Global Culinary Tourism Market Overview
Culinary Tourism Market Size was estimated at 235.11 (USD Billion) in 2024. The Culinary Tourism Market is expected to grow from 250.61 (USD Billion) in 2025 to 445.16 (USD Billion) by 2034. The Culinary Tourism Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 6.59% during the forecast period (2025 - 2034).
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Key Culinary Tourism Market Trends Highlighted
A growing emphasis on sustainability, individuality, and authenticity are some of the major trends in culinary tourism. Immersion programs that let visitors engage with local customs and cultures are becoming more and more popular. Farm-to-table eating, culinary workshops, and food excursions have all increased as a result.
Sustainable culinary methods, like organic farming and ethical sourcing, are also becoming more and more popular. Additionally, travelers are looking for individualized experiences catered to their dietary requirements and preferences.
For example, there has been a notable increase in the demand for vegan and gluten-free restaurants and culinary tours. As customers get more discriminating and health-conscious, this tendency is predicted to continue.
Culinary Tourism Market Drivers
Culinary Tourism Market: Rising Health Consciousness and Growing Disposable Income Fuel Market Growth
Expansion in the Culinary Tourism Market is happening at an alarming rate. It's mainly attributed to different factors that lead to such broad expansion of the market. In the contemporary world, people want to live healthily, and there are health-conscious consumers.
Such individuals want to have satisfactory culinary experiences that involve using fresh and organic products. Farm to table dining experiences and culinary schools teaching how to prepare these foods have sprouted up because of this desire.
Additionally, people have become economically stable and the middle class have some disposable cash that they expend on leisure and travelling to have the culinary tours. The media has also played a role in the expansion of the Culinary Tourism Market.
People want to share different things about food with others on social media and other forms of media. As a result, they share their happy experiences and display their visited destinations.
Following this, other individuals affect a like experience irrespective of their geographical location. They can travel together to these destinations through networking.
Experiential Travel and Authenticity Drive Market Expansion
For a long time, food-oriented tourism was associated with satisfying the needs of tourists with food. However, escalating competition in the tourism market resulted in a shift to greater versatility, prompting tourists to seek unique experiences.
As a part of the experience field, which determined tourism's development thanks to "motion, emotion, and devotion," culinary tourism became one of the driving forces of demand. Its popularity is attributable to the opportunities provided by this form of tourism to become a participant in the life of a small region.
Thus, "tourists and hosts interact as friends and not like other people." The primary motivation behind culinary tourism is a desire to look for the greatest authenticity. The culinary experience implies learning about the traditions, life, and culture of people through their cuisine and food preparation techniques.
Government Initiatives and Infrastructure Development Support Market Growth
Governments all over the world are speaking out in favor of the development of such a tourist direction as culinary tourism and taking concrete steps to support it. For example, one of the trends in support of the culinary tourism market is the financial assistance that some regions are providing to schools, colleges, and employment training programs to promote the increase in the number of professionals in the field.
Another significant type of work in which regions participate is the promotion of culinary tourism and the direction to hold local food festivals, shows, and other culinary events.
An equally effective and relevant direction of support and development is the infrastructure for using and being in culinary tourism regions, including the creation of necessary accommodations, entertainment establishments, and improvement of the transportation system.
It is very easy for tourists to move from one dish to another using transport or stay in one entertainment center, and several others visit the attractions that the study of the historical and cultural component of the region can provide.
Culinary Tourism Market Segment Insights
Culinary Tourism Market Activity Type Insights
The Culinary Tourism Market is a rapidly growing sector, particularly around the diverse offerings within the Activity Type category. Among these activities, Food Tours represented a substantial share of the market, valued at 50.0 USD Billion in 2023 and anticipated to grow to 90.0 USD Billion by 2032, showcasing its appeal as a primary option for travelers seeking authentic culinary experiences.
Cooking Classes, valued at 40.0 USD Billion in 2023, were gaining traction, reflecting the desire of tourists to engage hands-on with local cuisine and culinary techniques, expected to rise to 70.0 USD Billion by 2032.
Wine Tastings, another significant component, started at 30.0 USD Billion in 2023 and are also predicted to increase to 55.0 USD Billion by 2032, driven by the growing interest in regional wine production and tasting experiences.
Farm-to-Table Experiences, valued at 40.0 USD Billion in 2023, promoted sustainability and local agriculture, appealing to consumer preferences for fresh and ethically sourced food, and this segment is expected to reach 65.0 USD Billion by 2032.
Gastronomic Festivals, which had a valuation of 46.92 USD Billion in 2023, also played a vital role in enhancing the culinary tourism landscape, as they offered travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of regional foods and cultural festivities, with expectations of growth to 77.4 USD Billion by 2032.
Overall, the Culinary Tourism Market revenue reflects a significant positive trend driven by consumer demand for authentic regional food experiences, showing diversity in engagement from casual tastings to immersive cooking experiences, thereby presenting both opportunities and challenges for stakeholders within the Culinary Tourism Market.
This market segmentation illustrates not only the variety of activities available but also aligns with growing trends emphasizing sustainability, experience over mere consumption, and cultural exchange through food, which together forge a promising future for culinary tourism.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Culinary Tourism Market Target Audience Insights
The Culinary Tourism Market showcases a diverse Target Audience comprising Foodies, Travelers, Families, Couples, and Corporate Groups, each contributing uniquely to the market landscape. Foodies play a significant role as they seek authentic dining experiences and local cuisines, driving demand for culinary-related travel.
Travelers, encompassing a broad spectrum of individuals, are increasingly motivated by gastronomy, making food a central theme in their journeys. Families represent another important segment, with an emphasis on activities that involve cooking classes and cultural explorations, fostering shared experiences.
Couples, often seeking romantic getaways, show a significant inclination toward fine dining and food-centric adventures. Meanwhile, corporate groups are recognizing culinary tourism as an opportunity for team building and client entertainment, enhancing overall engagement through experiential dining.
As the Culinary Tourism Market continues to expand, understanding these distinct audiences enables stakeholders to tailor offerings that meet specific preferences, fueling market growth and driving innovative culinary experiences.
Investing in these insights can present numerous opportunities, aligning services with evolving consumer expectations in the culinary tourism sector.
Culinary Tourism Market Tour Duration Insights
The Culinary Tourism Market is experiencing notable growth, with a significant focus on the Tour Duration segment. The market segmentation reveals a clear division among various durations, with Day Trips, Short Breaks, and Extended Tours catering to diverse traveler preferences.
Day Trips are increasingly popular for those seeking quick culinary escapes, while Short Breaks allow for deeper exploration of regional cuisines within a limited timeframe.
Extended Tours often dominate in terms of engagement as they provide an immersive experience, offering travelers an opportunity to indulge in local cultures and cuisines over an extended period. Key growth drivers include the rising trend of experiential travel and the growing emphasis on culinary heritage and gastronomy.
However, the market also faces challenges such as fluctuating travel restrictions and economic uncertainties, but these create opportunities for innovative culinary experiences that attract food lovers.
Overall, the Culinary Tourism Market statistics reflect a landscape rich in varied experiences shaped by Tour Duration preferences and an ongoing demand for culinary adventures.
Culinary Tourism Market Culinary Focus Insights
Within this market, the Culinary Focus segment encompasses diverse culinary experiences, including Local Cuisine, Regional Delicacies, International Flavors, Michelin-starred restaurants, and Street Food. Local Cuisine plays a pivotal role as travelers seek authentic food experiences that reflect the culture and traditions of a destination.
Regional Delicacies attract those who wish to explore unique tastes specific to certain areas, while International Flavors cater to the diverse palates of globe-trotters exploring global culinary landscapes. Michelin-Starred Restaurants have garnered substantial attention, often driving high-end culinary tourism due to their prestige and exceptional dining experiences.
Additionally, Street Food remains significant as it provides travelers with the chance to engage directly with local life and savor cost-effective meals that highlight local ingredients and flavors.
These segments collectively shape the Culinary Tourism Market dynamics, presenting opportunities for operators and stakeholders to innovate and cater to evolving consumer preferences.
Culinary Tourism Market Booking Channel Insights
The Culinary Tourism Market has shown substantial growth in the Booking Channel segment, with a notable shift towards digital solutions in recent years.
Tour Operators continue to play a significant role in providing curated experiences, catering to specific culinary interests and enhancing consumer engagement. Meanwhile, Direct Bookings are favored for their cost-effectiveness, enabling travelers to bypass intermediaries for personalized arrangements.
The Culinary Tourism Market revenue growth is influenced by the increasing awareness of diverse cuisines and local food experiences worldwide. Moreover, market growth is driven by evolving consumer preferences for unique travel experiences that emphasize regional flavors and culinary traditions.
While the rise of digital platforms enhances market accessibility, challenges such as the need for better regulatory frameworks and competition among booking channels persist. Overall, the segmentation within the Culinary Tourism Market showcases a dynamic interplay between technology adoption, consumer behavior, and the diverse offerings linked to culinary experiences.
Culinary Tourism Market Regional Insights
The Regional segmentation of the Culinary Tourism Market showcases varied dynamics across different regions, highlighting the diversity within this market. In 2023, North America held a significant valuation of 60.0 USD Billion, while Europe led the market with a valuation of 70.0 USD Billion, indicating its popularity as a culinary destination.
Asia Pacific followed with a noteworthy valuation of 40.0 USD Billion, reflecting a growing interest in diverse culinary experiences. South America, valued at 20.0 USD Billion, contributed steadily, showcasing emerging culinary scenes.
The Middle East and Africa, valued at 16.92 USD Billion, illustrated potential growth opportunities due to rising culinary tourism initiatives. The notable growth in North America and Europe can be attributed to their established food cultures and the influx of food travelers.
Overall, the insights derived from the Culinary Tourism Market data illustrate how regional preferences and cultural richness contribute to market growth, serving as key drivers for culinary exploration and tourism.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Culinary Tourism Market Key Players And Competitive Insights
As one of the key players on the market, Airbnb entered the culinary tourism market with its new platform . New project lets tourists to experience authentic local meals and cuisine from different countries by doing it anywhere. They may be located in Japan and cook Italian.
Main benefice is that meals are made by locals or national chefs, which can provide customers with unique and original experience.
Tiny little cozy cafe serving heel salad does not have any sections to visit, that is the reason why chefs share their favorite surroundings to cook or do other team tasks.
Moreover, new platform is a good start for travelers to try an online cooking class to have best experience of trying real lobster in Cuba. Main feature of the platform that it includes cooking courses and master classes, where customers can learn and enrich unfamiliar receipts.
Another new project that goes like a post in drugstores – Cookly
Another major player is the Project Schedule. The new establishment was opened in 2015 and now runs more than 8161 classes, from new fish cutting to how to cook a national Shanghai beat soup. Their online courses range from selling fish and cleaning it to cooking cattle squads in Argentina.
The platform invites top professional cooks and chefs to give lectures live on how to cook Russian bone brands or how to cook galettes with them.
GetYourGuide
It is another firm widely known to sell travel, gave 25,000 tours to Conducted 2 million people in 2000 cities of the world. Plugin aims to small tours from the food and vodka of Tallinn for $ 45 per person to the food tour in Seville for $ 50.
Key Companies in the Culinary Tourism Market Include
- com
- Tauck
- Intrepid Travel
- Rick Steves' Europe
- Eatwith
- Viking Cruises
- Food Wine Trails
- Trafalgar
- Culture Trip
- Thomas Cook
- Smithsonian Journeys
- Lonely Planet
- Cookery Holidays
Culinary Tourism Market Developments
The growing popularity of food and beverage tourism, as well as the increasing disposable income and urbanization in developing countries, are driving the market growth. Recent news developments include the launch of new culinary tourism initiatives by governments and tourism boards, such as the "Taste of India" campaign by the Indian government.
Additionally, the rise of online booking platforms and social media is making it easier for tourists to discover and book culinary experiences.
- Culinary Tourism Market Segmentation Insights
- Culinary Tourism Market Activity Type Outlook
- Food Tours
- Cooking Classes
- Wine Tastings
- Farm-to-Table Experiences
- Gastronomic Festivals
- Culinary Tourism Market Target Audience Outlook
- Foodies
- Travelers
- Families
- Couples
- Corporate Groups
- Culinary Tourism Market Tour Duration Outlook
- Day Trips
- Short Breaks
- Extended Tours
- Culinary Tourism Market Culinary Focus Outlook
- Local Cuisine
- Regional Delicacies
- International Flavors
- Michelin-Starred Restaurants
- Street Food
- Culinary Tourism Market Booking Channel Outlook
- Online Travel Agents (OTAs)
- Tour Operators
- Direct Bookings
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Market Size 2024 |
235.10 (USD Billion) |
Market Size 2025 |
250.61 (USD Billion) |
Market Size 2034 |
445.15 (USD Billion) |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
6.59% (2025 - 2034) |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Base Year |
2023 |
Market Forecast Period |
2025 - 2034 |
Historical Data |
2019 - 2023 |
Market Forecast Units |
USD Billion |
Key Companies Profiled |
Booking.com, Tauck, Intrepid Travel, Rick Steves' Europe, Eatwith, Viking Cruises, Food Wine Trails, Trafalgar, Culture Trip, Thomas Cook, Smithsonian Journeys, Lonely Planet, Cookery Holidays |
Segments Covered |
Activity Type, Target Audience, Tour Duration, Culinary Focus, Booking Channel, Regional |
Key Market Opportunities |
1 Digital culinary experiences 2 Culinary tours for specific dietary preferences 3 Immersive dining concepts 4 Sustainable and ethical culinary practices 5 Culinary education and workshops |
Key Market Dynamics |
Growing disposable income  Increased awareness of culinary tourism  Interest in authentic cultural experiences  Desire for new and unique dining experiences |
Countries Covered |
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Culinary Tourism Market is expected to be valued at 367.4 USD Billion in 2032.
The Culinary Tourism Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.59% from 2024 to 2032.
The Europe region is expected to hold the largest market share, valued at 125.0 USD Billion in 2032.
The market size for Food Tours is anticipated to reach 90.0 USD Billion in 2032.
Major players in the market include Booking.com, Tauck, Intrepid Travel, and Rick Steves' Europe.
The market value for Cooking Classes is estimated to be 70.0 USD Billion in 2032.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow to a market value of 75.0 USD Billion by 2032.
The market size for Wine Tastings is valued at 30.0 USD Billion in 2023.
Increasing consumer interest in authentic food experiences is driving growth in the Culinary Tourism Market.
The expected market value for Gastronomic Festivals is 77.4 USD Billion by 2032.