Global Culinary Tourism Market 2024-2031

Global Culinary Tourism Market 2024-2031

Culinary Tourism Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Activity Type (Culinary Trails, Cooking Classes, Restaurants, and Food Festivals), by Tourist Type (Domestic and International), and by Mode of Booking (OTA, Traditional Agents, and Direct Bookings), Forecast Period (2024-2031)

Culinary tourism market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 18.5% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Culinary tourism includes a variety of food and drink experiences like guided food tours, cooking classes, farm visits, culinary festivals, and wine tourism. It allows travelers to explore local cuisine and traditions, and engage with communities and producers. Culinary tourism offers immersive ways to discover the culture and heritage of a destination through its culinary offerings, making it popular for authentic and meaningful travel experiences.

Market Dynamics

Rising Disposable Income

The rise in disposable incomes has sparked a surge in culinary tourism, focusing on high-quality food experiences accessible to more people. Food festivals have emerged as popular destinations where visitors can explore indigenous flavors, learn about local cooking, and engage with producers and artisans. These events showcase native dishes while honoring the traditions and customs of different cultures. Attending such festivals allows for an affordable sampling of unique specialties, making them an attractive holiday option. Unlike other event types, food festivals significantly contribute to tourism growth by attracting global visitors seeking culinary experiences at reasonable prices.

Growing Online Platforms Driving Convenience in Culinary Tourism

Culinary tourism and technology have shifted paradigms allowing as never before connectedness between places where people eat globally. Not just that but also online platforms which are nowadays increasingly becoming popular can be used by anyone who needs such services for anything they may ever require regarding local cuisines; such information includes but is not limited to where best meals are found among other things like reviews about new eateries as well trips involving tasting dishes prepared by experts during cooking sessions in case there is need for enhancing culinary skills. According to their taste, food lovers can personalize their culinary tours, book activities in advance without any difficulty, and even share their eating interests on various online platforms.

Market Segmentation

Based on activity type, the market is segmented into culinary trails, cooking classes, restaurants, food festivals, and others.

Based on tourist type, the market is segmented into domestic and international.

Based on the mode of booking, the market is segmented into online travel agencies (OTA), traditional agents, and direct bookings.

OTA dominates the Activity Type Segment

The OTA segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. OTA is crucial for booking culinary tourism due to its convenience and diverse offerings. They simplify the booking process, cater to tech-savvy travelers, and offer a wide range of activities and accommodations. User reviews and customizable packages enhance decision-making and flexibility. OTA plays a key role in connecting travelers with gastronomic adventures globally.

Domestic Culinary Tourism Holds a Considerable Market Size

Domestic culinary tourism often dominates the market due to factors like population size, ease of travel, and familiarity with local culinary traditions. It is also more resilient during economic uncertainty or travel restrictions, as domestic travelers have greater flexibility. Promoting domestic culinary tourism supports local economies, encourages sustainable tourism, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the country's culinary heritage among its citizens.

Regional Outlook

The global culinary tourism market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).

Europe dominates the Culinary Tourism Market

Its affluent culinary history, diverse cuisines and solid travel sector roots Europe as a culinary tourism powerhouse. Take France, Italy, Spain, and Greece for instance known for their great dishes attracting many culinary tourists yearly. Each provides a one-of-a-kind gastronomical journey, from the complex cuisine of France to the various regional Italian dishes, Spain’s tapas culture, and the Mediterranean diet in Greece. With famous restaurants, culinary tours, food events, among others. This adds more charm to Europe’s robust tourism that continues to draw epicureans, ensuring they are completely immersed in its taste and heritage.

Asia-Pacific Holds Major Market Share

Culinary traditions in Japan, Thailand, India, and China are making the Asia-Pacific region stand out as a culinary market leader, with countries like Japan, Thailand, India, and China offering a variety of choices. Countries like South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and many more provide a fusion of current society and their rich historical and cultural legacy. By allowing visitors to experience the local way of life, cuisine, and environment, the preservation of this distinctive identity also promotes market expansion. For example, Thailand boasts a plethora of Michelin-starred restaurants, award-winning pubs, world-class gourmet eateries, and cutting-edge cafes in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies serving the global culinary tourism market include Abercrombie & Kent, Classic Journeys LLC, Culinary Adventure Co., Epicurean Ways, and Viator Inc., among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in August 2020, Butterfield & Robinson Inc. launched the Singular Stays program, offering exclusive private trips for friends and families. Guests can enjoy bespoke stays in luxurious villas, castles, and lodges, with personalized itineraries tailored to their interests, providing unparalleled opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and cultural immersion in stunning destinations globally.