Global Culinary Tourism Market to Reach US$39.8 Billion by 2030

The global market for Culinary Tourism estimated at US$13.2 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$39.8 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 20.2% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Food Festivals, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 23.1% CAGR and reach US$14.9 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Cooking Classes segment is estimated at 20.4% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$3.6 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 26.9% CAGR

The Culinary Tourism market in the U.S. is estimated at US$3.6 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$9.2 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 26.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 14.8% and 18.4% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 16.2% CAGR.

Global Culinary Tourism Market – Key Trends & Growth Drivers Summarized

Why Is Culinary Tourism Becoming a Major Global Travel Trend?

Culinary tourism has emerged as a significant travel trend, driven by a growing global fascination with authentic food experiences and cultural immersion. Unlike traditional tourism, which primarily focuses on sightseeing, culinary tourism emphasizes local cuisines, food traditions, and gastronomic heritage as central elements of the travel experience. Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations known for their diverse food offerings, from street food markets and Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional cooking classes and farm-to-table experiences. This shift in travel behavior is fueled by social media, food influencers, and the popularity of culinary-focused television shows, which have inspired travelers to explore the world through its flavors.

The demand for experiential travel has further propelled the rise of culinary tourism, as travelers seek hands-on activities such as vineyard tours, culinary workshops, and foraging excursions. Countries with strong culinary identities, such as Italy, France, Japan, Thailand, and Mexico, have capitalized on this trend by offering immersive food-related experiences that attract both domestic and international tourists. Additionally, the rise of food festivals and gastronomic events has positioned cities and regions as prime culinary destinations. While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily slowed global travel, it also heightened consumer interest in food as a cultural and emotional connection, leading to a resurgence of culinary tourism as travel restrictions eased.

What Are the Emerging Trends Transforming the Culinary Tourism Industry?

Several emerging trends are reshaping the culinary tourism landscape, making food-based travel more dynamic and inclusive. One of the most notable trends is the rise of sustainable and farm-to-table dining experiences. Conscious travelers are increasingly prioritizing ethical food sourcing, organic farming practices, and locally produced ingredients. Destinations are responding by promoting eco-friendly culinary experiences, such as agritourism, where visitors can participate in farm visits, artisanal cheese-making, and sustainable seafood harvesting. Additionally, plant-based and vegan culinary tourism is gaining momentum, with many destinations offering specialized food tours that cater to health-conscious and environmentally aware travelers.

Another key trend is the integration of technology in culinary tourism. Digital platforms, mobile apps, and virtual reality (VR) experiences are making it easier for travelers to discover local food scenes and book unique dining experiences. AI-powered restaurant recommendations, food discovery apps, and augmented reality (AR) menu translations are enhancing accessibility for international tourists. Additionally, the growing interest in heritage and indigenous cuisines is leading to the revival of traditional cooking methods, with travelers seeking authentic experiences such as cooking with local chefs, tasting heirloom recipes, and learning about forgotten culinary traditions. These trends are not only enriching the travel experience but also fostering cultural exchange and economic opportunities for local communities.

How Are Market Trends and Government Initiatives Influencing Culinary Tourism?

The global culinary tourism market is being shaped by evolving consumer preferences, market innovations, and government initiatives aimed at promoting gastronomy as a key tourism driver. Many countries have recognized the economic potential of culinary tourism and are actively investing in food-based travel initiatives. For example, Spain has positioned itself as a global food capital with extensive marketing campaigns highlighting its tapas culture and Michelin-starred restaurants. Similarly, Thailand’s government has launched programs that showcase street food as a cultural treasure, drawing millions of tourists each year.

Market trends indicate that the demand for authentic, immersive dining experiences is at an all-time high, leading to the growth of culinary travel agencies, specialized food tour operators, and boutique culinary retreats. Additionally, the rise of remote work and digital nomad culture has influenced the culinary tourism industry, as long-term travelers seek out diverse food experiences while staying in foreign destinations for extended periods. Governments are also introducing food and wine trails, heritage food tours, and culinary diplomacy programs to enhance their tourism appeal. However, challenges such as over-tourism in popular food destinations, rising food costs, and climate-related impacts on agricultural production remain concerns that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable growth in the industry.

What Is Driving the Growth of the Culinary Tourism Market?

The growth in the culinary tourism market is driven by several factors, including increasing disposable income, changing travel behaviors, and the rise of social media influence on food culture. The expansion of the middle class in emerging markets has led to greater spending on travel and food experiences, fueling demand for gastronomic tourism. Additionally, the shift toward experiential travel has made culinary experiences a primary motivator for choosing travel destinations. Tourists are no longer just looking for iconic landmarks—they want to taste regional specialties, participate in cooking classes, and engage with local food artisans.

End-use expansion is another key driver, with culinary tourism becoming a significant part of luxury travel, adventure tourism, wellness retreats, and cultural heritage experiences. The rise of themed food festivals, wine tours, and street food explorations has also contributed to market expansion. The role of digital content, including food vlogs, travel documentaries, and Instagram-driven food trends, has further accelerated interest in global cuisines, inspiring travelers to visit specific destinations for unique culinary experiences. Additionally, partnerships between hospitality providers, airlines, and tourism boards are enhancing accessibility to culinary experiences, making it easier for travelers to plan food-focused trips. As the culinary tourism sector continues to evolve, it is expected to witness sustained growth, with new innovations and personalized food experiences shaping the future of global travel.