By 2025, over half of travelers will prioritize food when planning trips, according to Grandview Research. 81% of travelers actively seek culinary adventures abroad by that same year, marking a significant shift in global travel motivations.
Culinary tourism shows explosive growth and widespread traveler interest. However, its strategic importance as a primary travel driver often remains overlooked by destinations and the broader travel industry.
Based on current growth trajectories and consumer behavior, culinary and wine tourism will likely become indispensable pillars of the global travel industry, requiring destinations to strategically invest in and market their unique gastronomic offerings to remain competitive.
Over half of all travelers will prioritize food in trip planning by 2025, according to Grandview Research. Approximately 81% of travelers actively anticipate culinary adventures when journeying abroad by 2025, indicating a fundamental shift in how people approach travel experiences and further emphasizing food's central role in their plans.
Culinary experiences are no longer secondary but central to trip planning, revealing a profound shift in traveler priorities. This widespread demand suggests a strong market for diverse food-focused itineraries, making planning a culinary travel food adventure in 2026 a key consideration for many.
The Exploding Appetite for Culinary Adventures
The global culinary tourism market was valued at USD 16.11 billion in 2025, according to Grandview Research. This sector is projected to expand significantly, reaching USD 76.36 billion by 2033. The market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.9% from 2026 to 2033, indicating rapid expansion.
Culinary tourism is a high-growth sector, exceeding many other segments of the travel industry in its economic expansion. The sustained high CAGR points to a robust and expanding market for food-centric travel experiences, which destinations must acknowledge.
