In 2025, the journey is as much about the plate as the place. Culinary travel has become the fastest-growing segment in luxury tourism, with travelers prioritizing food as a gateway to culture and heritage.
Culinary, gastronomy, or food tourism is, according to the World Food Travel Association, “The act of traveling for a taste of place in order to get a sense of place.” Grand View Research reports that “culinary travel and shopping” is the fastest-growing segment in the luxury travel market.
Travel and Tour World attributes this growth to social media influencers, the popularity of food-focused television, the appeal of local, sustainable food movements, the growth of food festivals and events, and a growing interest in cultural and culinary heritage.
The primary purpose of culinary travel is to experience the unique food and drink of a destination, creating a connection to and understanding of the local culture. Hilton’s 2025 travel trends report found that, after accommodations, dining experiences are the next highest travel budget priority in 2025. Also, half of global travelers book restaurant reservations before their flights, nearly one in five will travel specifically to seek out new restaurants or culinary experiences, and 60% of luxury travelers prioritize staying at hotels with great restaurants.
And Marriott International’s Luxe Landscapes Report tagged luxury culinary tourism as the leading driver of travel.
“As our findings reveal, affluent travelers will choose a destination based on the gastronomy and culinary experiences available. When considering where to travel this year, 88% of respondents ranked the chance to discover new food or gourmet adventures as either “important” or “very important.
“Acutely aware of dining trends, HNW individuals are eager to experience new dining establishments. When asked to prioritize the importance of visiting a new restaurant, 82% rated this as either “important” or “very important.” – Marriott
Marriott has, in fact, released a report focused entirely on global food trends for 2025. The Future of Food 2025 report highlights key culinary trends expected to shape the food industry in 2025, with a strong focus on the Asia Pacific region, which accounted for over 37.8% of the global culinary tourism market in 2023. This region’s rich food heritage is gaining more attention, as travelers increasingly choose destinations based on their culinary offerings.’
Food is positioned as a cultural medium for storytelling and community engagement. The report draws insights from leading chefs, mixologists, and industry insiders across Asia Pacific, underscoring the region’s growing influence on global culinary tourism and the rise of new dining experiences.
Asia Pacific is emerging as a culinary powerhouse, where chefs creatively infuse international flavors into traditional dishes. Sustainability and ancient culinary techniques are also on the rise, with a renewed focus on heritage ingredients and traditional, labor-intensive methods that emphasize local production and environmental mindfulness. Fine dining is evolving, with hyperlocal dining experiences integrating local cultural practices, alongside the exclusive concept of “superfine” dining. And a growing trend of “food as medicine” is reshaping menus as more restaurants incorporate health-conscious options aimed at supporting longevity and overall wellness.
Trying the local cuisine is always an exciting part of the travel experience, but for foodie travelers, it’s the main attraction.
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