food tourism essay

Food Tourism: What It Means And Why It Matters

Kristen Fleming holds a Master of Science in Nutrition. Over her 8 years of experience in dietetics, she has made significant contributions in clinical, community, and editorial settings. With 2 years as a clinical dietitian in an inpatient setting, 2 years in community health education, and 4 years of editorial experience focusing on nutrition and health-related content, Kristen's expertise is multifaceted.

Food. Many love to eat it, some love to cook it, and others simply love to talk about it. It is no secret that food plays a significant role in our lives. And while we all have our own unique relationship with food, there is one thing that we can all agree on – food is an experience .

Food tourism is the act of traveling for the purpose of experiencing food. This can be anything from going on a wine tour to visiting a local farmer’s market. Food tourism has become a popular way to travel in recent years as it provides people with an opportunity to connect with the local culture through food.

Would you be interested in learning more about food tourism? Keep reading to find out what it is, why it matters, and some tips on how to get the most out of your food tourism experience.

What Is The Meaning Of Food Tourism?

Travelers often seek out destinations that offer them a chance to sample the local cuisine. This type of tourism is known as food tourism. It’s also called culinary tourism or gastronomy tourism.

Food tourism can take many different forms. It can be as simple as trying a new dish while on vacation, or it can involve planning an entire trip around visiting different restaurants and food festivals ( 8 ).

Some people even choose to study culinary tourism, which is a field that combines the elements of anthropology, sociology, and economics to understand how food can be used as a tool for cultural exchange ( 2 ).

No matter how you define it, food tourism is a growing trend all over the world. And it’s not just about trying new foods – it’s about understanding the culture and history behind them.

What Are The Characteristics Of Food Tourism?

Food tourism includes any type of travel that revolves around experiencing food ( 6 ) ( 7 ). This can range from eating street food in Thailand to taking a cooking class in Italy.

Some of the most common activities associated with food tourism are:

Visiting Local Markets

Local markets are a great way to get a feel for the local cuisine. They also offer an opportunity to buy fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Trying Street Food

Street food is a staple in many cultures and a great way to sample the local cuisine. It is often less expensive than sit-down restaurants and offers a more authentic experience.

Attending Food Festivals

Food festivals are a great way to try a variety of local dishes in one place. They also offer the opportunity to learn about the culture and history behind the food ( 10 ).

Taking Cooking Classes

Cooking classes are a great way to learn about the local cuisine and how to cook traditional dishes. One may learn new cooking techniques, as well as about the culture and history behind the food.

Touring Wineries And Breweries

A common misconception is that food tourism only includes food and not beverages. However, touring wineries and breweries is a great way to learn about the local culture and taste the local products.

At a winery, one can learn about the wine-making process and taste the different types of wine produced in the region.

At a brewery, one can learn about the brewing process and taste the different types of beer produced in the region.

Some regions may be known for a certain type of spirit, and you can visit distilleries for those as well.

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Eating At Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Fine dining is another aspect of food tourism. Michelin-starred restaurants are known for their excellent food and service.

While at it, one can also learn about the chef, the history of the restaurant, and the thought that goes into each dish.

Touring Food Factories

Food factories offer a behind-the-scenes look at how food is produced. This can be anything from a chocolate factory to a pasta factory.

Touring food factories is a great way to learn about the production process and see how the food is made.

What Are The Benefits Of Food Tourism?

Food tourism can have a positive impact on both the traveler and the destination.

Benefits For The Traveler

Food tourism is becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason. 

For travelers, it ( 5 ):

• Offers the opportunity to try new foods and experience new cultures.
• Is a great way to learn about the history and culture behind the food.
• Can be a more authentic and immersive experience than other types of tourism.
• Is a great way to support local businesses and the local economy.
• Can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

Benefits For The Destination

Food tourism can also have a positive impact on the destination. 

For destinations, food tourism:

• Can help to promote the local cuisine and culture.
• Is a great way to attract visitors and boost the local economy.
• Can help to create jobs and support local businesses ( 1 ).
• Can help to improve the image of the destination.
• Can help to preserve traditional foods and recipes.

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What Are The Challenges Of Food Tourism?

While food tourism can have many positive benefits, there are also some challenges that need to be considered. These include:

1. Ensuring Food Safety And Hygiene Standards Are Met

Food safety is a major concern when traveling, and food-borne illnesses can ruin a trip ( 11 ). It is important to research the restaurants and markets before eating anything .

Using your common sense and following basic hygiene rules (such as washing your hands) can also help to reduce the risk of getting sick.

2. Ensuring Food Is Ethically And Sustainably Sourced

With the rise of food tourism, there is a danger that destinations will start to mass-produce food for tourists, rather than focus on quality. This can lead to unethical and unsustainable practices , such as using forced labor or over-fishing ( 3 ) ( 4 ).

3. Managing The Impact On The Environment

Food tourism can have a negative impact on the environment if it is not managed properly. For example, if too many people visit a destination, it can lead to pollution and damage to the local ecosystem ( 9 ).

4. Ensuring Fair Working Conditions For Those Involved In The Food Industry

The food industry is often characterized by low pay and long hours. This can be a problem for those working in the industry, as they may not be able to earn a decent wage or have enough time to rest.

5. Addressing The Issues Of Food Waste And Overconsumption

Food tourism often involves trying new and different foods . However, this can lead to food waste if people do not finish their meals or if they order more than they can eat.

It is important to be aware of the issue of food waste and to try to minimize it where possible.

Where Is Food Tourism Most Popular?

Food tourism is particularly popular in countries with strong culinary traditions. Below are several examples of such destinations, along with a description of what they offer food tourists .

Porto (Portugal)

Porto is known for its port wine, which is produced in the surrounding Douro Valley. The city also has a number of traditional restaurants serving Portuguese cuisines such as bacalhau (codfish) dishes and francesinha (a sandwich with meat, cheese, and ham).

Lisbon (Portugal)

Lisbon is another Portuguese city with a strong culinary tradition . The city is known for its seafood, as well as for pastries such as the Pasteis de Belem (a type of custard tart).

Palermo (Italy)

Palermo is the capital of Sicily, an island with a rich culinary tradition. The city is known for its street food, which includes dishes such as arancini (fried rice balls) and panelle (fried chickpea fritters).

Vientiane (Laos)

Vientiane is the capital of Laos, and its cuisine reflects the influence of both Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. The city is known for dishes such as laab (a type of meat salad) and khao soi (a noodle soup).

San Sebastian (Spain)

San Sebastian is a Basque city located in northern Spain. The city is known for its pintxos (small plates) and for Basque dishes such as txakoli (a type of white wine) and cod with pil-pil sauce.

Paris (France)

Paris is one of the most popular food tourism destinations in the world. The city is known for its fine dining, as well as for its more casual bistros and cafes. 

Paris is also home to a number of markets, such as the famous Les Halles market, where food tourists can sample a variety of French specialties.

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New York City (USA)

New York City is another popular food tourism destination. The city offers a wide range of cuisines, from traditional American dishes to the cuisine of its many immigrant communities.

New York is also home to a number of famous restaurants, such as the Russian Tea Room and the Rainbow Room.

Tokyo (Japan)

Tokyo is a city with a rich culinary tradition. The city is known for its sushi and ramen, as well as for its more traditional dishes such as tempura and yakitori. Tokyo is also home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a popular destination for food tourists.

Tips For Food Tourism

If you’re interested in trying out different cuisines while traveling, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your food tourism experience.

Do Some Research Before You Go

Read up on the cuisine of the place you’re visiting, and try to find out what dishes are particularly popular. This will help you narrow down your options and make sure you don’t miss out on any must-try dishes.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Recommendations

When you’re in a new city, ask the locals where they like to eat. They’ll be able to point you in the direction of some great places to try.

Be Open To New Experiences

When you’re trying out new cuisine, don’t be afraid to experiment. You might find that you like something that you never would have thought to try before.

Respect Local Customs And Traditions

When you’re traveling, it’s important to remember that not everyone does things the same way as you do. Be respectful of local customs and traditions, and try not to offend anyone.

Enjoy Yourself!

Food tourism should be about enjoying new experiences and trying new things. So relax, and enjoy the ride.

The Bottom Line

Food tourism is a growing trend, and there are many destinations around the world that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or street food, it’s sure there’s a place that will suit your taste.

DISCLAIMER:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

• A study on the importance of Food Tourism and its impact on Creating Career 2017 (2017, researchgate.net)
• Culinary Tourism (2014, link.springer.com)
• Darker still: Present-day slavery in hospitality and tourism services (2013, researchgate.net)
• Disentangling tourism impacts on small-scale fishing pressure (2022, sciencedirect.com)
• Food and tourism synergies: perspectives on consumption, production, and destination development (2017, tandfonline.com)
• Foodies and Food Events (2014, tandfonline.com)
• Food tourism value: Investigating the factors that influence tourists to revisit (2019, sagepub.com)
• Global report on food tourism (2012, amazonaws.com)
• Re-evaluating the environmental impacts of tourism: does EKC exist? (2019, link.springer.com)
• Reviving Traditional Food Knowledge Through Food Festivals. The Case of the Pink Asparagus Festival in Mezzago, Italy (2020, frontiersin.org)
• The Importance of Food Safety in Travel Planning and Destination Selection (2008, tandfonline.com)

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Food tourism research: a perspective article

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The New Era of Food Tourism: Trends and Best Practices for Stakeholders

Meghan Carty + Skift Team

Report Overview

Over the past few years, food tourism has been a buzzy trend in the travel industry. Not only is it appealing to a large population of travelers, but it also has the potential to boost in-destination spending, and therefore, positively benefit local economies and small businesses. Despite the buzz, the conversation around food tourism has hardly changed since it first started to spread years ago. Not to mention, there is still some confusion about what food tourism really is and how destinations and other stakeholders can get involved.

In this report, we focus on addressing four questions under the food tourism umbrella: How big and important is the food tourism market? What are the new trends related to food tourism? Who should be be involved in and benefit from food tourism? What are the best practices for various stakeholders? We attempt to answer these questions drawing from the second, expanded iteration of our proprietary food tourism consumer survey. Then, we turn toward breaking down the new definition of food tourism into five components, drawing mostly from a number of in-depth interviews with industry stakeholders and experts. These perspectives then contribute to the final section of the report, in which we have identified 10 best practices for food tourism stakeholders.

Survey Methodology:

Skift Research’s Food Tourism Survey 2019 collected responses from 2,000 respondents who live in the U.S. The survey was fielded to internet users age 18 and over. Respondents were asked whether they’ve taken a leisure trip in the past 12 months that included at least one-night’s paid stay and was 50 miles or more from home. We refer to this group as “recent travelers” (N=1,373) to compare to the total population (“all respondents”, N=2,000). The survey was fielded by a trusted third-party consumer panel provider.

What You'll Learn From This Report

• What food tourism means and how it has evolved over time
• Who the stakeholders are in food tourism
• A comprehensive look at who food tourists are today, how they behave, and what they prefer
• Skift Research estimates for food and beverage expenditure by U.S. travelers
• Size of U.S. food tourist population
• The kinds of food and beverage based activities food tourists are most likely to participate in
• The percentage of food tourists who have taken a vacation with a food and beverage experience as the main purpose for the trip
• A five-part breakdown of the new definition of food tourism
• 10 best practices for food tourism stakeholders today

Executives Interviewed

• Benjamin Ozsanay - CEO & Co-Founder, Cookly
• Camille Rumani - COO & Co-Founder, Eatwith
• Didier Souillat - CEO, Time Out Market
• Erik Wolf - Executive Director, World Food Travel Association
• Helena Williams, Ph.D. - Researcher, Tourism & Hospitality, Texas Tech University and CEO, Gastro Gatherings
• James Imbriani - Founder, Sapore Travel
• Javier Perez-Palencia - CEO and Chair of the Board, FIBEGA Miami 2019 International Gastronomy Tourism Fair
• Joanne Wolnik - Tourism Development Manager, Ontario’s Southwest
• Michael Ellis - Chief Culinary Officer, Jumeirah Group
• Robert Williams, Jr. PhD. - Susquehanna University and Senior Partner, Mar-Kadam Associates
• Trevor Jonas Benson - Director of Food Tourism Innovation and lead consultant, Grow Food Tourism at the Culinary Tourism Alliance

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• Regenerative Tourism: Fact From Fiction May 2024
• State of Travel 2023: Travel in 250 Charts July 2023
• Destination Marketing Outlook 2022 January 2022
• Sustainability in Travel 2021: Quantifying Tourism Emissions for Destinations June 2021

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• Food Tourism

It does not matter with experience, he or not, whether traveling far or near hometown absolutely for any tourist an integral part of his journey is food. In the 21st century, not only technologies have a successful trend in development, but also one of the most ancient activities – tourism. This is how the direction of food tourism was originated and spread among travelers all over the world. In this essay, we will discuss the advantages of this direction, based on the reasons for its popularity and its influence on various spheres of life.

Food tourism is a movement aimed at obtaining a culinary experience by searching for unique places, combinations of products, kitchens, etc. At the same time, food tourism is not limited to gourmet food and to the culture of people. Therefore, in the attention of the target audience, fast food and street food are always on a par with restaurants of the Michelin. Also, it is considered that for the fulfillment of food tourism it is not even necessary to travel outside the home country and even the region. A whole range of reasons promotes this type of tourism to the masses, ensuring its further development. Arriving in a new country, the tourist is aimed at new sensations and knowledge and then culinary tourism is manifested in not only enjoying the taste but also in the knowledge of the history of the dish, its production.

Speaking about food tourism, we should not forget that this is separate from the familiar to us tourism industry. Against this background, it is worth considering the impact of food tourism on the economy, the arrangement and development of tourist places in general. Firstly, food tourism is not a potential threat to the resort business, but on the contrary, contributes to its prosperity. So, for example, based on the principles of food tourism, the owner of the restaurant chain strives to gain credibility through a unique concept of serving dishes or by reliance on national traditions. Absolutely different influence is rendered by food tourism on the culture of the region. In this area, the culture tends to develop according to the latest trends; you have to create new dishes and, accordingly, a new perspective.

From these aspects, we have the following criterion of influence – financial development within the region. This is a separate issue, which requires a serious long discussion, but I offer you an overview. Firstly, in order to win the attention of the food tourist, organizations invest certain amounts in marketing services. So, interaction with the tourism business has turned food into an object of tourism marketing. Secondly, food tourism opens new doors to unpopular regions and cities that were unknown among tourists. This is the interaction of developing tourist zones and raising the economic level of the region. Thirdly, there is an impact on local producers. For example, food tourism makes it possible to develop products that are not popular among the locals.

Summarizing, it can be argued that food tourism does not have a season and a certain location. Spreading around the world in a certain progression of popularity, it gives a number of advantages to the owners of the tourism business of all kinds. Places, where food tourism is already developing, tend to attract more tourists, more sales, and media development. You can also see the opening of new competitive enterprises and unique trade offers. All this leads to an improvement in the standard of living and increased economic prosperity.

Article & photos by Valeriia Rogovaia.