Kenya Paves the Way for Culinary Tourism, Targeting Global Gastronomy Enthusiasts

Published on December 1, 2025

In order to take advantage of the growing global culinary tourism market, which reached an astounding Sh1.09 trillion in 2024, Kenya is making great progress in utilising its food culture as a strategic economic asset. Kenya’s tourism officials and industry participants are concentrating on establishing the country as a top destination for culinary tourists in recognition of the growing significance of food-driven travel. This development coincides with the emergence of culinary tourism as one of the most profitable segments of the global tourism industry, providing Kenya with a rare chance to diversify its sources of income and draw in high-end foreign visitors.

The Impact of Food-Driven Travel

The global culinary tourism market has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with 53 percent of leisure travelers identifying as culinary tourists. In fact, 81 percent of international travelers now choose their destinations based on food experiences, making gastronomy an essential factor in their travel decisions. This shift in preferences has prompted Kenya’s tourism marketers to re-evaluate the role of food in its tourism strategy. As a result, Kenya is actively exploring ways to integrate its rich food culture into the broader tourism experience, recognizing that food tourism is not just a trend but a long-term growth opportunity.

Culinary Events Highlight Kenya’s Potential

A notable example of Kenya’s growing emphasis on food tourism was demonstrated during a recent cookout at Nairobi National Park, which was part of the 10th annual Week of Italian Cuisine in the World. This event, designed to showcase the country’s culinary potential, provided an excellent platform for Kenya to amplify its gastronomic appeal to international markets. By combining Kenyan and Italian culinary traditions, the event aimed to foster cross-cultural exchanges and highlight the economic and cultural value that food brings to the tourism sector. The increased visibility generated by such events is expected to significantly boost Kenya’s global reputation as a culinary tourism destination.

The Global Appeal of Kenya’s Culinary Scene

The event also featured Italian chef and digital influencer Lulu Gargari, whose substantial online following is expected to further enhance Kenya’s international culinary appeal. As social media continues to play an influential role in promoting travel destinations, Kenya’s collaboration with high-profile figures in the culinary world aims to amplify its food tourism offerings globally. By showcasing local chefs and international culinary influencers, Kenya hopes to attract tourists seeking authentic, culturally rich food experiences.

Adapting Hospitality Training to Global Tastes

On the local front, Kenya’s hospitality industry is evolving to meet the demands of global food travelers. Chef Norah Bosibori, a prominent instructor at Utalii College, explained that the institution’s curriculum is continuously adapting to global food trends. Catering to a diverse range of international cuisines, Utalii College trains future hospitality professionals to meet the needs of travelers from all corners of the globe. From German sausages to Italian pastas and Japanese sushi, the college’s focus on global culinary traditions is preparing its students to cater to the growing demand for food-driven travel experiences in Kenya.

Kenya Tourism Board’s Strategic Vision

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is at the forefront of this culinary tourism initiative. Lorna Nyaga, KTB’s Marketing Director, emphasized that the push towards food tourism is part of a broader strategy to reposition Kenya’s tourism sector for higher-value growth. The focus on food-driven travel is seen as a key lever in attracting international tourists who are willing to spend more on authentic culinary experiences. Nyaga added that Kenya’s diverse culinary offerings – from indigenous dishes to international flavours – make it an attractive destination for food lovers seeking an immersive cultural experience.

Expanding Kenya’s Global Tourism Reach

The event at Nairobi National Park was a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including the Embassy of Italy, the Italian Cultural Institute, the Italian Trade Agency, the Kenya Wildlife Service, and Utalii College. This partnership underscores Kenya’s commitment to deepening its engagement with global culinary tourism and enhancing its competitiveness in the global travel market. By showcasing Kenya’s food culture through events and culinary collaborations, the country aims to boost international tourist spending and reinforce its position as a competitive tourism destination.

As part of its strategy, Kenya is also working on improving its infrastructure and hospitality offerings to ensure that the experience for culinary tourists is seamless and enjoyable. From the development of new dining experiences to the promotion of food festivals and culinary tours, the Kenya Tourism Board is driving initiatives to attract and retain food tourists.

A Bright Future for Food Tourism in Kenya

Kenya’s tourism sector has a promising future thanks to the increased focus on food tourism. Kenya has the potential to become a top travel destination for foodies by utilising its rich culinary legacy. As more and more tourists seek destinations that offer authentic and immersive culinary experiences, Kenya’s unique blend of traditional and modern cuisines is bound to appeal to a wide range of international visitors.

Kenya is well-positioned to benefit from this growing tourism industry because of its dedication to promoting its culinary culture as a major economic driver. Kenya is establishing itself as a must-visit location for foodies worldwide by forming solid alliances, making infrastructure investments, and continuing to modify its hospitality training to suit international preferences.