Asia-Pacific Dominates the Culinary Tourism Market, With North America and Generation Y Driving Growth in Food-Related Travel

Published on November 27, 2025

The global culinary tourism market is experiencing tremendous growth, with expectations to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. This thriving market, valued at $1.1 trillion in 2019, is poised for significant expansion, fueled by the increasing desire for unique, authentic experiences, and the growing role of digital technology in travel booking. With an annual growth rate of 16.8%, culinary tourism is becoming one of the most influential sectors within the broader tourism industry. According to a recent report by Allied Market Research, this surge is largely driven by the rising interest in food festivals, cooking classes, culinary trials, and local gastronomy as primary travel motivations.

Travelers are no longer just visiting a destination to sightsee; they are exploring local cuisines, delving into food cultures, and participating in hands-on food activities. Online travel agencies (OTAs) have emerged as the dominant booking method for these experiences, facilitating easy access to culinary tours and accommodations, allowing tourists to conveniently book through their smartphones. This shift has transformed the way people travel, with Asia-Pacific leading the charge in the culinary tourism boom. Moreover, culinary tourism is quickly becoming a mainstay in destinations worldwide, offering a rich blend of tradition, culture, and culinary art that attracts both seasoned travelers and new adventurers.

Culinary Tourism Market Insights:

• Market Size and Growth Projections:
  • The culinary tourism market was valued at $1,116.7 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.8% from 2020 to 2027, reaching $1,796.5 billion by 2027. By 2035, it is projected to hit $1.8 trillion.
  • This growth is driven by increased demand for food-related travel experiences, including participation in food festivals, cooking classes, culinary trials, and the exploration of local cuisines.
• OTA Dominates the Culinary Tourism Market:
  • The OTA (Online Travel Agency) segment held the largest market share in 2019, accounting for nearly half of the global culinary tourism market. The OTA segment is projected to continue leading the market with the fastest-growing CAGR of 17.9% from 2020 to 2027.
  • This growth is attributed to the widespread adoption of smartphones and digital tools that make travel bookings more convenient, with travelers seeking packages that combine culinary activities with accommodation and dining experiences.
• Regional Market Overview:
  • Asia-Pacific currently leads the market with the largest share, capturing more than 40% of the global culinary tourism market in 2019. The region is expected to maintain its dominant position throughout the forecast period, driven by the increasing availability of traditional foods, unique beverages, and culturally rich food experiences.
  • North America is anticipated to grow at a significant pace, with a projected CAGR of 14.5% from 2020 to 2027, reflecting the increasing demand for culinary vacations and experiences in regions like California, New York, and Mexico.
• Culinary Activities Driving Market Growth:
  • The cooking classes segment is expected to witness the fastest growth, with an estimated CAGR of 17.8%. More tourists are seeking hands-on cooking experiences to learn authentic dishes from local chefs, which has increased the popularity of culinary schools and cooking workshops.
  • Food festivals continue to be the top activity in culinary tourism, accounting for nearly half of the market share in 2019. These festivals offer travelers the chance to sample diverse cuisines, learn about food cultures, and interact with local chefs and artisans.
• Challenges in the Market:
  • Despite its rapid growth, the market faces some challenges, including concerns related to political instability, natural disasters, and safety risks like terrorism and crime, which may hinder the tourism experience in certain regions.
  • However, affordable and convenient accommodation options, unique food destinations, and new travel booking technologies offer opportunities for growth and expansion.

Key Players in the Culinary Tourism Market:

• Abercrombie & Kent USA
• Classic Journeys
• G Adventures
• Greaves Travel
• India Food Tour
• ITC Travel Group Limited
• The Travel Corporation
• Tour Radar
• These market leaders are capitalizing on the growing demand for culinary tourism by offering bespoke travel experiences that combine local food culture, sustainable travel practices, and authentic experiences.

Trends and Opportunities:

• Experience-Focused Travel: Travelers are increasingly seeking authentic, immersive experiences, with a focus on local food cultures and culinary traditions that offer a deeper connection to the destination.
• Social Media Influence: The rise of social media platforms like Instagram has driven demand for Instagram-worthy food experiences, where travelers seek out the most photogenic and culturally significant food-related activities.
• Sustainability in Culinary Tourism: The growing awareness of sustainable tourism practices has led to more travelers seeking destinations that emphasize locally sourced ingredients, eco-friendly culinary practices, and support for local artisans.

Market Segmentation Analysis:

1. By Activity Type:
   • Culinary Trials and Food Festivals remain the most popular segments, with the latter holding the highest share in 2019. Cooking Classes are projected to experience the fastest growth.
2. By Age Group:
   • Generation Y (Millennials) holds the largest market share and is expected to continue dominating the market with significant growth. Their preference for food-focused travel and Instagrammable experiences is a key driver.
3. By Mode of Booking:
   • OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) account for the largest market share, and this segment is projected to continue growing at the fastest pace due to the increasing use of smartphones for travel bookings.

Conclusion:
The culinary tourism market represents a dynamic and rapidly expanding sector of the travel industry, with global revenues expected to soar to $1.8 trillion by 2035. As travelers continue to seek authentic, immersive food experiences, the demand for culinary tours, festivals, cooking classes, and local gastronomic adventures will continue to rise. The continued growth of OTAs, advancements in digital booking platforms, and the influence of social media will further fuel this growth, offering new opportunities for both travelers and businesses. As Asia-Pacific leads the charge, other regions like North America and Europe are also seeing an increase in culinary tourism activities, making this an exciting time for those looking to explore the world through its most tantalizing flavors.