Gastronomy/Food Tourism Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

According to the report, the global gastronomy/food tourism market size reached a value of USD 961.50 billion in 2023. Aided by the disposable incomes, changing lifestyles, and growing emphasis on experiential travel have fuelled the demand for unique and authentic culinary experiences, the market is projected to further grow at a CAGR of 17.3% between 2024 and 2032 to reach a value of USD 4,056.12 billion by 2032.

Food tourism, also referred to as gastronomy or culinary tourism, is a type of tourism that involves exploring and experiencing food from diverse cultures and regions. Travelers interested in food seek out destinations that offer opportunities to taste local cuisines. Typical activities associated with food tourism include exploring local markets, participating in food festivals, taking cooking classes, sampling street food, and visiting breweries and wineries.

The market is witnessing a significant trend with the increasing involvement of leisure tourists in unique culinary activities. As travellers actively seek genuine experiences for personal enrichment, there is a rising popularity of food tourism activities that offer authentic culinary experiences and showcase local culture. Moreover, travellers are shifting their preferences from upscale dining establishments to food festivals, street vendors, and food halls in order to savor authentic regional dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, the growth of food-focused travel websites and apps like EatWith, Yelp, and Opentable is further supporting the gastronomy/food tourism market growth by providing travellers with valuable information about local cuisines, food tourism options, and top-rated restaurants.

Moreover, the rise of food influencers, celebrity chefs, and culinary television shows has contributed to the popularisation of gastronomic tourism, inspiring travellers to explore new cuisines, flavours, and dining experiences. Additionally, government initiatives, tourism campaigns, and collaborations between stakeholders have further promoted food tourism as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in destinations around the world, consequently driving up the gastronomy/food tourism market share.

The market is characterised by emerging trends and innovations aimed at enhancing the traveller experience and driving destination competitiveness. Key trends shaping the market include the rise of food-focused travel platforms and apps, which provide travellers with curated culinary experiences, insider tips, and recommendations from local experts.

Additionally, there is a growing demand for immersive and interactive food experiences, such as farm-to-table tours, cooking classes, and food festivals, which allow travellers to engage directly with local producers, artisans, and chefs. Furthermore, sustainable and responsible tourism practices are gaining traction, with travellers seeking out eco-friendly dining options, organic food markets, and initiatives that support local communities and preserve culinary heritage, leading to gastronomy/food tourism market development.

The tourism market exhibits diverse trends and preferences across different regions and destinations. Europe, renowned for its culinary diversity and gastronomic heritage, remains a top destination for food tourism, with countries like Italy, France, and Spain attracting millions of food-loving travellers each year.

As per the gastronomy/food tourism market analysis, in Asia, vibrant street food cultures, Michelin-starred restaurants, and culinary traditions dating back centuries draw visitors from around the globe to destinations such as Japan, Thailand, and India. Similarly, Latin America, with its rich tapestry of flavours, spices, and indigenous ingredients, offers a tantalizing array of culinary experiences, from Peruvian ceviche to Brazilian churrasco.

By leveraging digital technologies, fostering cross-sectoral cooperation, and investing in workforce development and infrastructure, destinations can enhance their culinary offerings, attract discerning travellers, and position themselves as premier food tourism destinations on the global stage.

Market Segmentation

The market can be divided based on the activity, tour type, tourist category, and region

Market Breakup by Activity

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

Market Breakup by Tour Type

• Domestic
• International

Market Breakup by Tourist Category

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

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Competitive Landscape

The report looks into the market shares, plant turnarounds, capacities, investments, and mergers and acquisitions, among other major developments, of the leading companies operating in global gastronomy/food tourism market. Some of the major players explored in the report are as follows:

• The FTC4Lobe Group
• Greaves Travel Limited
• Butterfield & Robinson Inc.
• Abercrombie & Kent Ltd.
• TourRadar GmbH
• Gourmet on Tour
• Essor Ltd. (Secret Food Tours)
• California Corporation (International Culinary Tours)
• Classic Journeys LLC
• India Food Tour
• Others