Food will be the top economic driver for travelers in 2023, with 34% saying they prioritize restaurants and dining. Tourism boards around the world are taking notice and adjusting their products and itineraries to appeal to this burgeoning group of ‘gourmet’ travelers.
Food-focused adventures, such as wine tasting in Napa Valley, visiting a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, or taking a cooking class in India, are becoming a popular trend in the travel industry. Booking.com. Gourmet tourism, or gastrotourism, is exploding. This is the concept that travelers choose destinations explicitly based on cuisine.
of World Food Travel Association defines food tourism as “traveling for the taste of a place in order to get a sense of it.” In 2019, the global culinary world tourism market It is valued at $1.1 billion and is projected to increase to more than $1.79 billion by 2027.
gina porter GG Luxury Travel We are noticing an increase in requests. “Most of our clients want some kind of culinary experience, even if it’s just dining at a local authentic restaurant. At least 50% of our clients want a cooking class, vineyard visit, food tour, etc. I would like to have a cooking experience.”
Its appeal is obvious. Gourmet tourism allows travelers to experience the culture of a destination through the sensory and artistic medium of food. Even a simple trip, such as visiting a local food market, provides an opportunity to sample food and drinks that reflect local culture.
Appeal that transcends generations
“No matter who they are or where they are, customers love sampling at their destination,” says Luxury Travel Advisor. amy segal. Having the opportunity to experience the food world of another culture is a priority for many, as everyone can at least taste delicious food and drink.
Food-related travel experiences appeal to a variety of age groups, but they tend to favor affluent millennials and baby boomers. “Millennials love food experiences because they’re so popular on his TikTok and social media,” says Susan Bloom. personal getaway.
courtney nichols TRvLB Agree. “Millennials and Gen Xers are leading the way because they have jobs that allow them to make more money and have more disposable income.
Young travelers seek out food halls, night markets, food tours, cooking classes, and more to engage with local culture in an immersive, hands-on way. For Gen Z in particular, food tourism provides an opportunity to explore new places through an adventurous yet accessible activity: eating.
Fahad Khan, Director of Marketing & Technology jet level aviationsees this trend among younger visitors, stating that “they place a high value on unique and authentic experiences, especially when it comes to food.”
with lauren fry Art at sea reports a 40% increase in gourmet travel bookings from 2022 to 2023. In 2024, group requests will increase even more, with an average of eight guests per reservation. Food and beverage-centered vacations, like wine tasting in Tuscany or cheese making in Paris, offer secluded, bonding activities that appeal to honeymoons and large family gatherings.
France and Italy lead the way
Italy and France have long been at the forefront of gastronomy, boasting some of the world’s most iconic food, wine, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Ryogoku offers an immersive culinary experience rooted in tradition and local geography, from fresh ingredients. pasta From Tuscan wine tasting to Bordeaux wine tasting.
Fry points out that Italy is the biggest destination for bookings, with France a close second. Tuscany, Piedmont and Umbria are the most requested regions, especially by families looking for value for money. She points out that people requesting France are looking for a more gastronomic and sophisticated experience.
While cooking classes and walking tours are available to most travelers, boutique experiences are driving the rise in gastronomic tourism. “We saw a demand for more tangible and singular experiences. Olive oil Tasting is a prime example of this,” says Harvey Downward, Head of Bicycles. cycling for softies.
“Travelers are looking for experiences that help them understand the culinary components of a particular destination, build their food knowledge from the ground up, and create a more developed image of a location’s culinary scene.”
Southeast Asia
Singapore’s bustling hawker markets are a favorite spot for foodies looking for authentic South Asian cuisine and culture. With dozens of stalls under one roof, the hawker center serves a mouth-watering variety of local delicacies, including Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chilli crab.
luke charney chef’s tour Tourists in Bangkok say they want to stay away Pad thai Look out for unusual dishes you’ve never heard of before, such as green curry. ” The company also reports a surge in demand for these gourmet tours. “We are currently hosting over 250% more guests than during our pre-pandemic peak.”
Japan
With an emphasis on fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and artistic presentation, Japanese cuisine offers a gastronomic experience like no other. From sushi and sashimi to tempura, ramen, and yakitori, Japan has a wide variety of dishes and specialties.
Japan has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country in the world. Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are home to hundreds of restaurants featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide, making Japan a mecca for gourmet travelers.
Travel agencies and hotels welcome travelers with open arms and offer customized itineraries to hungry travelers. Naya Travel allows visitors to learn the delicate art of making sushi from master chefs in Tokyo and arrange early morning visits to the infamous Tsukiji market.
Kyoto-based travel company Oku Japan offers Japan’s Culinary Tour, a guided gourmet tour of Japan’s most cherished culinary traditions. Over the course of 11 days, participants will experience tofu making in Kyoto, tea culture in Uji, and wild vegetable picking with a wild vegetable master.
Underrated Gourmet Travel
Food trails, which focus on local products and services in a geographical area, are expanding worldwide. Canada’s Quebec province offers a gourmet trail of wine, cheese and charcuterie. The North Carolina Oyster Trail is a sustainable food trail that highlights the state’s many oyster farms.
Many of these tourism opportunities focus on empowering underrepresented populations.
place. Jiranileo provides an online platform where visitors to the African continent can find home-cooked meals. Book a meal at your host’s home and enjoy local cuisine while mingling with other guests. JilaniLeo takes pride in championing local African cuisine, expanding neighborhood relationships, and empowering women.
With its ability to cater to the senses, satisfy curiosity and immerse travelers in diverse cultures, it’s no wonder gastronomic adventure has become the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry.
This article was created by delicious knowledge Syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Alex Caspero is a registered dietitian, NYT bestselling chef, and founder of Delish Knowledge and Plant-Based Juniors. She focuses on making whole food, vegetarian meals delicious and simple. Her nutrition expertise and must-make recipes have been featured in Forbes, Today, The Washington Post, Parents, Vogue, Food Network, and more.
