USA Culinary Tourism Boom: How Food Experiences are Shaping Travel Trends

Published on November 21, 2025

In the US, culinary tourism has emerged as a major force in the travel and tourism sector in recent years. A destination’s landmarks and scenic beauty are no longer sufficient reasons for tourists to travel there. Rather, more and more tourists are looking to use cuisine as a means of experiencing local culture. Culinary tourism is expected to grow at an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2%, from an estimated USD 2.7 billion in 2024 to an astounding USD 7.6 billion by 2030. Food is becoming an essential component of travel, and this increase in interest is being fuelled by a growing desire to discover the flavours of various places. As culinary tourism flourishes, several states across the country are strategically using this trend to boost their local dining scenes and attract more visitors.

Culinary Tourism: A New Way to Experience America

Culinary tourism refers to travel that is motivated by the desire to explore a destination’s cuisine and food culture. This trend has been on the rise as people increasingly look for authentic, immersive experiences during their travels. Dining is no longer just a necessity but an essential part of experiencing a place’s culture and history. For many travellers, food is a window into the identity of a region, offering insights into its traditions, people, and way of life. Local markets, food festivals, cooking classes, farm tours, and visits to vineyards or breweries are all part of this growing trend.

This shift is influencing travel patterns, with food now playing a central role in the decision-making process. Tourists are not only interested in popular tourist attractions but also in discovering the local food scene. As a result, many regions are capitalising on this interest by developing food-centric tourism offerings, helping them stand out in an increasingly competitive travel market. Culinary tourism is seen not only as a way to increase visitor numbers but also as a means of stimulating local economies, creating jobs, and promoting regional produce.

Regional Food Clusters: The Heart of Culinary Tourism

One of the key drivers of this growth in culinary tourism is the development of regional food clusters. These clusters are essentially networks of local food producers, restaurants, culinary schools, festivals, and markets that work together to create a distinctive food identity for a region. By building a cohesive food ecosystem, these clusters make it easier for travellers to experience the full spectrum of a destination’s culinary offerings in one place.

For instance, a region may focus on developing a specific food trail, such as a wine trail in Napa Valley or a barbecue trail in Kansas City. These food trails combine visits to local farms, cooking workshops, food festivals, and restaurant tours, offering a comprehensive and authentic culinary experience. By creating a “food destination”, these regions are attracting tourists who are eager to explore the flavours and food traditions unique to each location.

Regional food clusters also help to reinforce the authenticity of the food experiences on offer. By promoting local produce, small-scale farmers, and family-run restaurants, these clusters provide tourists with a genuine taste of the region. This focus on authenticity is particularly important in today’s travel landscape, where visitors are increasingly seeking meaningful, sustainable, and locally sourced experiences.

Economic Impact of Culinary Tourism

The economic impact of culinary tourism is far-reaching. For local communities, the growth of food tourism translates into increased spending in the hospitality and service sectors. Visitors often spend a significant portion of their travel budget on dining, food tours, and related experiences, which benefits local restaurants, food producers, tour operators, and accommodation providers. In fact, research shows that food-related spending accounts for a substantial portion of a tourist’s budget, with many travellers dedicating 25% or more of their total travel expenditure to food and drink.

In addition to direct spending, culinary tourism also creates jobs in the food and hospitality industries. Restaurants, food markets, tour operators, and even local farms all benefit from the influx of food-focused travellers. As more regions embrace the culinary tourism trend, the positive economic effects will likely ripple throughout the local economy, fostering growth and development.

Furthermore, culinary tourism helps to raise the profile of a destination, attracting international visitors who may not have otherwise considered the region. By promoting unique and region-specific food experiences, destinations can differentiate themselves from competitors, offering a new kind of travel experience that focuses on cultural immersion and local flavour.

The Future of Culinary Tourism in the USA

As culinary tourism continues to grow, the future looks promising for U.S. destinations that have embraced this trend. Projections suggest that the U.S. culinary tourism market will more than double by 2030, with states across the country seizing the opportunity to position themselves as food tourism hotspots. The appeal of local food cultures is expected to resonate with both domestic and international travellers, with regions such as California, the Pacific Northwest, and the South leading the way.

The next phase of growth for culinary tourism will likely see the expansion of food trails, festivals, and local food experiences, as more regions invest in developing their food-related offerings. With the continued rise of social media and food influencers, destinations with strong culinary identities can benefit from increased exposure, encouraging foodies from all over the world to visit.

Moreover, the demand for sustainable and ethical food tourism experiences is expected to grow, with more travellers seeking out farm-to-table experiences and locally sourced ingredients. This trend aligns well with the growing focus on sustainability in the travel industry, as travellers become more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their travel choices.

Overcoming Challenges in the Culinary Tourism Sector

While the future of culinary tourism in the U.S. appears bright, there are challenges to consider. As the sector grows, there will be increased pressure on local infrastructure, particularly in terms of capacity and sustainability. Popular food destinations may need to manage visitor numbers to avoid overcrowding and preserve the integrity of their food experiences.

Additionally, the competitive nature of the culinary tourism market means that regions must continually innovate and offer unique experiences to stay ahead. The rise of digital platforms and food influencers has changed the way people discover food destinations, making it crucial for regions to build a strong online presence and actively market their culinary offerings.

Regions must also ensure that their food tourism offerings remain authentic and do not become overly commercialised. If food experiences lose their genuine, local charm, they may fail to meet the expectations of increasingly discerning travellers.

Culinary Tourism as a Key to Travel Growth

In the US travel industry, culinary tourism is now a thriving and expanding sector rather than a niche market. The economic and cultural advantages are evident as regional food clusters become a key component of many destinations’ tourism strategies. By emphasizing regional culinary customs, sustainability, and genuine experiences, areas can establish themselves as must-visit culinary destinations and draw in a fresh generation of tourists eager to discover the world’s flavours.

The growth of culinary tourism offers travelers and destinations an exciting chance to experience and market food in a novel way. The future of culinary tourism in the United States appears bright, with the potential to change how we discover and enjoy the country’s many flavours as food becomes an essential part of travel.