Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type, By Application, By Tourist Type, By Region And Segment Forecasts 2026 – 2035

Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market Size, Share and Trends 2026 to 2035

According to MarketnReports, the global Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market size was estimated at USD 1248.2 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 4258.3 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 14.17% from 2026 to 2035. Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market is driven by rising interest in authentic cultural and food experiences among global travelers.

What are the Key Insights of the Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market?

• The global Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market was valued at USD 1248.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 4258.3 billion by 2035.
• The Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 14.17% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.
• The Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market is driven by increasing consumer interest in authentic culinary experiences and cultural exploration through food.
• In the type segment, food festivals dominate with a 30% share due to their ability to attract large crowds and showcase diverse cuisines in immersive events.
• In the application segment, international travel dominates with a 73% share because of the appeal of discovering exotic foods and traditions abroad.
• In the tourist type segment, existential tourists dominate with a 40% share owing to their desire for deep, authentic connections with local food cultures.
• Asia Pacific dominates the Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market with a 43% share attributed to rich culinary diversity, rising middle-class travelers, and strong promotion of food tourism in countries like Thailand and Japan.

What is the Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market Industry Overview?

The Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market encompasses travel experiences centered around food and beverages, where tourists explore local cuisines, culinary traditions, and gastronomic cultures as the primary motivation for their journeys. This market includes activities that immerse travelers in the food heritage of destinations, blending cultural exploration with sensory enjoyment. Market definition refers to the global industry focused on organized tours, festivals, classes, and experiences that highlight regional foods, cooking techniques, and dining customs, often integrating sustainability, authenticity, and innovation to appeal to food enthusiasts while contributing to local economies and preserving culinary heritage through tourism.

What are the Market Dynamics of the Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market?

Growth Drivers

The Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market is propelled by the growing desire among travelers for immersive cultural experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing, with food serving as a gateway to understanding local heritage, traditions, and communities. Social media platforms amplify this trend by showcasing viral food content, inspiring users to seek out unique dining adventures and share their own stories, thus creating a cycle of demand. Additionally, the rise in health-conscious and sustainable travel preferences encourages tours focused on organic, farm-to-table, and locally sourced meals, supported by government initiatives promoting regional cuisines as economic drivers, leading to expanded offerings and market growth.

Restraints

High travel costs associated with specialized culinary tours, including premium experiences like chef-led classes or exclusive tastings, limit accessibility for budget-conscious travelers, slowing market expansion in price-sensitive segments. Language barriers and cultural differences can hinder participation in interactive activities, reducing appeal for non-native speakers. Moreover, seasonal availability of certain foods and events restricts year-round offerings, while over-tourism in popular destinations leads to authenticity dilution and environmental concerns, impacting long-term sustainability and growth.

Opportunities

The integration of technology, such as AR-guided food tours and app-based booking for personalized experiences, offers avenues to enhance engagement and attract tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z travelers. Emerging destinations in Asia and Latin America provide untapped potential for unique, undiscovered cuisines, supported by infrastructure improvements. Furthermore, collaborations between tour operators and local producers can create sustainable, community-based programs, capitalizing on the demand for ethical tourism and opening new revenue streams through eco-friendly initiatives.

Challenges

Maintaining authenticity amid commercialization requires balancing tourist demands with cultural preservation, as over-adaptation can lead to diluted experiences. Supply chain disruptions, such as climate impacts on local ingredients, affect consistency and availability. Additionally, regulatory variations in food safety and tourism standards across regions complicate operations for international operators, while competition from virtual culinary experiences poses a threat to physical travel.

Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market: Report Scope

Report Attributes	Report Details
Report Name	Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market
Market Size 2025	USD 1248.2 Billion
Market Forecast 2035	USD 4258.3 Billion
Growth Rate	CAGR of 14.17%
Report Pages	220
Key Companies Covered	Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, Greaves Travel Ltd, India Food Tour, Classic Journeys, LLC, The FTC4Lobe Group, The Travel Corporation, and Others
Segments Covered	By Type, By Application, By Tourist Type, and By Region
Regions Covered	North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Latin America, and The Middle East and Africa (MEA)
Base Year	2025
Historical Year	2020 - 2024
Forecast Year	2026 - 2035
Customization Scope	Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs.

What is the Market Segmentation of the Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market?

The Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market is segmented by type, application, tourist type, and region.

By Type Segment. Food festivals emerge as the most dominant subsegment, followed by culinary classes as the second most dominant. Food festivals lead due to their large-scale events that combine diverse cuisines, cultural performances, and social interaction, attracting massive crowds; this dominance drives the market by boosting tourism revenue and promoting destinations as food hubs. Culinary classes rank second, offering hands-on learning of local recipes, contributing to market growth through immersive, educational experiences that foster repeat visits.

By Application Segment. International travel stands out as the most dominant subsegment, with domestic travel as the second most dominant. International travel's dominance arises from the excitement of exploring foreign cuisines and cultures, driving the market by increasing global tourism spending. Domestic travel follows, leveraging local discoveries for shorter trips, which propels market expansion by catering to budget and time constraints.

By Tourist Type Segment. Existential tourists is the most dominant subsegment, while recreational tourists ranks as the second most dominant. Existential tourists lead because of their quest for authentic, meaningful food connections; fueling market growth through premium, in-depth experiences. Recreational tourists come second, seeking fun food activities, driving the market by broadening appeal to casual travelers.

What are the Recent Developments in the Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market?

• In February 2023, the International Culinary Tourism Association (ICTA) announced a strategic partnership with World Food Travel Association (WFTA) to create a unified platform for the global culinary tourism industry.
• In May 2024, TripAdvisor launched a new feature called "Food Experiences" to cater to the growing demand for culinary tourism.
• In August 2024, the European Union (EU) approved a €50 million funding program to promote culinary tourism in member countries.
• In December 2022, A&K Travel Group Ltd. announced an equity partnership with Ecoventura, a sustainable travel company in the Galapagos Islands.
• In October 2022, Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) announced the opening of four new Destination Management Companies in Canada, Colombia, Namibia, and Saudi Arabia.

What is the Regional Analysis of the Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market?

Asia Pacific to dominate the global market.

Asia Pacific holds the largest share in the Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market, driven by diverse cuisines and rising middle-class travelers. China, as the dominating country, leads with its rich street food culture and government promotion of gastronomic tours, fostering economic growth through tourism.

North America follows with strong consumer demand for authentic experiences. The United States dominates this region through culinary festivals and innovative food scenes in cities like New York, enhancing market appeal.

Europe emphasizes historical and regional cuisines under sustainability policies. France stands out as the dominating country, renowned for its gourmet heritage and wine tours, driving premium tourism revenue.

Latin America grows through vibrant street food and eco-tourism. Mexico dominates, leveraging its UNESCO-listed cuisine for cultural immersion, supporting local economies.

The Middle East and Africa focus on spice routes and traditional fare. UAE leads as the dominating country, investing in luxury food experiences to diversify tourism.

What are the Key Market Players and Strategies in the Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market?

Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC focuses on luxury culinary journeys, investing in partnerships for exclusive chef-led experiences to attract high-end travelers.

Greaves Travel Ltd. Greaves Travel Ltd. prioritizes customized India food tours, expanding through digital marketing to highlight regional cuisines.

India Food Tour. India Food Tour emphasizes authentic street food explorations, strategizing on small-group immersive activities for cultural depth.

Classic Journeys, LLC. Classic Journeys, LLC integrates walking tours with gourmet dining, targeting active travelers for experiential growth.

The FTC4Lobe Group. The FTC4Lobe Group develops sustainable food tourism packages, partnering with local communities for ethical offerings.

The Travel Corporation. The Travel Corporation leverages global networks for multi-destination culinary itineraries, focusing on innovation.

What are the Market Trends in the Culinary Tourism/Gastronomy Market?

• Increasing focus on sustainable and farm-to-table experiences to align with eco-conscious travelers.
• Growth in immersive activities like cooking classes and market tours for authentic cultural engagement.
• Rise of health and wellness-oriented tours featuring organic and plant-based cuisines.
• Expansion of digital platforms for virtual and hybrid culinary experiences.
• Emphasis on niche segments such as wine, street food, and gourmet festivals.
• Integration of AR/VR for enhanced pre-trip planning and on-site interactions.

What are the Market Segments and their Subsegments Covered in the Report?

By Type

• Food Tours
• Food Festivals
• Culinary Classes
• Wine and Beverage Tours
• Local Markets and Street Food Experiences
• Farm-to-Table Experiences
• Gourmet Tours
• Cooking Workshops
• Culinary Trails
• Gastronomic Cruises
• Others

By Application

• Domestic Travel
• International Travel
• Cultural Exploration
• Health and Wellness
• Sustainable Dining
• Adventure Tourism
• Luxury Experiences
• Group Tours
• Solo Travel
• Family Trips
• Others

By Tourist Type

• Recreational Tourists
• Diversionary Tourists
• Existential Tourists
• Experimental Tourists
• Luxury Travelers
• Millennials
• Baby Boomers
• Gen X
• Gen Z
• Food Enthusiasts
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa