Culinary Tourism Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Activity Type, Tour Type, Age Group, Mode of Booking, and Region 2025-2033

The global culinary tourism market size reached USD 1090.48 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 4210.19 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate CAGR of 14.46% during 2025-2033. Asia Pacific currently dominates the market, holding a market share of over 43.1% in 2024. The market for culinary tourism in Asia-Pacific is driven by the growing desire for cultural exploration and authentic experiences among the masses, increasing impact of social media on shaping travel behaviors, and rising number of destinations offering healthy, locally sourced, and sustainable dining experiences.

Culinary Tourism Market Trends:

Cultural Exploration and Authenticity

One of the primary drivers of culinary tourism is the desire for cultural exploration and authentic experiences. Food is an integral part of the cultural identity, and sampling the local cuisines of a region offers a direct and immersive way to understand and engage with different cultures. This factor appeals particularly to travelers seeking ways to experience the world more deeply than traditional sightseeing allows. The growing trend of authenticity in travel experiences, along with the increasing number of tourists looking to connect with local communities and understand their traditions and way of life, is propelling the growth of the market. Culinary tourism provides this connection, allowing travelers to experience a culture through its flavors, cooking techniques, and food rituals, making their travel experience more memorable and meaningful.

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. Social media influencers and food bloggers play a crucial role in this trend, as they highlight unique dining experiences and local delicacies, inspiring their followers to seek similar experiences. This digital word-of-mouth is a powerful tool in driving interest and awareness of culinary destinations.

Health and Wellness Trends

The growing focus on health and wellness is supporting the market growth. Modern travelers 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 is no longer just about indulgence, it is also about experiencing food in a way that is beneficial to both the body and the environment. Additionally, there is a growing interest in learning about the nutritional aspects of different cuisines and participating in wellness-related culinary activities, such as cooking classes focused on healthy recipes.

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. Additionally, culinary tourism encourages investment in local infrastructure and amenities, improving the overall tourist experience and potentially leading to a more sustainable and diversified local economy. Governments and tourism boards often recognize the economic potential of promoting regional cuisines and invest in marketing campaigns and events, such as food festivals, cooking workshops, and gastronomic tours, further driving interest and economic benefits in the area.

Growing Interest in Culinary Skills and Education

There is an increasing interest in not just tasting food but also understanding how it is made. Many culinary tourists are keen on learning cooking skills and techniques specific to a region. This is leading to the popularity of cooking classes, workshops, and food tours as part of travel itineraries. These interactive experiences provide a deeper understanding of local cuisines and allow travelers to take home new skills and recipes. Culinary education as part of tourism not only enriches the travel experience but also helps preserve traditional cooking methods and recipes, passing them on to an international audience. This educational aspect of culinary tourism appeals to a wide range of travelers, from amateur cooks to professional chefs.

Innovation in Culinary Experiences

The increasing innovation in food experiences is contributing to the market growth. This includes the emergence of themed restaurants, experimental cuisine, culinary storytelling, and the blending of food with entertainment and technology. These innovative experiences attract tourists looking for something beyond the traditional dining experience. Immersive dining experiences that combine food with art, performance, or interactive technology create a unique and memorable aspect of travel. Additionally, the growing trend of pop-up restaurants and secret dining events in various cities around the world adds an element of exclusivity and surprise, further enticing culinary tourists.

Culinary Tourism Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global culinary tourism market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on activity type, tour type, age group, and mode of booking.

Breakup by Activity Type:

• Culinary Trials
• Cooking Classes
• Restaurants
• Food Festivals and Events
• Others

Food festivals and events accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the activity type. This includes culinary trials, cooking classes, restaurants, food festivals and events, and others. According to the report, food festivals and events represented the largest segment.

Breakup by Tour Type:

• Domestic
• International

Domestic holds the largest share in the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the tour type have also been provided in the report. This includes domestic and international. According to the report, domestic accounted for the largest market share.

Breakup by Age Group:

• Baby Boomers
• Generation X
• Generation Y
• Generation Z

Generation Y represents the leading market segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the age group. This includes baby boomers, generation X, generation Y, and generation Z. According to the report, generation Y represented the largest segment.

Breakup by Mode of Booking:

• Online Travel Agents
• Traditional Agents
• Direct Booking

Online travel agents exhibit a clear dominance in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the mode of booking have also been provided in the report. This includes online travel agents, traditional agents, and direct booking. According to the report, online travel agents accounted for the largest market share.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Australia
• Indonesia
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia
• Others
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Others
• Middle East and Africa

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa.

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Abercrombie & Kent Group of Companies S.A.
• Butterfield and Robinson Inc.
• Classic Journeys LLC
• G Adventures
• Gourmet On Tour Ltd.
• Greaves Travel L.L.C.
• International Culinary Tours
• ITC Travel Group Limited
• The Ftc4Lobe Group
• Topdeck Travel Limited
• Tourradar

Key Questions Answered in This Report

1.How big is the culinary tourism market?

2.What is the future outlook of culinary tourism market?

3.What are the key factors driving the culinary tourism market?

4.Which region accounts for the largest culinary tourism market share?

5.Which are the leading companies in the global culinary tourism market?