Culinary Tourism Market Size To Reach $76.36 Billion By 2033

February 2026 | Report Format: Electronic (PDF)

Culinary Tourism Market Growth & Trends

The global culinary tourism market size is expected to reach USD 76.36 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 21.9% from 2026 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Consumption of different types of food and beverage from various destination has been an ongoing trend, which is shifting in parallel with the changing consumer preferences, rising globalization, and development in technologies.

Due to rapid change in consumption habits, there has been increase in innovation of new food cuisines resulting in fusion and molecular dishes across the globe. However, many tourists prefer to consume food and beverages of the local region to gain an understanding and knowledge of the destination’s culture, heritage, and eating styles. Ethnic food constitutes one of the most crucial travel cuisines that attracts the attention of travelers to any place.

Regions exhibit food festivals as an activity for the tourists to participate in tasting various food dishes famous in that particular region. U.S. provides an exceptional range of food dishes, from the iconic New York-style pizza to BBQ specialties, offering an incredible gastronomic adventure. The city features various food tours, including pizza tours, dessert tours, BBQ tours, and gourmet walks, catering to the diverse tastes of food enthusiasts. The New York City Wine & Food Festival is arranged mostly in October every year, bringing together numerous celebrity chefs with display of high-quality wines from the finest wineries nearby.

Culinary tourism is one of the most trending forms among travelers in North America. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council Report 2022, North America contributed significantly to the world’s Travel and Tourism GDP; there was a positive change of 22.3% in the GDP of 2021 compared to 2020.

This change can be attributed to an increasing number of travelers, especially millennials, looking to change the way they explore new places and gain unique experiences. Exploring spiritualism, culinary, camping/glamping experiences, and even a private vacation with family and friends has emerged as a popular trend.

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Culinary Tourism Market Report Highlights

As of 2025, nearly fifty culinary traditions and food-related cultural practices have been recognized on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting the growing global acknowledgment of foodways, traditional cooking skills, and shared dining customs as vital components of cultural identity and heritage worldwide.
For instance, in September 2025, the Ministry of Tourism organised the 4th edition of World Food India at Bharat Mandapam to promote India’s diverse culinary heritage and position the country as a global food tourism destination.
According to a blog by World Expeditions, various locations are famous for various types of food items available that are popular due to any local ingredient used blended with any internationally preferred food.
Culinary tourism industry plays a significant role in the hospitality industry, as it helps increase ADR, food and beverage (F&B) revenue, and customer loyalty. Many travellers now plan their trips around food experiences.
The food festivals segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 30.92% in 2025. Events, food festivals, and culinary tours are major drivers of the culinary tourism industry, as they attract travellers to new destinations by offering diverse and immersive food experiences.
The direct travel segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 62.96% in 2025. Sales channels that provide optimal deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars aid travelers in exploring online options.
The existential segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 42.18% in 2025. Travelers actively seek local and regional culinary experiences, opting for eateries popular among the locals.
Europe dominated the global culinary tourism market with the largest revenue share of 32.18% in 2025. Travellers across Europe increasingly prefer authentic local and regional cuisine that reflects cultural heritage and traditional cooking practices, driving growth in the market.