The "Culinary Tourism Market Report by Activity Type, Tour Type, Age Group, Booking Mode and Region 2024-2032" by ResearchAndMarkets.com, maintains that the global culinary tourism market size reached 946.4 billion dollars in 2023.
And following this, the market is projected to reach $3,515.1 billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 15.7% during 2023-2032.
The market is experiencing steady growth driven by the desire for cultural exploration and authentic experiences among the masses, the impact of social media in shaping travel behaviors and the number of destinations offering healthy, locally sourced and healthy dining experiences. sustainable.
Food is an integral part of cultural identity, and sampling a region's local cuisine offers a direct and immersive way to understand and interact with different cultures. This factor particularly appeals to travelers looking for ways to experience the world more deeply than traditional sightseeing tours allow.
The growth of the trend of authenticity in travel experiences, along with the number of tourists seeking to connect with local communities and understand their traditions and way of life, is driving this market. Culinary tourism provides this connection, allowing travelers to experience a culture through its flavors, culinary techniques and food rituals, making their travel experience more memorable and meaningful.
In relation to this, in October 2023 the 8th edition of the UNWTO World Gastronomic Tourism Forum (currently called UN Tourism) took place in Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain. The fundamental objective of this event was to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences between experts in tourism and gastronomy, identify good practices within gastronomic tourism and highlight the importance of gastronomy in the development of tourist destinations.
The theme was “Gastronomic Tourism: Back to the Roots,” a concise phrase that recalls the importance of establishing connections with culture, history, heritage and the local community. The purpose of this is for gastronomic tourism to become a source of income, development and valorization for producers, a tool for the preservation of products and cultural heritage and an opportunity for inclusion for women, young people and disadvantaged communities in the supply chain. worth.
Another of the important points that make gastronomic tourism is the increase in the influence of social networks.
Social media platforms are becoming vital in shaping travel behaviors, and dining experiences are often shared and popularized online. The visual appeal of local and unique cuisines, along with the storytelling aspect of the food, makes for highly shareable content.
Social media influencers and food bloggers play a crucial role in this trend, inspiring their followers to seek out similar experiences.
At the 2023 UNWTO World Gastronomic Tourism Forum, Rafael Tonon, coordinator of the Master in Gastronomic Communication and Journalism at the Basque Culinary Center, began his presentation by highlighting how food has become an essential part of the stories we share in the world. present. The way we communicate our culinary experiences influences how we enjoy and understand gastronomy.
The impact of technology and social media has revolutionized the way you communicate about food. The constant generation of content and “virality” have changed the rules of the game. In this hyperconnected and increasingly competitive context, telling the story behind each dish and business becomes a crucial element to differentiate ourselves.
Health and wellness trends.
Modern travelers are becoming more health conscious and seeking dining experiences that align with their lifestyle choices, such as organic, farm-to-table, vegan, or gluten-free options. This shift is leading to an increase in destinations offering healthy, locally sourced and sustainable dining experiences.
Culinary tourism is no longer just about indulging, but also about experiencing food in a way that is beneficial for both the body and the environment. Additionally, there is a growing interest in learning about the nutritional aspects of different cuisines and participating in culinary activities related to wellness, such as cooking classes focused on healthy recipes.
Economic development and diversification.
By attracting tourists, gastronomy provides sources of income not only for restaurants and food vendors, but also for local farmers, market operators and artisans. This influx of visitors helps support small businesses and artisanal producers, preserving local culinary traditions and promoting regional cuisine.
Additionally, culinary tourism encourages investment in local infrastructure and services, improving the overall tourism experience and potentially leading to a more sustainable and diversified local economy. Governments and tourism boards often recognize the economic potential of promoting regional cuisines and invest in marketing campaigns and events such as food festivals, cooking workshops and food tours, generating even more interest and economic benefits in the area. .
Growing interest in culinary skills and education.
Many culinary tourists are interested in learning culinary skills and techniques specific to a region. This is leading to the popularity of cooking classes, workshops and food tours as part of travel itineraries. These interactive experiences provide a deeper understanding of local cuisines and allow travelers to take home new skills and recipes.
Culinary education as part of tourism not only enriches the travel experience but also helps preserve traditional cooking methods and recipes, transmitting them to an international audience. This educational aspect of culinary tourism attracts a wide range of travelers, from amateur cooks to professional chefs.
Innovation in culinary experiences.
This includes the rise of themed restaurants, experimental cuisine, culinary storytelling, and the combination of food with entertainment and technology. These innovative experiences attract tourists looking for something beyond the traditional dining experience. Immersive dining experiences that combine food with art, entertainment or interactive technology create a unique and memorable aspect of the trip.
Additionally, the growing trend of pop-up restaurants and secret diners in various cities around the world adds an element of exclusivity and surprise, further attracting culinary tourists.
Sources:
PRNewswire.
Researchandmarkets.
Report 8th UNWTO World Gastronomic Tourism Forum.