Culinary Tourism Market: A Growing Global Trend by 2027

Published on December 10, 2025

Because of the desire for unique experiences, the travel industry is seeing a rise in culinary tourism. More and more travelers are looking for more than just breathtaking views and historical sites. They are looking to experience the culture through food and participate in the local food traditions. Because of this, the culinary tourism market is expected to grow to $1.8 trillion in the year 2027, and is growing at a 16.8% annual rate.

Key Drivers of Culinary Tourism Growth

The rise of culinary tourism is largely attributed to several factors. One of the most significant is the increasing demand for unique, immersive travel experiences. Tourists are seeking destinations where food plays a central role in their travel experience. This growing interest is also being fueled by the power of social media, which allows travelers to discover new destinations and food trends at the touch of a button. Food photos shared on social media platforms have the ability to inspire millions, creating a viral wave of interest in culinary tourism.

Additionally, travelers are more likely to choose destinations based on their culinary offerings, which may include everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. The rise of food festivals and cooking classes further adds to the allure of culinary tourism, allowing visitors to engage directly with local chefs and food artisans. With these evolving trends, culinary tourism is expected to maintain its growth trajectory in the coming years.

Online Travel Agencies: Dominating the Market

In terms of booking preferences, online travel agencies (OTAs) are leading the way in the culinary tourism market. OTAs captured nearly half of the market share in 2019, and their dominance is expected to continue in the forecast period. The growing use of smartphones and travel apps has made it easier for tourists to plan and book their culinary vacations. With the convenience of online platforms, travelers can easily find and book culinary tours, cooking classes, and restaurant reservations with just a few clicks.

OTAs are also appealing because they often offer attractive deals and packages that make culinary tourism more affordable and accessible to a broader audience. As smartphone adoption continues to rise, the OTA segment is expected to experience the fastest growth, with a projected CAGR of 17.9% from 2020 to 2027.

Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific and North America Lead the Charge

Regionally, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the culinary tourism market. In 2019, this region accounted for over 40% of the market share, driven by the diverse and rich culinary heritage of countries such as Japan, Thailand, China, and India. Asia-Pacific offers an unparalleled variety of traditional foods and beverages, making it an enticing destination for food enthusiasts from around the world.

The region is expected to continue leading the market, with a projected CAGR of 17.8% from 2020 to 2027. Countries like Thailand and Japan have become particularly popular among culinary tourists due to their distinct and globally renowned food cultures. Whether it’s sushi in Japan or street food in Thailand, the diversity of flavors and experiences makes Asia-Pacific a must-visit destination for culinary tourists.

North America is another region that is witnessing significant growth in culinary tourism. With the rise of food tourism in cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Mexico City, North America is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for food lovers. The region’s culinary scene is diverse, offering everything from upscale fine dining to casual street food, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% through 2027.

Challenges in Culinary Tourism

While the future of culinary tourism looks promising, it is not without its challenges. Geopolitical instability, rising crime rates, and natural disasters can negatively affect tourism trends, making some destinations less appealing to potential travelers. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, severely impacted global travel, including culinary tourism. However, as the world recovers, the sector is expected to bounce back strongly.

Security concerns in certain regions can deter tourists from visiting culinary hotspots, especially in countries facing political instability. However, this challenge presents an opportunity for destinations to prioritize safety and security in their tourism offerings, reassuring travelers that their well-being is a top priority.

Emerging Opportunities

Despite these challenges, culinary tourism is full of emerging opportunities. One of the key factors contributing to the sector’s growth is the increasing availability of budget-friendly travel options and convenient accommodations. Many culinary tourists prefer to stay in local guesthouses or Airbnb properties that allow them to experience food culture more intimately, while also saving on costs.

Destinations that offer all-inclusive food tours or cooking classes are also seeing increased demand. These types of experiences allow travelers to learn about the local culture while enjoying a hands-on, interactive experience. Furthermore, food festivals continue to grow in popularity, providing tourists with opportunities to explore regional cuisine on a larger scale.

Guide for Culinary Travelers

For those planning a culinary vacation, here are a few tips to make the most of the experience:

• Research Local Cuisine: Before traveling, learn about the local food culture and must-try dishes. Websites like government tourism boards and reputable travel blogs often provide insights into the best food experiences.
• Book Culinary Tours: Look for guided food tours or cooking classes that offer a deeper dive into the culinary traditions of the region.
• Explore Markets and Street Food: Don’t forget to visit local food markets or street food stalls, which often offer the most authentic and affordable dishes.
• Stay Locally: Consider staying with local hosts or in small boutique hotels to truly immerse yourself in the food culture of the destination.

By following these tips, culinary tourists can enhance their travel experience and fully immerse themselves in the flavors and traditions of their destination.

Conclusion

There is a likelihood that more people will want to travel around the world just to eat these new flavors over the next 10 years. Tourism will likely grow because more people want to travel and there is an increasing availability of travel sites online. Asia-Pacific will probably be the most popular destination to visit for new flavors while North America has the potential for a high level of growth. While more people will probably travel to be a part of food culture more deeply, culinary tourism will be a dominant travel market and with the right food tourism will be exciting.