United States (USA) Culinary Tourism Market Overview, 2029

The U.S. culinary tourism market offers a unique and diverse landscape, driven by a rich tapestry of regional cuisines, immigrant influences, and an evolving food culture. From the succulent BBQ traditions of the South to the fresh seafood bounty of the coasts, and the innovative farm-to-table movement taking root across the nation, the U.S. caters to discerning palates seeking authentic experiences and memorable taste journeys. This report delves into the current state of this dynamic market, analyzing its growth drivers, key trends, and future potential, providing valuable insights for stakeholders across the tourism and hospitality industries.

According to the research report "United States culinary tourism market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the United States culinary tourism market is expected to add more than USD 150 Billion from 2024 to 2029. The growth drivers for the US culinary tourism market include increasing demand for experiential travel and diverse cuisines, spurred by social media and technological advancements. Wellness and sustainability concerns are also contributing factors, leading to a rise in interest for farm-to-table experiences. Additionally, affordable travel options are making international culinary adventures more accessible. Demographic shifts, such as aging populations and growing diversity, further shape the market. Furthermore, government support, along with the availability of niche experiences and personalized offerings, are enhancing the appeal of culinary tourism in the US.

The report has been segmented in five segments on the basis of activity type Culinary trails which typically refer to curated journeys or experiences that focus on exploring and enjoying the diverse and distinctive foods of a particular region or culture. These trails are designed to showcase the unique culinary offerings of an area, allowing participants to savor local flavors, traditional dishes, and the rich gastronomic heritage of the destination. Cooking classes, a cooking class is a structured educational session where individuals or groups come together to learn and practice cooking techniques, culinary skills, and recipes under the guidance of an instructor or chef. Restaurants, a restaurant is a business establishment that prepares and serves food and drinks to customers. Customers typically consume their meals on the premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services. Food festivals, a food festival is an event that celebrates and showcases a variety of food and culinary offerings, often featuring a diverse range of dishes, cuisines, and culinary styles. These festivals are organized to bring together food enthusiasts, chefs, local vendors, and the community at large to indulge in a gastronomic experience. Food festivals can take place in different settings, such as outdoor venues, marketplaces, parks, or designated event spaces. Lastly others include food tour, cooking competitions , pop-up restaurant . Culinary trails are leading the USA culinary market with the highest market share as travelers crave deeper connections and immersion beyond the typical tourist experience. Food tours offer precisely that, allowing them to engage with local food purveyors, delve into culinary history, and savor authentic flavors directly from the source. Culinary trails aligns perfectly with the growing demand for authenticity, as these tours often focus on smaller, local venues and traditional dishes, resonating with those seeking genuine cultural experiences . It offers a diverse array of experiences, catering to a wide range of tastes and interests. Whether one seeks adventurous street food crawls, elegant winery visits, or immersive farm-to-table adventures, there's something to captivate every palate and curiosity. This variety ensures broad appeal across different traveler demographics.

Food festivals are forecasted to have the highest CAGR. Food festivals draw crowds and capture hearts with their widespread accessibility and diverse appeal. Budget-friendly entry fees further solidify their appeal, opening doors to a broader audience, including families drawn to the festive, family-friendly atmosphere and dedicated activities. But food festivals offer more than just a feast for the stomach. Workshops, demonstrations, and tastings transform them into immersive learning journeys, aligning perfectly with the growing desire for unique experiences. Attendees become culinary explorers, discovering hidden gems, emerging trends, and diverse vendors, quenching their thirst for authenticity and cultural immersion.

By the mode of booking the report has been segmented in three segments : Online travel agents, an Online Travel Agent (OTA) refers to a web-based platform or application that allows users to book and reserve travel-related services and accommodations online. Traditional Agents, it may refer to travel agents who operate in physical brick-and-mortar offices or agencies. These agents typically assist clients in person or over the phone, providing guidance on travel options, booking flights, hotels, and other accommodations. Direct Booking, it refers to the process by which consumers make reservations or purchases directly with a business or service provider, bypassing third-party intermediaries or channels.
Online Travel Agents (OTA ) are leading the market share with highest market share in the US Culinary market as tech-savvy travelers flock to OTAs, their one-stop shops for exploring, comparing, and booking diverse culinary experiences - from food tours to gourmet classes. This mobile-first approach aligns perfectly with evolving demand for curated, personalized adventures, fueled by user reviews and catering to diverse budgets and preferences. Competitive pricing, exclusive deals, and bundled packages further entice budget-conscious travelers, especially as value-seeking behavior grows. Moreover, seamless integration with flights and accommodation simplifies trip planning, appealing to time-pressed consumers. As convenience, personalization, and affordability remain key trends, OTAs are poised to keep their crown in the US culinary tourism market, ensuring delicious journeys for every adventurer. While Traditional agents are forecasted to have the highest CAGR, their personalized touch, deep regional knowledge, and ability to craft bespoke itineraries remain a draw for luxury clientele seeking in-depth culinary experiences. The rising demand for unique adventures presents an opportunity to curate niche tours focusing on culinary heritage or specific regions. Embracing technology for online booking while retaining personalized service can appeal to tech-savvy travelers. Strategic partnerships and targeted marketing can further solidify their position. Traditional agents can carve a distinct space by capitalizing on personalization, expertise, and adapting to trends.



Further on the basis of tour the report has been segmented in two segments domestic tour and international tour. Domestic tours hold a dominant position due to their inherent strengths and advantages. For US travelers, domestic culinary tours offer a familiar comfort zone, eliminating the complexities and costs of international travel. Budget-conscious customers or those seeking spontaneous weekend getaways appreciate the affordability and accessibility of exploring their own culinary backyard. This ease is further amplified by the regional diversity of American cuisine, from Louisiana gumbo to California fresh seafood, ensuring a palate-pleasing adventure within familiar borders. Moreover, a well-developed infrastructure of tours, guides, and accommodations caters to diverse budgets and preferences, making domestic culinary exploration a well-worn path. International culinary tours entice with the promise of unique experiences and the thrill of exploring exotic cuisines and cultures. The rise of emerging culinary hotspots like Peru, Vietnam, and Morocco fuels this growth, attracting adventurous foodies seeking novel flavors and cultural immersion. Increased affordability due to budget airlines, competitive package deals, and strategic marketing by foreign tourism boards removes financial barriers, making these once-distant dreams more accessible. Finally, the influence of social media plays a key role, with food influencers and travel bloggers showcasing their international culinary exploits, inspiring and motivating potential travelers to embark on similar journeys.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Culinary Tourism market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Activity Type
• Culinary Trials
• Cooking Classes
• Restaurants
• Food Festival
• Others

By Mode of Booking
• Online travel agents (OTA)
• Traditional agents
• Direct booking

By Tour
• Domestic
• International

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Culinary Tourism industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.