What's Happening?
Culinary tourism is becoming a primary factor in travel decisions, with food experiences now central to how travelers choose destinations and plan itineraries. According to the 2026 TravelBoom Leisure
Travel Study, 80% of travelers consider food important when selecting a destination. This trend is not limited to luxury dining; 66% of travelers are excited about street food, and 64% prefer local experiences over fine dining. Culinary tourism includes activities like local food tours, cooking classes, and farm-to-table dining, offering travelers a deeper cultural connection through cuisine.
Why It's Important?
The rise of culinary tourism reflects a broader shift in travel preferences towards authentic and immersive experiences. This trend offers significant opportunities for the travel and hospitality industry to attract diverse demographics, including Boomers, families, and solo travelers, by integrating food experiences into their offerings. For hotels and destinations, this means creating partnerships with local chefs and food vendors, developing themed packages, and leveraging user-generated content to enhance marketing strategies. By focusing on culinary experiences, businesses can differentiate themselves and tap into a growing market of food-driven travelers.
What's Next?
As culinary tourism continues to gain traction, hotels and travel destinations are likely to expand their food-related offerings to meet demand. This could include more collaborations with local food artisans, the introduction of exclusive culinary events, and the development of on-property food programming. The emphasis on food as a travel driver may also lead to increased investment in culinary infrastructure and marketing, further solidifying food's role in the travel experience. As travelers increasingly seek out food-centric journeys, the industry will need to adapt to these evolving preferences to remain competitive.
