics to tailor customer experiences. In emerging economies, tourism boards are partnering with private investors to establish culinary training institutes and heritage food festivals. Morocco's investment in its ""Gastronomy Week"" attracted over 200,000 international tourists in 2024 and generated $37 million in local economic impact (excluding revenue data). These events have become vital platforms to attract further private equity and venture capital into the culinary tourism segment. Overall, culinary tourism offers a high-growth and high-engagement investment avenue, particularly in regions rich in food culture, undergoing digital transformation, or developing new tourism infrastructure.

New Product Development

Innovation is reshaping the culinary tourism landscape through the development of new products and experiences that cater to changing traveler expectations. In 2023, over 130 new culinary travel experiences were introduced by leading operators globally, ranging from hyper-local street food tours to luxury gastronomic retreats. One notable development includes “Chef's Table on the Road” launched by Classic Journeys in 2024, where tourists engage with Michelin-starred chefs during a guided trip across France’s countryside. Similarly, Abercrombie & Kent unveiled its ""Gourmet Asia"" circuit, combining five-star culinary stops in Bangkok, Tokyo, and Ho Chi Minh City, with hands-on workshops in local food markets. The trend of ""cook with locals"" has also gained momentum. Over 60% of culinary tourists in 2024 showed a preference for experiences involving interactions with local hosts, particularly in destinations like Morocco, Mexico, and Vietnam. In response, new platforms emerged in 2023-2024 to facilitate this, including app-based models matching travelers with local cooks.

Sustainable culinary travel products are also gaining traction. New farm-to-fork packages introduced in 2024 across Italy and Spain emphasize low-carbon food preparation and include tours of organic farms. Japan’s “Kyoto Green Bites” product, launched in 2024, offers tourists plant-based local tasting menus combined with cultural experiences, receiving over 18,000 bookings in the first six months. Additionally, the integration of AR/VR has enhanced the pre-travel experience. Companies have started offering virtual previews of culinary tours or immersive simulations of wine tasting. For example, G Adventures launched a VR food tour app in 2024 that gives prospective travelers a taste of their food itineraries before booking. Health-conscious product innovations are also on the rise. Gluten-free, vegan, and keto culinary tour packages have increased by 74% between 2023 and 2024, particularly in the US and Germany, catering to the dietary preferences of modern travelers. New safety and hygiene modules, such as QR-based ingredient tracing in street food tours, were added to 23% of newly launched products in 2024. These developments reflect the market’s responsiveness to evolving customer needs, technological advancements, and the global focus on sustainable travel.

Five Recent Developments

Classic Journeys launched “Chef’s Table on the Road” in 2024 across France, which sold out within two weeks of launch and was expanded to Italy due to high demand.
Abercrombie & Kent expanded its Gourmet Asia product to include 3 new cities in 2024, reporting a 28% increase in culinary tour bookings compared to 2023.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative allocated over $400 million in 2024 for culinary tourism infrastructure, including food markets, gastronomy schools, and chef exchange programs.
G Adventures introduced a VR-based food tour app in 2024, reaching over 95,000 downloads within the first three months of its release.
Morocco’s Gastronomy Week 2024 attracted over 200,000 tourists and generated significant local economic impact, promoting regional food products and culinary traditions.

Report Coverage of Culinary Tourism Market

The culinary tourism market report provides a comprehensive analysis of the industry’s structure, trends, and future outlook. Covering over 18 countries, the report explores the impact of travel patterns, food preferences, technological innovations, and tourism infrastructure on culinary travel. The segmentation includes detailed analysis by type (domestic and international) and application (individual and group tourism), offering insights into varied consumer behavior and emerging preferences. With more than 43.1% market share in 2024, Asia-Pacific leads the industry, followed closely by Europe and North America. The report emphasizes traveler demographics, noting that millennials and Gen Z make up over 60% of culinary tourists globally, influenced heavily by social media and sustainability concerns. It also outlines the rise in eco-friendly and health-conscious culinary tours, with over 74% growth in vegan and gluten-free packages between 2023 and 2024.

The report also includes detailed company profiles of leading operators such as Classic Journeys and Abercrombie & Kent, highlighting their market activities, innovations, and geographic presence. The analysis encompasses market dynamics, including key drivers such as the rising demand for immersive experiences and challenges like regulatory constraints and cultural commodification. Investment patterns are examined across regions, with data on government funding, private equity flows, and startup ecosystems. Technological advancements including AI-driven personalization, mobile-first booking platforms, and AR/VR integration are addressed as key factors shaping the future of the industry. Furthermore, the report discusses recent developments and new product launches, reflecting the industry’s rapid evolution in response to changing consumer demands. The document serves as a strategic tool for stakeholders—including investors, tour operators, tourism boards, and culinary entrepreneurs—offering actionable insights into market performance, opportunity areas, and competitive dynamics.