Global Culinary Tourism Market Size Likely to Grow at a CAGR of 12.5% By 2033

As per the current market research conducted by CMI Team, the global Culinary Tourism Market size is expected to record a CAGR of 12.5% from 2023 to 2032. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 973.2 Billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 2809.3 Billion.

Culinary Tourism Market: Growth Factors and Dynamics

• Diverse Gastronomic Offerings: The culinary tourism market is driven by a growing interest in diverse and authentic food experiences. Travelers seek unique and regional cuisines, fostering a market where destinations are promoted based on their gastronomic offerings.

• Social Media and Digital Influence: Social media platforms play a pivotal role in promoting culinary tourism. Influencers and user-generated content contribute to the popularity of food destinations, influencing travel decisions and contributing to the overall growth of the market.

• Cultural Exchange and Immersive Experiences: Culinary tourism is closely tied to cultural exploration. Travelers increasingly view food as a means to connect with local cultures, driving the demand for immersive culinary experiences such as cooking classes, food festivals, and visits to local markets.

• Celebrity Chef Endorsements: The market benefits from the influence of celebrity chefs who endorse and promote specific destinations and culinary experiences. Collaborations with renowned chefs attract food enthusiasts, contributing to the growth of culinary tourism in various regions.

• Sustainable and Locally Sourced Food Trends: The emphasis on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients is a significant growth factor. Travelers are inclined towards destinations that prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly practices, leading to the rise of culinary experiences centered around locally produced and organic foods.

• Government Initiatives and Destination Marketing: Governments and tourism boards recognize the economic potential of culinary tourism. Initiatives such as food and wine festivals, culinary trails, and promotional campaigns highlight a destination’s culinary offerings, driving tourism and contributing to the overall economic development of the region.

• Food Tourism Infrastructure Development: The growth of the culinary tourism market is further propelled by investments in food tourism infrastructure. Destinations are developing dedicated food districts, culinary-themed accommodations, and specialized tour operators focusing on food-related experiences, providing a conducive environment for culinary enthusiasts and boosting overall tourism revenue.

Culinary Tourism Market: Partnership and Acquisitions

• In 2023, Airbnb has introduced the Culinary Adventures program, offering tourists immersive local cuisine experiences. With a focus on food tours and cooking classes, the initiative seeks to provide travelers with authentic and enriching culinary experiences, enhancing their connection to the culture and flavors of the destinations they visit.

• In 2023, ITW UXP and Club Vistara join forces in a partnership aimed at boosting the sports tourism business. The collaboration seeks to enhance accessibility, making travel for sports enthusiasts more convenient, providing unique experiences and opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite sports events.

• In 2022, Gullivers Sport Travel, the Group Travel Specialist, unveils a one-year partnership with Waratahs Alumni, presenting four sports travel tours during the Rugby World Cup in France. The tours will feature notable figures Darren Coleman, Phil Waugh, Tony Dempsey, and Ian Kennedy, enhancing the rugby enthusiasts’ experience.

Report Scope

Culinary Tourism Market: COVID-19 Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Culinary Tourism Market, with the industry experiencing both positive and negative effects. Here are some of the key impacts:

• Closure of Restaurants and Food Events: COVID-19 led to widespread closures of restaurants, food markets, and culinary events, significantly disrupting the normal operations of the culinary tourism market. Travel restrictions and social distancing measures further impacted the ability of travelers to explore local cuisines.

• Consumer Confidence and Health Concerns: The pandemic heightened health concerns, impacting consumer confidence in dining out and participating in culinary experiences. Fear of infection and uncertainty about the safety of food-related activities led to a decline in culinary tourism during the pandemic.

• Emphasis on Outdoor and Open-air Dining: To address health concerns, the culinary tourism market is pivoting towards outdoor and open-air dining experiences. Restaurants and food events are adapting their layouts to prioritize spacious settings, allowing visitors to enjoy culinary experiences in a safer environment.

• Digital Innovations and Contactless Experiences: The industry is leveraging digital innovations to provide contactless experiences. Virtual culinary classes, online cooking demonstrations, and food delivery services have become popular, allowing consumers to engage with culinary experiences from the safety of their homes.

• Local and Sustainable Food Promotion: The recovery involves a renewed emphasis on promoting local and sustainable food practices. Culinary tourism is focusing on supporting local businesses, sourcing ingredients locally, and incorporating sustainable practices to attract conscious travelers seeking authentic and responsible experiences.

• Collaboration with Health and Safety Standards: The culinary tourism market is actively collaborating with health authorities to implement and communicate robust health and safety standards. Clear guidelines on hygiene practices, sanitation, and social distancing measures reassure travelers, rebuilding confidence in the safety of culinary experiences.

• Adaptation of Flexible Booking Policies: To instill confidence among travelers, the culinary tourism market is adapting flexible booking policies. Restaurants and culinary events are offering refundable bookings and flexible rescheduling options, allowing visitors to plan their experiences with greater ease and reducing the perceived financial risks associated with uncertainties.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a mixed impact on the Culinary Tourism Market, with some challenges and opportunities arising from the pandemic.

List of the prominent players in the Culinary Tourism Market:

• Epicurean Ways
• The International Kitchen
• Food N’ Wine Vacations
• Gourmet On Tour
• Eating Italy Food Tours
• Devour Tours
• Taste Hungary
• Local Montreal Food Tours
• Eating Europe Food Tours
• Food Tour Pros
• Secret Food Tours
• Viator (a TripAdvisor company)
• Culinary Backstreets
• Epicurean Travel
• Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
• Others

The Culinary Tourism Market is segmented as follows:

By Activity Type

• Culinary Trials
• Cooking Classes
• Restaurants
• Food Festival
• Others

By Application

• Travel Agency
• Ordinary Tourists
• Others

By Geographic Focus

• Local Guidance
• National Tours
• International Tours

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America