| REPORT ATTRIBUTE |
DETAILS |
| Historical Period |
2020-2023 |
| Base Year |
2024 |
| Forecast Period |
2025-2032 |
| India Culinary Tourism Market Size 2024 |
USD 98100 Million |
| India Culinary Tourism Market, CAGR |
12% |
| India Culinary Tourism Market Size 2032 |
USD 242891.9 Million |
Market Overview:
India Culinary Tourism Market size was valued at USD 98100 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 242891.9 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 12% during the forecast period (2024-2032).
Key drivers contributing to the market’s expansion include evolving travel preferences among millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize experiences over material purchases. The widespread popularity of culinary festivals, food trails, and cooking classes in India has enhanced the appeal of gastronomic tourism. Government initiatives such as “Dekho Apna Desh” and state-led food tourism campaigns have also stimulated demand by highlighting India’s rich culinary diversity. Additionally, the integration of culinary tourism with wellness tourism, cultural heritage, and agri-tourism segments is creating new synergies and broader appeal. The growing presence of curated food experiences offered by tour operators, online platforms, and boutique travel agencies is further shaping consumer interest and engagement. Social media influencers and travel bloggers are playing a critical role in promoting regional cuisines and culinary hotspots. Moreover, the rise of eco-conscious and sustainable tourism has led to increased interest in farm-to-table and organic culinary experiences.
Regionally, states such as Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal are emerging as culinary tourism hotspots due to their distinct regional cuisines and well-established tourism infrastructure. Northern states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh are gaining traction for their street food circuits and culinary heritage trails, while Southern states attract travelers with spice routes and seafood-based experiences. Metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru serve as starting points for culinary tours, offering international connectivity and a mix of traditional and modern culinary experiences that appeal to a broad spectrum of tourists. Hill states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are also drawing attention with locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking styles. Additionally, northeastern states like Assam and Nagaland are gradually entering the culinary tourism map, offering unique tribal and ethnic food traditions to adventurous travelers.
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Market Insights:
- India Culinary Tourism Market is valued at USD 98,100 million and is projected to reach USD 242,891.9 million by 2032, registering a CAGR of 12% during the forecast period.
- Rising demand for authentic, experience-driven travel among millennials and Gen Z is fueling interest in regional cuisines, local cooking traditions, and immersive food journeys.
- Government initiatives such as “Dekho Apna Desh” and state-level food campaigns are enhancing visibility of India’s culinary heritage and encouraging domestic exploration.
- Social media platforms, travel influencers, and digital content creators are influencing tourist decisions and promoting lesser-known culinary destinations across India.
- Increasing focus on health, sustainability, and wellness is expanding demand for organic food, farm-to-table dining, and traditional Indian dietary practices in tourism circuits.
- Southern India holds the largest regional share at 38%, followed by western and eastern regions at 31%, and northern and northeastern regions at 21%, reflecting diverse culinary strengths.
- Major challenges include lack of hygiene compliance, limited standardization, and inadequate infrastructure in emerging food tourism hubs, which hinder consistent visitor experience.
Market Drivers:
Growing Preference for Experiential and Cultural Travel among Young Tourists
The India Culinary Tourism Market is witnessing strong momentum due to shifting consumer preferences toward experience-based travel. Millennials and Gen Z travelers increasingly seek authentic, immersive journeys that connect them with local traditions, and food remains a central aspect of that exploration. Tourists want to understand the story behind ingredients, dishes, and culinary techniques, making food trails and regional cuisine tours highly attractive. The rising demand for cultural depth and interaction is prompting travel companies to incorporate food-based experiences into standard itineraries. Cooking classes, village dining experiences, and home-hosted meals are gaining popularity. It reflects a broader trend where travel becomes a medium to explore identity, history, and lifestyle through cuisine.
Government Initiatives and Institutional Support Driving Domestic Interest
The India Culinary Tourism Market is supported by several national and state-led initiatives aimed at promoting regional food heritage. Campaigns like “Incredible India” and “Dekho Apna Desh” highlight food as a cultural ambassador, encouraging both domestic and inbound tourists to explore culinary diversity. State tourism departments are organizing food festivals, heritage cuisine exhibitions, and chef-led tours to showcase regional specialties. Institutional support is also increasing with collaborations between tourism boards and hospitality training institutes to design food-centric tour packages. The Ministry of Tourism has recognized culinary tourism as a niche segment with potential to elevate India’s global travel appeal. It encourages localized food mapping and storytelling to boost rural and small-town participation.
- For instance, these MoUs cover 8 major hospitality groups and are designed to benefit students across 21 government-run hotel management institutions in India.
Widespread Influence of Digital Media and Content Platforms on Food Tourism
The India Culinary Tourism Market is gaining exposure through the influence of digital content creators, food bloggers, and travel influencers. Social media platforms amplify interest in local delicacies and regional dishes by making them visually engaging and widely shareable. User-generated content often guides tourist decisions, directing footfall to lesser-known culinary destinations. Streaming platforms are also featuring culinary documentaries and travel-food shows, bringing regional cuisines to national attention. Tourists use apps and websites to discover trending eateries, local food events, and authentic food walks. It strengthens the visibility of India’s culinary diversity and encourages planned culinary journeys.
Integration with Wellness, Agri-Tourism, and Sustainable Travel Trends
The India Culinary Tourism Market aligns well with emerging preferences for health-conscious and sustainable travel. Wellness-focused travelers seek organic and nutritious food experiences rooted in traditional Indian dietary principles. Culinary tourism overlaps with agri-tourism in regions where travelers can explore spice farms, tea estates, or local kitchens using seasonal produce. Sustainable tourism practices are drawing attention to farm-to-fork models and community-based dining. Visitors value ethical food sourcing and experiences that support local livelihoods. It encourages the development of responsible culinary circuits and increases the appeal of rural regions.
- For instance, Farmers Fresh Zone, a Kerala-based agritech startup, has connected 1,500 farmers with urban consumers through its omni-channel platform, enabling unit-level traceability for every product and delivering 12 million fresh produce items directly from farms in under 20 hours in FY22, as verified by company records.
Market Trends:
Rising Demand for Regional and Heritage Cuisine Experiences Across States
The India Culinary Tourism Market is witnessing a clear trend toward regional and heritage cuisine exploration. Tourists are increasingly seeking culinary experiences that go beyond mainstream offerings to discover local, authentic dishes tied to specific geographies. Traditional thalis, tribal delicacies, temple cuisines, and forgotten recipes are being revived to meet growing curiosity. Tour operators are collaborating with local communities and chefs to curate food trails that highlight regional identity. Food storytelling has emerged as a powerful tool, linking cuisine with culture, rituals, and history. It reflects a growing awareness among travelers to understand the roots of India’s food diversity through immersive, place-based experiences.
- For instance, the Spice Route Heritage Project in Kerala has received an allocation of Rs. 250 million for preliminary activities, connecting nearly all districts in Kerala and integrating spice cultivation, trading centers, and historical sites into a comprehensive tourism route.
Expansion of Culinary Infrastructure and Digital Food Discovery Tools
The India Culinary Tourism Market is evolving rapidly with improved infrastructure and growing digital integration. States are investing in culinary centers, food museums, and gastronomic festivals to position themselves on the culinary map. Metro and Tier I cities are expanding food walk offerings and curated dining spaces that serve as hubs for culinary exploration. At the same time, mobile apps, food discovery platforms, and geo-tagged content are helping tourists identify regional specialties, hidden eateries, and food events in real time. It has made culinary planning more accessible and personalized. Demand for interactive experiences like chef-led dinners and ingredient-foraging tours is growing across both urban and rural destinations.
- For instance, India’s first Digital Food Museum was launched in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, covering 1,860 square feet and developed with an investment of ₹1.1 crore by the Food Corporation of India and Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museums.
Market Challenges Analysis:
Lack of Standardization and Hygiene Compliance in Local Culinary Experiences
The India Culinary Tourism Market faces challenges related to inconsistent quality and hygiene standards across food tourism offerings. Many street food vendors and rural eateries operate without formal certifications or food safety protocols. This creates concerns among health-conscious travelers and international tourists unfamiliar with local food practices. Absence of standard guidelines for culinary tours, food trails, and home dining experiences hampers scalability. It limits participation from smaller operators who lack awareness or resources to meet safety expectations. Tour operators struggle to ensure uniform service delivery when working with decentralized food providers.
Limited Infrastructure and Awareness in Emerging Culinary Destinations
The India Culinary Tourism Market encounters barriers in less-developed regions with weak transport, accommodation, and communication infrastructure. These areas often hold rich culinary traditions but remain inaccessible to tourists due to poor connectivity. Lack of trained guides, organized tour providers, and promotional support further restrict visibility. It also affects the consistency and quality of visitor experience in non-metro locations. Tourist awareness about regional culinary offerings remains low in several parts of India. Without targeted marketing and capacity-building, these potential culinary hotspots remain underutilized.
Market Opportunities:
Emergence of Culinary Startups and Experience-Based Platforms
The India Culinary Tourism Market presents strong opportunities through the rise of food-focused startups and digital experience platforms. Entrepreneurs are creating curated culinary trails, home-dining experiences, and regional food tours that appeal to niche traveler segments. These offerings combine convenience with authenticity, enabling travelers to access lesser-known cuisines. It supports local chefs, farmers, and artisans by integrating them into organized travel itineraries. Technology-driven platforms can scale these experiences across regions with real-time booking and personalized recommendations. The market has room for innovation in packaging food tourism into bookable modules for both domestic and inbound travelers.
Integration with Educational, Wellness, and Cultural Tourism Segments
The India Culinary Tourism Market can benefit from cross-sector integration with wellness retreats, heritage circuits, and culinary education programs. Institutions offering short-term cooking courses or Ayurvedic nutrition sessions attract both tourists and learners. Wellness resorts and yoga centers can incorporate region-specific dietary modules into their offerings. It creates value for tourists seeking holistic experiences that connect food with health, sustainability, and tradition. Collaboration with cultural festivals and local events can expand the reach of culinary tourism to new demographics. These synergies can drive higher engagement and repeat visits to regional destinations.
Market Segmentation Analysis:
By Activity Type
The India Culinary Tourism Market is segmented into food festivals, cooking classes, culinary trails, restaurant tours, and market visits. Culinary trails and food festivals lead the segment due to their strong cultural engagement and wide regional representation. Cooking classes attract international tourists seeking hands-on interaction with local culinary techniques. Restaurant tours are popular in metro cities, offering curated access to iconic and emerging dining spots. Market visits engage tourists with ingredient sourcing, spice education, and regional cooking traditions. It reflects growing demand for both immersive and informative food experiences.
- For instance, the Local Market Tour and Cooking Class in Delhi combines a guided exploration of food markets with a five-course meal experience, lasting 4 hours and featuring dishes like masala chai, pakoras, and cumin rice.
By Booking Channel
The market is categorized into online platforms, travel agencies, direct bookings, and others. Online platforms dominate the segment, supported by the rise of mobile apps, digital content, and review-based decision-making. Tourists prefer the flexibility and transparency of online bookings for culinary tours, food walks, and chef-led experiences. Travel agencies remain significant, especially for international visitors who opt for organized, multi-day itineraries. Direct bookings through boutique hotels, homestays, and local hosts offer personalized experiences and support community-based tourism. It highlights a shift toward accessible and technology-driven engagement.
- For instance, Traveling Spoon facilitated culinary experiences for guests in 233 cities worldwide in 2024, providing private, immersive cooking sessions and market tours.
By Tourist Type
The market includes domestic and international tourists. Domestic travelers form the majority, driven by increased regional travel, awareness campaigns, and growing interest in Indian culinary heritage. International tourists, while fewer in number, contribute higher spending and seek deeper cultural immersion. Their interest lies in heritage cuisine, cooking traditions, and food rituals. It emphasizes the need for a balanced strategy that appeals to both segments through diverse offerings and experience levels.
Segmentations:
By Activity Type
- Food Festivals
- Cooking Classes
- Culinary Trails
- Restaurant Tours
- Market Visits
By Booking Channel
- Online Platforms
- Travel Agencies
- Direct Bookings
- Others
By Tourist Type
- Domestic Tourists
- International Tourists
By Tour Type
- Individual Tours
- Group Tours
- Package Tours
- Customized Tours
By Consumer Orientation
- Leisure Travelers
- Business Travelers
- Wellness Tourists
- Cultural Tourists
By Age Group
- Below 20 Years
- 21–30 Years
- 31–40 Years
- 41–50 Years
- Above 50 Years
By Region
- North India
- South India
- East India
- West India
- Central India
- Northeast India
Regional Analysis:
Southern States Lead with Diverse Flavors and Strong Tourism Ecosystems
Southern India accounts for 38% of the India Culinary Tourism Market revenue, making it the top regional contributor. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka drive demand through their strong tourism infrastructure and rich culinary diversity. These states attract domestic and international travelers through spice plantation
tours, traditional South Indian meals, and coastal seafood experiences. Banana leaf feasts, temple cuisine, and heritage cooking classes create immersive food journeys. Integration of culinary offerings with wellness, eco, and heritage tourism adds value for travelers seeking holistic experiences. It allows tourism operators to scale curated food trails and farm-based dining experiences across multiple destinations.
Western and Eastern States Highlight Indigenous and Festive Food Cultures
Western and eastern regions collectively contribute 31% of the India Culinary Tourism Market, supported by distinct regional cuisines and strong cultural ties. Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Goa offer unique culinary identities through royal recipes, street food, and coastal delicacies. In the East, West Bengal and Odisha engage tourists with sweets, seafood, and temple cuisine deeply rooted in tradition. Culinary events during religious festivals and harvest seasons attract food-focused travelers. Artisanal ingredients and age-old cooking methods help preserve authenticity and storytelling. It encourages both cultural appreciation and deeper regional exploration.
Northern and Northeastern States Show Untapped Potential for Niche Food Travel
Northern and northeastern regions contribute 21% of the India Culinary Tourism Market, highlighting strong potential for future growth. Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh are building momentum through street food circuits, regional thalis, and historical food trails. In the Northeast, states like Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya introduce tribal cuisine and wild-foraged ingredients to adventurous tourists. These destinations are gradually gaining recognition through cultural festivals and community-based tourism. Lack of infrastructure still limits widespread access, but interest is steadily rising. It signals growing demand for niche culinary experiences tied to tradition, biodiversity, and local narratives.
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Key Player Analysis:
- Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC
- India Food Tour
- Classic Journeys, LLC
- The FTC4Lobe Group
- The Travel Corporation
- Greaves Travel Ltd
- Gourmet on Tour
- Culinary Adventures International
- Culinary Tours
- Butterfield & Robinson Inc.
- TourRadar GmbH
- Essor Ltd. (Secret Food Tours)
Competitive Analysis:
The India Culinary Tourism Market features a mix of international tour operators, regional travel agencies, boutique culinary platforms, and digital booking services. Key players such as Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, India Food Tour, and Classic Journeys offer curated experiences tailored to both domestic and international tourists. It is characterized by increasing specialization, with companies designing niche packages around regional cuisines, festival-based tours, and farm-to-table experiences. Local operators often partner with chefs, homestays, and community kitchens to provide authentic, immersive offerings. Digital platforms and startups are also gaining ground by offering real-time bookings and customizable itineraries. Competition is intensifying as demand rises for experiential travel that blends food, culture, and sustainability. Players with strong local networks, multilingual guides, and content-driven marketing strategies hold a competitive edge. The market rewards adaptability, regional insight, and a consistent focus on hygiene, safety, and personalized service.
Recent Developments:
- In April 2025, Abercrombie & Kentlaunched a new riverboat in Peru, in collaboration with Ecoventura, marking its first riverboat in South America.
- In June 2025, Butterfield & Robinson Inc. launched a new 60-day luxury “Around the World” trip, spanning four continents and six locations, in celebration of their 60th anniversary.
- In June 2025, TourRadar GmbH introduced the “TourRadar Moments” feature, allowing travelers to book trips directly from user-uploaded photos and video reels, and rewarding creators with travel credits.
Market Concentration & Characteristics:
The India Culinary Tourism Market is moderately fragmented, with a growing number of regional and specialized operators entering the space alongside established international players. It features a dynamic mix of boutique agencies, digital travel platforms, and local entrepreneurs offering region-specific culinary experiences. The market favors operators with strong regional ties, cultural knowledge, and the ability to deliver authentic food journeys. Consumer demand is shifting toward personalized, small-group experiences that emphasize storytelling, local sourcing, and cultural immersion. It responds well to innovation in tour design and digital accessibility, with online channels playing a key role in discovery and bookings. Large players compete on brand value and service consistency, while smaller players differentiate through niche offerings and community engagement.
Report Coverage:
The research report offers an in-depth analysis based on Activity Type, Tourist Type, Tour Type, Consumer Orientation, Age Group and Region. It details leading market players, providing an overview of their business, product offerings, investments, revenue streams, and key applications. Additionally, the report includes insights into the competitive environment, SWOT analysis, current market trends, as well as the primary drivers and constraints. Furthermore, it discusses various factors that have driven market expansion in recent years. The report also explores market dynamics, regulatory scenarios, and technological advancements that are shaping the industry. It assesses the impact of external factors and global economic changes on market growth. Lastly, it provides strategic recommendations for new entrants and established companies to navigate the complexities of the market.
Future Outlook:
- Hospitality firms will enhance hygiene protocols and quality standards to meet evolving traveler expectations.
- Digital platforms will integrate AI-driven personalization for food tours, cooking classes, and local dining experiences.
- Growth in farm-to-fork and organic food experiences will attract travelers focused on sustainability and wellness.
- Collaborations between tourism boards and private operators will launch gastronomic festivals in emerging culinary regions.
- Culinary education will expand with short-term and immersive programs targeting food enthusiasts and tourists.
- Increasing use of AR and VR tools will create engaging virtual food trails and pre-trip experiences.
- Sustainable packaging and zero-waste dining will become standard in many culinary tour offerings.
- Investments in rural infrastructure will open up lesser-known regions, promoting offbeat culinary destinations.
- Tour operators will emphasize inclusive experiences, featuring community kitchens, tribal cuisine, and women-led food initiatives.
- Partnerships with wellness resorts and cultural heritage sites will blend food experiences with yoga, history, and eco-tourism.
