Culinary Tourism Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Culinary Tourism Market is segmented By Type (Food Activities, Vacation, Restaurants, Food Festivals, Others), By Tour (Domestic, International), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), and By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, And Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Culinary Tourism Market Size

Global Culinary Tourism Market reached USD 801.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 2,913.5 billion by 2030 growing with a CAGR of 17.5% during the forecast period 2024-2031. Culinary tourism or food tourism is the exploration of food as the purpose of tourism. It is considered a vital component of the tourism experience.

Dining out is common among tourists and food is believed to rank alongside climate, accommodation, and scenery in importance to tourists. Culinary or food tourism is the pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences, both near and far. While many cities, regions, or countries are known for their food, culinary tourism is not limited by food culture.

Travelers are no longer satisfied with simply eating at restaurants; they want immersive experiences that allow them to engage with the local food culture. This trend has given rise to activities like cooking classes, food tours, farm visits, and market visits, where tourists can interact with local producers, chefs, and communities.

Market Summary

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Market Dynamics

Increasing Interest in Food and Culinary Experiences is Driving the Culinary Tourism Market Growth

The rise of social media platforms has led to a significant increase in food-related content and engagement. According to a survey conducted by Zizzi, a UK-based restaurant chain, approximately 18-35-year-olds spend five whole days a year browsing food images on Instagram, with 30% of them actively seeking out new food and drink experiences. This increased engagement with food content on social media platforms indicates a growing interest in food and culinary experiences.

The popularity of food-based television shows has surged in recent years. Programs like MasterChef, Top Chef, and Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown have gained significant viewership and fan bases worldwide. This interest in culinary-themed television programming reflects the increasing fascination with food and culinary experiences among audiences.

Substantial Rise in Food Media and Digital Influence is Expected to Drive The Culinary Tourism Market Growth

The influence of social media on culinary tourism is undeniable. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube have become popular channels for sharing food experiences, restaurant recommendations, and culinary adventures. According to Hootsuite and We Are Social's Digital 2022 report, there are 58% of the global population uses social media. This vast user base contributes to the dissemination of food-related content, generating interest and inspiration among travelers.

Food bloggers and influencers play a significant role in shaping culinary trends and driving interest in culinary tourism. These content creators share their food experiences, restaurant reviews, recipes, and travel adventures with their followers. The popularity of food influencers is reflected in their large social media followings. For instance, top food influencers on Instagram can have millions of followers, creating a substantial impact on the audience's culinary preferences and travel choices.

Language and Communication Barriers for Different Regions are Restraining the Culinary Tourism Market

Many famous culinary tourism locations, specifically in non-English speaking nations, can also face language barriers for international visitors. For example, in international nations like China, Japan, and Thailand, the neighborhood languages (Mandarin, jap, and Thai, respectively) may additionally pose difficulties for travelers who do not speak the language. This language barrier can make it difficult for travelers to speak their dietary preferences, understand menu items, or be busy in conversations with locals.

Communication in culinary tourism goes beyond language barriers and encompasses cultural etiquette. Different regions have their own cultural norms and communication styles, which may be unfamiliar to international travelers. Misunderstandings or miscommunications due to cultural differences can affect the overall experience, such as dining etiquette, understanding local customs, or interacting with food vendors or chefs.

Market Segment Analysis

The global culinary tourism market is segmented based on type, tour, distribution channel, and region.

Food Activities Segment Holds the Largest Market Share in the Culinary Tourism Market

The food activities segment encompasses a wide range of experiences catering to different interests and preferences. Travelers can choose from cooking classes where they learn to prepare traditional dishes, guided food tours that introduce them to local street food and hidden culinary gems, or visits to local markets to witness the ingredients' sourcing and selection process. The diversity of options makes it a versatile and appealing segment for culinary tourists.

Food activities allow travelers to delve into the authentic culture of a destination through its cuisine. They provide an opportunity to interact with local chefs, home cooks, and food producers, gaining insights into traditional recipes, cooking techniques, and the cultural significance of certain dishes. This immersive aspect of food activities enhances the overall culinary tourism experience.

Market Geographical Share

Asia Pacific is Dominating the Culinary Tourism Market

Asia Pacific is renowned for its diverse and wealthy culinary background. Countries like China, Japan, India, Thailand, and Vietnam have exceptional and globally identified cuisines that attract culinary tourists from around the world. These cuisines are characterized by using precise flavors, cooking techniques, and cultural importance, making the area a major player in the culinary tourism market.

Asia Pacific has witnessed significant growth in international tourist arrivals, contributing to the region's dominance in the culinary tourism market. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Asia and the Pacific saw arrivals more than triple (+230%) from January to September 2022 compared to the same period of 2021, reflecting the opening of many destinations in the region. The appeal of the region's culinary offerings plays a significant role in attracting these tourists.

Culinary Tourism Companies

The major global players in the market include ITC Travel Group Limited, Greaves Travel, TourRadar, The Travel Corporation, Abercrombie & Kent USA, Indian Food Tour, Topdeck Travel, G Adventures, The FTC4Lobe Group, and Classic Journeys.

COVID-19 Impact on Market

Covid-19 Impact:

Governments implemented travel restrictions and border closures as a response to the pandemic, severely impacting international travel and tourism. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals declined by 73% in 2020 compared to the 2019. These restrictions have significantly reduced the number of tourists who could engage in culinary tourism activities, resulting in a decline in demand and revenue for the industry.

By Type

• Food Activities
• Vacation
• Restaurants
• Food Festivals
• Others

By Tour

• Domestic
• International

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • The U.K.
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In July 2023, Halekulani, the iconic oceanfront luxury hotel in the heart of Waikiki, announced an exclusive culinary experience in collaboration with The Imperial Hotel Tokyo at La Mer, Hawaii's only AAA Five Diamond, and Forbes Five-Star restaurant. The two prestigious properties will feature a five-course tasting menu comprised of signature dishes prepared by Thierry Voisin, Chef du Cuisine of Les Saisons at Imperial Hotel Tokyo, and Alexandre Trancher, Executive Chef of La Mer at Halekulani.
• In July 2023, Astellas Pharma Inc. announced that it has completed the acquisition of IVERIC bio, Inc. concerning the announcement on April 30, 2023, through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Berry Merger Sub, Inc.
• In July 2023, ADM announced the acquisition of Prairie Pulse to boost its pulse footprint in Canada. Prairie Pulse is the owner of a pulse crop cleaning, milling, and packaging facility in Vanscoy, Saskatchewan, Canada. The plant which includes origination, 12,000 MT of bulk storage, cleaning, milling, sorting, sizing, and bagging is said to double ADM’s pulse footprint in the region.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global culinary tourism market segmentation based on type, tour, distribution channel, and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities in the market by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of culinary tourism market-level with all segments.
• The PDF report consists of cogently put-together market analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and in-depth market study.
• Product mapping is available as Excel consists of key products of all the major market players.

The global culinary tourism market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 57 figures, and 190 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies