Greetings Food Lovers,

Culinary tourism has seen explosive growth in recent years, reaching a staggering $805.9 billion globally in 2022, with expectations for continued expansion. Travelers are increasingly eager to explore destinations through their culinary landscapes, from local restaurants and farms to traditional food tours. At Savor Our City, we are more than thrilled to be at the forefront of organizing, booking and embarking on such journeys. Read on for our insights and predictions on this burgeoning trend.

Local food exploration offers an unparalleled way to immerse oneself in a culture, destination, or community. With today’s travelers leaning towards experience-driven tourism, it’s no surprise that food tourism is emerging as a leading trend in 2024 and beyond. From 2024 to 2030, food tourism is projected to be the fastest-growing segment of luxury travel, with an annual growth rate of 7.6%. This segment attracts travelers across generations, offering experiences such as sampling unique foods, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, and participating in culinary events like cooking classes and food festivals.

As culinary tourism continues to grow, it’s clear that travelers are more eager than ever to explore local flavors and dining experiences. Here’s what recent surveys by Hilton, American Express, and Visa reveal about the evolving preferences of food-loving travelers:

If you have ever attended one of our culinary events, you know the experience is much more than a journey for your taste buds; we organize culinary adventures that immerse you in the rich flavors, traditions, and cultures of destinations across the United States and around the world. Whether you’re shopping for fresh ingredients with a local chef, harvesting produce, or enjoying family-style meals in vibrant international settings, you pick the location and our experiences offer a unique way to connect with places and people through food. Here are just some of the exciting custom group culinary experiences we can create for you:

 Shopping with a Chef: A Taste of Local Markets – Imagine starting your day with a chef-guided tour of a bustling local market. In cities like New York, San Francisco, or even Paris, this experience allows you to see, smell, and taste the freshest ingredients while learning about the local food culture. Chefs often share insider tips on selecting the best produce, meats, and spices, providing a truly hands-on experience. Afterward, you’ll head back to the kitchen to transform these ingredients into a gourmet meal.

 Cooking with a Chef: Hands-On Culinary Mastery – Taking a cooking class with a local chef is a hallmark of culinary tourism. Whether it’s mastering pasta-making in Tuscany or perfecting gumbo in New Orleans, these experiences offer more than just recipes. You learn techniques passed down through generations and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the dishes. Cooking with a chef isn’t just about food—it’s about connection, culture, and creativity.

Harvesting Produce: Farm-to-Table Adventures – For those who want to get even closer to their food, harvesting produce to cook with a chef offers a farm-to-table experience like no other. In states like California, Vermont, or Oregon, you can join chefs on farms or vineyards, picking the freshest fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These ingredients become the stars of your meal, highlighting the importance of sustainability and seasonality in cooking.

Family-Style Dining: Sharing and Savoring Together – Family-style dining experiences are a perfect way to connect with others over a shared love of food. In places like Italy’s countryside or the American South, meals are served in large portions, encouraging diners to share and enjoy a variety of dishes. This communal dining style not only allows you to taste more flavors but also fosters a sense of togetherness and community, making the meal even more memorable.

Immersive and Experiential Dining: A Feast for the Senses – For a dining experience that goes beyond the plate, immersive and experiential dining is a must-try. These events often blend food with art, theater, or storytelling, creating a multi-sensory experience. In cities like Chicago or Barcelona, you might find yourself dining in complete darkness, attending a pop-up dinner in an unexpected location, or enjoying a meal paired with live music and performance. These experiences challenge traditional notions of dining, making the meal an unforgettable event.

Food Tours and Foodie Field Trips: Exploring Culinary Landscapes – No culinary tourism experience is complete without food tours and foodie field trips in iconic cities across the nation and abroad. Whether it’s a tapas tour in Barcelona, a pizza pilgrimage in Naples, or a barbecue trail in Texas, these adventures allow you to explore a city’s culinary landscape one bite at a time. Led by local experts, these tours provide a comprehensive view of how food is intertwined with the local culture, economy, and history. You might find yourself visiting local breweries in Colorado, touring chocolate factories in Belgium, or sampling street food in Bangkok. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden gems, historic eateries, and renowned restaurants, each offering a unique taste of the city’s food culture that might otherwise be missed.

Quite simply, Culinary tourism is a celebration of the diverse and delicious world of food. Each experience offers a unique window into the heart of a culture. By immersing yourself in these culinary adventures, you’ll not only satisfy your appetite but also gain a deeper connection to the places you visit and the people who call them home.

I can’t wait to see where this dynamic and delicious trend takes us. We at Savor Our City are looking forward to exploring the future of food tourism with you. So, pack your bags, bring your appetite, and let us book a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and enrich your travel experiences. Bon appétit!

Jennifer Ouvrard