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The growth of food tourism: How culinary trends influence travel attitudes
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Friday, 18 August, 2023, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Alisha Faleiro
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In recent years, a dramatic shift in people's attitudes about travel is now evident beyond the traditional concepts of sightseeing and adventure. While magnificent landscapes and renowned landmarks continue to attract visitors, a new and tempting trend has emerged: food tourism. The growth of food culture has given birth to a new generation of travelers who strive to immerse themselves in local gastronomy and discover the historical significance of each dish while travelling.
Food has developed from a fundamental requirement to a means of interacting with a location on a deeper level, offering travelers with insights into the local population's traditions, history, and way of life. This evolution has elevated culinary experiences to a central aspect of modern travel, transforming vacations into mouth-watering journeys of exploration. According to Allied Market Research, in 2019, the market for culinary tourism was estimated to be worth $1,116.7 billion and is anticipated to grow to $1,796.5 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 16.8% from 2020 to 2027.
Culinary Capitals and Destination Appeal
Travelers who enjoy food from all over the world are drawn to certain towns and regions around the world that have become known as culinary capitals. These locations' exceptional culinary offerings, which range from restaurants to delectable street cuisine, have helped them establish a stellar reputation. Beyond the food itself, the attractiveness of culinary capitals includes the lively ambience of food markets, the skill of regional chefs, and the extensive culinary history that permeates the streets. These locations have been raised to a new level by the growth of food tourism, making them must-visit locations for every food enthusiast.
Fusion Cuisine and Cross-Cultural Exchange
Culinary trends have also promoted the popularity and an essence of fusion cuisine, a delectable blending of flavours and cooking techniques from other cultures. Cuisines have started to embrace the amalgamation of culinary traditions as different civilizations become more intertwined, resulting in unique and intriguing fusion meals. These fusion foods offer travelers the opportunity to try an incredible mixing of flavours and textures that shows the diversity of our environment. Furthermore, it fosters a sense of global unity and respect for our culinary heritage.
Sustainable and Ethical Dining
Sustainable and ethical dining has emerged as a key component of culinary tourism, where environmental issues are at the forefront of both national and global conversations. People who travel are becoming more aware of how their dietary decisions affect the environment, local communities, and animal welfare. Consequently, food tourists prefer restaurants and food businesses that emphasize sustainability and ethical practices. Travelers actively seek out locations that reflect their beliefs and positively impact the regions they visit, such as farm-to-table eating opportunities and eateries that support regional farmers and artisanal producers. Regions that prioritize ethical eating practices can increase their appeal and draw an increasing number of tourists who value social responsibility.
Food Tourism: Culinary Trends are Reshaping Travel Experiences
The expansion of the food tourism industry is evidence of the enormous impact of culinary trends on travel behaviour. Dining is now more than just a need; it's a sensory adventure of discovery and connection thanks to food culture. Fusion cuisine highlights the wonders of intercultural contact, and culinary capitals have developed into symbols for food travelers looking for great dining experiences. Furthermore, as travelers' awareness of environmental and social responsibility has grown, food tourism has developed to encompass ethical and sustainable dining.
(The author is executive pastry chef at Academy of Pastry and Culinary arts, Gurgaon)
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