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Culinary Tourism Market

Culinary Tourism Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report by Activity, Booking Mode and Tourist Type: Global Opportunity and Industry Forecast (2025-2032)

Report ID:

1159

Industry:

FMCG

Published on:

March 2026

Culinary Tourism Market had a value of USD 13.08 billion in 2025 and expected it to hit USD 47.31 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 22.4% through the forecast period.

Culinary Tourism Trends and Analytical Insights -

  • Europe Culinary Tourism Market was the largest revenue generating region market in year 2025, with market share accounted for 36.13 %.

  • In 2025, By Activity segment, Restaurants dominated the Culinary Tourism, accounted for 34.27 % market shares.

  • Leading Key players for Culinary Tourism Market in 2025 was Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, Greaves Travel Ltd and India Food Tour

Culinary Tourism Market Size & Forecast

  • Market Size 2024: USD 13.08 Billion

  • Projected Market Size 2032: USD 47.31 Billion

  • CAGR (2025-2032): 22.4%

  • Europe: Dominating market in 2025

Culinary Tourism Market Overview

Global Culinary Tourism Market was valued at USD 13.08 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.4% during the forecast period and is expected to reach nearly USD 47.31 billion by 2032. The Culinary Tourism Market was being covered of tourists that were visiting destinations based on their culture through food, drink, cookery traditions, and dining experiences. Tourists were continuing to choose where they wished to travel to base in large part, on food culture and authenticity in respect of food traditions and food from that region. Examples of the activities within Culinary Tourism Market were being: Food Festivals, Restaurant Tours, Culinary Class Experiences, Culinary Trails and more Travel companies and tourism authorities were constantly marketing cooking-based experiences for the purpose of luring international travellers to their regions. Government and tourism boards were investing in programs that were promoting food heritage. There were being several ways that social interest was having an effect on where tourists were choosing to visit, such as: Social Media platforms, Travel Blogs and Street Food Markets.

The rise of culinary tourism was being driven by increased activity globally in terms of travel and also an increasing interest in experiencing different cultures. Food tourism was becoming one of the top three determining factors for millennial and Gen Z travellers when they were traveling. According to 2023 international survey data, 62% of travellers from outside their country were rating food as among the most important reasons they were visiting another country. Restaurants, culinary institutes, and tourism agencies were working together to package culinary excursions as an integral part of their customers' overall travel experience. Countries like Italy, Thailand, Japan, and Mexico were marketing their traditional cuisines to attract tourists. Many travellers around the world were using online booking services to find and book culinary tours at their destinations. The Culinary Tourism Market was seeing significant participation from consumers who were wanting to experience authentic culinary traditions and local food culture.

Culinary Tourism Market Dynamic’s

Food was becoming an increasingly important part of the tourism industry. Tourists were being interested in experiencing authentic cultures and learning about the country's traditional cooking methods, street food culture, and locally produced dishes. Based on reports collected in 2025, 58% of international travellers were engaging in at least one food-related activity while visiting a destination. Travelers were also becoming interested in culinary exploratory experiences and were taking part in events such as culinary trails, tasting tours, and farm-to-table style dining experiences. Chefs and restaurants were organizing cooking demonstrations and hosting tasting events to promote the local cuisine. Some companies were integrating culinary-based experiences into their travel packages to give tourists a true taste of the region's gastronomy. Digital media, specific to food, was influencing travel decisions, with many food blogs posting valuable content on their experiences in culinary destinations before traveling. Food festivals and culinary campaigns were being organized by tourism boards to promote the area's food heritage. The Culinary Tourism Market was continuing to grow as travellers were continuing to place a high value on cultural authenticity by exploring through the medium of food.

As the Culinary Tourism Market was expanding and evolving, it was continuously developing new opportunities through digital platforms and surrounding food while facing various operational challenges. Limited knowledge of culinary experiences in many emerging destinations was keeping tourists from visiting these places. Structured tourism infrastructure/cookbook infrastructure and electronic reservation systems were not existing for most small, independent food vendors. Food safety regulations and quality assurance issues were creating barriers to global tourism in various countries. Travel agencies were producing and creating more themed food tours (wine tasting, cuisine based) and travel agencies were developing gastronomy promotion programs (which were encouraging visitors to discover local culinary customs) for the purpose of creating new culinary tourism opportunities. There was being an increase in short-term cooking classes/workshops being provided to tourists by culinary schools and restaurants in the market. Surveys that were being carried out as of 2022 were showing that over 40% of travellers were saying they were interested in participating in courses or classes on cooking while they were traveling. These initiatives were providing new opportunities in the culinary tourism market.

The Culinary Tourism Market was seeing rapid growth and innovation as food brands and tourist organizations were collaborating to attract and promote gastronomy tourism. Countries were launching national food tourism campaigns designed to promote their country's cultural background, including traditional dishes, culinary heritage, etc. In 2023, more than one hundred twenty international food festivals were being held throughout Europe and Asia, attracting millions of international travellers. Travel platforms were adding a culinary tourism component to their online booking systems so that travellers could book cooking classes, restaurant tours, and wine tastings in advance of their trip. Restaurant associations were partnering with tourism boards in order to develop curated food trails in major cities. In addition, food festivals were promoting local ingredients with traditional cooking methods, food stories unique to the region, etc. Celebrity chefs and culinary influencers were developing digital content promoting local cuisine-based experiences. These initiatives were continuing to increase global awareness of the importance of culinary traditions and were contributing to the growth of the Culinary Tourism Market across all global travel destinations.

Culinary Tourism Market Segment Analysis

The Culinary Tourism Market segmented into By Activity, Booking Mode and Tourist Type.

By Activity,

Based on the activity, the market was being segmented into Culinary Trails, Cooking Classes, Restaurants, Food Festivals and Other. In 2025, the Restaurants segment was dominating the culinary tourism market with 34.27 % of total market share. Restaurants were being considered a major attraction for tourists who were seeking out authentic dining experiences and regional foods. Tourists were visiting their choice of the famous, local, well-known restaurant(s) in order to experience the traditional foods that were being prepared by local chefs. Many destinations were featuring their Signature Restaurants that were serving heritage recipes and regional specialties. In culinary tourism survey data from 2025, over 34% of tourists were stating that they were focusing on restaurants when they were planning their trip(s) to a destination. Fine dining restaurants and local street food shops were both contributing to the increasing interest in tourism. Travel agencies were promoting tours and dining experiences for their customers as part of travel itineraries. These combined factors were continuing to help support the growth of the Restaurants sector of the culinary tourism market.

By Booking Mode,

Based on the Booking Mode segment, the market was being segmented into three types: Online Travel Agencies (OTA), Tour Operators and Direct Travel. For 2025, OTAs were holding the largest share of the overall Culinary Tourism Market at 46 .11%. OTAs were helping to provide easy access to culinary activities by creating a simple way to book. The majority of international travellers were using websites to plan their methods of transportation and make reservations at cooking classes, restaurants and food festivals prior to arriving at their destination. 2025of all international travellers by 46% were using only a website to help them with all aspects of their travel and over 60% were using a website for activity planning and booking. Online reviews and food blogs were affecting the way that travellers selected any type of culinary activity to participate in. Mobile applications were allowing travellers to have immediate access to all available food related activities and restaurant tours near them. All of these advantages combined were creating a strong reliance on digital platforms and were continuing to strengthen OTAs within the Culinary Tourism Market.

Culinary Tourism Market Region Analysis

In 2025Europe was representing 36.13% of the whole global market in culinary tourism, followed by Africa, which was holding 9%. The culinary tourism market in Europe was catering to international visitors interested in traditional cuisine and the historical culture of food. Countries like Italy, France, and Spain were promoting their respective regional dishes; wine tasting tours and food tours of their countries' culturally- and historically-significant cuisines; and traditional cooking experiences. Europe was also hosting more than 80 international food festivals each year, drawing thousands and millions of travellers from around world. The number of Michelin-rated restaurants and heritage dining establishments in major urban centres of Europe was continuing to grow, positively impacting culinary tourism to these cities. At the same time, tourists were looking for unique culinary experiences, which were becoming available through the many different routes that were following different towns/areas with historical significance (food trails). The number of short cooking classes or cooking courses at cook schools throughout Europe was continuing to increase; thus, the number of tourists was going to these countries to learn more about their regional recipes. Each of these activities was contributing towards cementing Europe's position at the top of the Culinary Tourism Market.

Culinary Tourism Market Competitive Analysis

Many international travel businesses, tourism agencies, and culinary experience providers were launching new food-focused travel programs. Major corporations were working with restaurants, chefs, and tourism agencies to create curated culinary travel experiences. Culinary and cooking classes were being included in online travel booking software. Food festivals, local chefs, and hospitality providers were also being focused on by many of these companies as partners in creating unique travel experiences for visitors. Many tour operators were offering culinary packages specific to each destination as a way to emphasise regional food traditions. The worldwide reach of culinary tourism services was being significantly increased by digital marketing campaigns and social media collaborations with food influencers. These strategies were enhancing competition and innovation within the Culinary Tourism Market.

Culinary Tourism Market Scope:

Key Players –

Frequently Ask Questions –

1)    What is the Culinary Tourism Market?Ans - The Culinary Tourism Market was referring to travel activities focused on exploring local cuisine, cooking traditions, and food culture in different destinations

2)    What activities are included in the Culinary Tourism Market?Ans - The Culinary Tourism Market was including activities such as culinary trails, restaurant tours, cooking classes, and international food festivals.

3)    Who were the major participants in the Culinary Tourism Market?Ans - Travel agencies, tourism boards, restaurants, culinary schools, and online travel platforms were actively participating in the Culinary Tourism Market.

4)    Why were travellers showing interest in the Culinary Tourism Market?Ans - Travelers were seeking authentic cultural experiences, where food traditions and local recipes were representing the identity of a destination in the Culinary Tourism Market. 

5) How were digital platforms influencing the Culinary Tourism Market?

Ans - Online travel agencies and booking platforms were enabling tourists to reserve culinary experiences easily, increasing accessibility within the Culinary Tourism Market.


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