Gastronomic tourism to grow by more than 17% by 2028

15-02-23

The global gastronomy tourism market size reached US$ 805.9 billion in 2022. Looking ahead, the sector is expected to reach US$ 2114.2 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.44% by 2028.

Food tourism, or gastronomic tourism, is a form of travel that involves visiting novel or touristy places to explore the local culture through authentic food and dishes. It includes a variety of activities such as culinary tours, cooking classes, food festivals, guided food tours and agricultural weekends.

Food tourism emphasises an enhanced experience of dining and tasting novel foods, as well as educational initiatives to improve knowledge of local cuisines. It also helps to increase demand for regional food and beverages, creating social and cultural awareness and intensifying the connection between people and food, thus generating fond memories for tourists.

Significant growth in the tourism and hospitality industries worldwide is one of the key factors creating a positive outlook for the market. In addition, the proliferation of various social media platforms is driving the growth of the market. Food and travel bloggers are increasingly participating in food tourism activities for unique experiences and creating more awareness among the masses about local cuisines.

Consumers prefer private, serene and exotic locations with a prevalent food culture to get away from their hectic schedules and busy lifestyles and gain authentic experiences. In line with this, the availability of convenient and affordable travel and accommodation facilities is also contributing to the growth of the market.

Various technological advancements, such as the use of smartphone apps, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and big data solutions to monitor consumer preferences and generate personalised itineraries, are also supporting the growth of the market.

Other factors, including the implementation of beneficial government policies that promote food tourism, along with the increasing spending power of consumers, are anticipated to drive market growth.