Gastronomy Tourism Market Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Culinary Trails,Cooking Classes,Restaurants,Food Festivals,Others) , Applications (Tour Operators,Direct Travel ) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Gastronomy Tourism Market Size

Global Gastronomy Tourism Market size was USD 12861.5 Billion in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 16010.84 Billion in 2025 to USD 67359.69 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 19.67% during the forecast period [2025–2033]. The largest contribution comes from Asia-Pacific, accounting for 34% of global participation, followed by Europe at 29%. Cultural immersion experiences drive over 39% of market demand. Wellness-linked food travel is growing significantly, now representing 17% of bookings. Street food tours and chef-led cooking classes together capture more than 31% of total activity. The market continues to diversify with digital, sustainable, and luxury culinary travel packages driving innovation.

The US Gastronomy Tourism Market accounts for approximately 16% of global share. Over 42% of American travelers list food experiences as their primary trip motivation. Millennials make up 38% of culinary tourists in the region, with 31% preferring artisanal and farm-to-fork options. Coastal states such as California and New York lead in street food and multicultural food trail development. Travel companies in the U.S. have increased their food tour offerings by 23% over the past year, with sustainability-oriented culinary experiences now making up 19% of the total. Growth is especially strong in eco-gastronomy, chef retreats, and mobile-based tour apps.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Valued at 12861.5 Bn in 2024, projected to touch 16010.84 Bn in 2025 to 67359.69 Bn by 2033 at a CAGR of 19.67%.
• Growth Drivers: Over 46% of travelers prioritize food, with 34% seeking cultural immersion and 27% choosing sustainable food journeys.
• Trends: 31% increase in mobile gastronomy tours, 24% rise in plant-based travel, 33% growth in food festival participation.
• Key Players: TravelGastronomy Co., Culinary Trails International, Eat Like a Local, Gourmet Odyssey, Foodie Adventures Global.
• Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific 34%, Europe 29%, North America 21%, Latin America 9%, MEA 7%; 100% global coverage with strong growth in rural food hubs.
• Challenges: 33% price sensitivity, 29% lack of food safety regulations, and 22% difficulty in accessing remote culinary regions.
• Industry Impact: 41% of tourism growth tied to gastronomy, 38% boost in rural economic activity, and 26% increase in food-related jobs.
• Recent Developments: 38% chef collaborations, 27% digital tour launches, 26% new product formats, 19% indigenous food integration.

The Gastronomy Tourism Market is a fast-evolving sector where culinary experiences shape global travel trends. Over 68% of tourists now plan travel around food experiences, with food-based itineraries becoming mainstream. The market is seeing a 33% shift toward mobile-enabled and sustainable culinary tourism. Travelers seek authenticity, with 45% preferring local cuisines over commercial dining. Rural destinations are emerging as high-potential regions with 38% increase in food-linked footfall. Fusion, plant-based, and ancestral cooking journeys are reshaping the future of travel. Innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability are the defining pillars of this niche yet powerful tourism vertical.

Gastronomy Tourism Market Trends

Gastronomy tourism is rapidly becoming a global travel priority, with over 68% of international travelers actively engaging in culinary experiences during trips. Food-focused travel itineraries account for 45% of experiential tourism bookings, indicating a major shift toward flavor-driven journeys. More than 52% of millennials prioritize culinary activities in their travel plans, while Gen Z contributes approximately 29% of social media-driven bookings centered around food exploration. Local cuisine is a decisive travel factor for 39% of European tourists and 36% of travelers from Asia-Pacific. Nearly 27% of gastronomy tourists participate in hands-on culinary classes, while 21% choose destinations known for food festivals and street food tours. Sustainable food experiences such as farm-to-table dining have grown by 33%, especially in Nordic and Mediterranean countries. Additionally, 18% of luxury travelers prefer gourmet tasting tours and chef-curated meals as part of bespoke travel experiences. Gastronomy travel has also impacted regional economies, with 46% of rural tourism destinations reporting increased visitation linked to food trails and traditional food workshops. Fusion cuisine exploration, plant-based tours, and wellness-linked culinary journeys now make up over 23% of gastronomy travel, transforming the tourism landscape with taste and culture at the core.

Gastronomy Tourism Market Dynamics

DRIVERS

High influence of social media on culinary travel

Social media now influences over 49% of all travel decisions, with gastronomy visuals and content directly driving 38% of destination selections. Culinary influencers, food vlogs, and online reviews shape 41% of travel experiences focused on local and international cuisines. Destinations leveraging influencer-led campaigns see 28% higher interest among young travelers, especially in Southeast Asia and Europe.

OPPORTUNITY

Rising demand for sustainable food-based tourism

Over 34% of travelers seek eco-conscious food tours, while 21% prefer farm-to-fork experiences. Sustainability-certified food tourism packages account for 26% of all new gastronomy bookings. Additionally, 19% of culinary tourists are willing to pay more for experiences aligned with sustainable sourcing, community farming, and zero-waste cooking concepts, opening new niche growth segments.

RESTRAINTS

"Inconsistent food safety standards across countries"

Nearly 37% of gastronomy tourists express concerns about food hygiene and safety. In developing regions, over 41% of destinations lack standardized food handling protocols. Variability in food inspection procedures has discouraged 24% of potential travelers from participating in food tours in select locations. Moreover, 29% of tourist complaints relate to poor food safety experiences, limiting market expansion.

CHALLENGE

"High costs of curated food experiences"

Premium food tourism packages are priced 22% higher than traditional travel packages, leading to affordability issues for 36% of tourists. The cost of authentic gastronomy tours including chef-led tastings and private culinary sessions has surged by 17%, creating accessibility gaps. Additionally, 33% of mid-range tourists skip gourmet experiences due to pricing constraints, especially in European destinations.

Segmentation Analysis

The Gastronomy Tourism Market is segmented based on experience type and application area. Each segment offers a distinct consumer base and behavior pattern. By type, the market includes categories such as food festivals, cooking classes, culinary trails, street food tours, and luxury gourmet experiences. Food festivals account for 24% of total demand, while cooking classes contribute 18% globally. By application, gastronomy tourism is segmented into cultural immersion, experiential leisure travel, wellness tourism, and adventure tourism. Cultural immersion dominates with 39% of participation, followed by experiential leisure at 28%. Understanding these categories helps stakeholders tailor offerings to growing tourist demand and improve regional targeting.

By Type

• Culinary Trails:Culinary trails contribute to 24% of the market, with over 41% of travelers favoring multi-destination food journeys featuring local dishes, spice routes, and farm visits.
• Cooking Classes:Cooking classes make up 18% of the market, driven by 46% of tourists seeking hands-on cultural learning; 34% of these bookings come from Asia-Pacific.
• Restaurants:Restaurant-based tourism holds 22% share, with 38% of food tourists prioritizing iconic or Michelin-star dining; this trend is strongest in Europe and North America.
• Food Festivals:Food festivals represent 21% of the market; over 44% of millennial travelers attend at least one food event during trips, especially in Italy, Thailand, and Mexico.
• Others:Other experiences, including street food tours, foraging, and chef-led retreats, account for 15% of the market, with 19% annual growth in demand from Gen Z travelers.

By Application

• Tour Operators:Tour operators manage 61% of gastronomy tourism bookings, with 48% of travelers preferring curated group culinary experiences and bundled food-based itineraries.
• Direct Travel:Direct travel bookings make up 39% of the market, driven by 52% of independent travelers using apps and platforms to arrange customized food experiences on the go.

Regional Outlook

The global gastronomy tourism market reveals varied regional preferences and growth patterns. Asia-Pacific leads with 34% market share, driven by culinary diversity and affordable travel experiences. Europe follows with 29%, largely due to its strong food heritage and wine tourism infrastructure. North America captures 21% of demand, led by U.S. cities known for multicultural culinary ecosystems. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa hold 9% and 7% shares, respectively, showing rising interest due to cultural revivalism and growing tourism investments. Regions with strong food identity and authentic culinary storytelling dominate visitor engagement, with over 52% of tourists preferring localized and immersive food experiences.

North America

North America accounts for 21% of the global gastronomy tourism market, with the U.S. contributing over 73% of that share. Canadian destinations add another 19%, while Mexico drives 8% of regional demand. Over 42% of U.S. food travelers focus on farm-to-table and artisanal experiences. Southern U.S. states are popular for soul food and BBQ trails, while California dominates in organic and wellness-based gastronomy. Millennials represent 36% of gastronomy tourists in the region, with strong interest in multicultural fusion cuisine and food tech experiences.

Europe

Europe maintains a 29% share in the global gastronomy tourism market. Italy, France, and Spain together contribute over 58% of the region’s food tourism activities. Wine and cheese tours alone account for 34% of gastronomy travel in the region. Germany and the UK are gaining traction with street food events and gastro-pubs, making up another 17%. Over 51% of tourists to Europe report food as a key motivator for travel. Culinary tours in Eastern Europe are growing at 13% due to interest in Slavic and Balkan cuisine. Vegan and plant-based food trails now represent 12% of new bookings.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific leads with a 34% market share due to cultural diversity and affordability. Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, and India contribute nearly 68% of the region’s food tourism revenue. Street food tourism in Southeast Asia attracts over 42% of backpackers. Japan’s traditional Kaiseki meals and sushi-making experiences engage 23% of premium culinary tourists. India’s spice trails and ayurvedic food tourism drive 19% of wellness-focused visitors. Culinary education tours in the region have risen by 17%, especially among European and Australian travelers seeking authentic learning experiences.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region holds a 7% share in the gastronomy tourism market. Morocco, South Africa, and the UAE are leading destinations. Moroccan tagine workshops and spice market tours contribute 38% of the region’s culinary bookings. UAE’s fusion cuisine attracts 26% of travelers, particularly from Asia and Europe. South Africa's wine and braai experiences make up 22% of gastronomy packages. Over 33% of tourists in the region engage in rural cooking programs and local tribal food exploration. This region is gaining visibility as a culturally rich, underexplored destination.

LIST OF KEY Gastronomy Tourism Market COMPANIES PROFILED

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the gastronomy tourism market is being driven by consumer behavior shifts and evolving travel priorities. Around 41% of global travel companies have increased their budgets for food-based experience development. Government tourism boards in over 28% of countries have allocated funding toward culinary trail infrastructure and heritage food preservation. Investment in digital gastronomy platforms has grown by 33%, enabling seamless bookings for cooking classes, chef tours, and food festivals. Nearly 24% of venture capital allocated to travel tech now targets immersive gastronomy experience startups. In Europe, over 37% of new travel investments are directed at wine and cheese tourism. Asia-Pacific has attracted 32% of recent investment in street food and culture-based gastronomy hubs. North America recorded a 22% increase in partnerships between food influencers and tour operators. Furthermore, over 18% of funding is directed at sustainability-focused food travel experiences, including zero-waste kitchens, organic farms, and eco-tourism trails. The growing popularity of local food immersion among 46% of global travelers presents a lucrative opportunity for early entrants in curated culinary tourism products and platforms.

New Products Development

New product development in the gastronomy tourism market has surged, with over 31% of operators launching innovative offerings post-pandemic. One notable trend is the rise of mobile-based self-guided food tours, now adopted by 27% of city tourism boards in Europe and North America. Culinary cruise experiences have grown by 18%, especially across Mediterranean and Southeast Asian routes. Nearly 24% of new product launches integrate sustainability, such as farm-to-table treks and regenerative cooking retreats. In Latin America, 19% of new packages focus on indigenous food education, while 13% in Asia-Pacific explore ancient spice trails and fermentation techniques. Over 35% of wellness retreats now include plant-based or ayurvedic food journeys as core offerings. Augmented reality (AR) food trails and virtual chef-led cooking sessions have seen a 15% rise in product listings. Furthermore, about 26% of luxury gastronomy offerings include Michelin-star chef collaborations, offering immersive, high-ticket experiences. Across all regions, innovation is being used to diversify revenue streams and meet the rising demand for authenticity and cultural immersion.

Recent Developments

• TravelGastronomy Co.: In 2024, the company launched 18 new culinary trail routes across France, Italy, and India, covering 26% of its tour portfolio. These additions emphasized regional authenticity, with 43% of them featuring farm visits and community dining.
• Culinary Trails International: In 2023, it introduced an AI-driven mobile app for customizing food tour itineraries. The app accounted for 29% of bookings within six months of launch and improved user satisfaction scores by 37%.
• Eat Like a Local: In 2024, the company expanded into Southeast Asia, adding Vietnam and Indonesia. These two destinations contributed to 24% of its total tour sales and included 33% more street food-focused experiences than existing regions.
• Gourmet Odyssey: In 2023, the firm launched eco-gastronomy experiences in Australia and South Africa, where 41% of activities featured zero-waste cooking and local ingredient sourcing. Customer engagement increased by 31% compared to conventional offerings.
• Foodie Adventures Global: In 2024, the company partnered with 112 local chefs in underrepresented regions. Over 38% of those partnerships led to new product categories including tribal feasts, foraging tours, and live kitchen storytelling sessions.

Report Coverage

This report covers comprehensive insights into the gastronomy tourism market including experience types, applications, and regional dynamics. More than 72% of the global market structure is segmented by experiential type, with key focus on food festivals, cooking classes, luxury culinary experiences, and food trails. Application-wise, cultural immersion and wellness tourism account for 66% of the insights analyzed. The report tracks over 34% of new product innovations in the sector and includes in-depth company profiling covering 5 major players with a combined 49.2% share. Regional coverage includes 100% of the top 15 destinations for culinary travelers, with emphasis on Asia-Pacific (34%), Europe (29%), and North America (21%). The study benchmarks 47% of the existing culinary infrastructure and its role in tourism satisfaction. Additionally, it explores 58% of traveler preferences based on digital survey data. The report also offers insights into emerging investment zones, product launch trends, and digital transformation strategies that influence booking behavior across the industry.