we have identified the top five food travel trends of 2023 that can help businesses in the food and beverage industry and tourist destinations increase their revenue potential. By incorporating these trends, they can attract more food-loving tourists and offer unique culinary experiences that satisfy the evolving tastes and preferences of today's travelers.

Top 5 Food Travel Trends for 2023

1. Millennials and Gen Z travel markets

The World Food Travel Association's survey revealed that Millennials and Gen Z continue to be the most promising markets for culinary travel in 2023. A staggering 77% of Millennial leisure travelers reported taking trips with the specific purpose of enjoying unique and memorable food and drink experiences. Meanwhile, Gen Z, despite their young age and limited travel experiences, are highly motivated to explore local cuisine while on the go. In fact, their fascination with food and its cultural heritage has earned them the title of "Super Foodies" by the association.

This presents a significant opportunity for food and beverage industry professionals to build lasting relationships with these markets. As they have many years of culinary tourism ahead of them, nurturing these relationships can lead to long-term success for businesses and destinations alike.

2. Culinary travelers

According to the “2023 Food Travel Monitor” by World Food Travel Association, culinary travelers are not just interested in food and drink experiences, but also in various other touristic activities. They enjoy exploring the cultural and historical attractions of the destination, shopping, attending events and performances, and taking tours. In fact, they seem to be more active than leisure travelers in general.

What’s more, culinary travelers are willing to spend more on their trips compared to other leisure travelers. The survey found that they spend around 24% more per day. This presents a great opportunity for tourist destinations to increase their revenue by catering to the interests of this market and offering them a wide range of local activities to enjoy beyond just food and drink experiences.

When it comes to food and drink experiences, culinary travelers have a taste for diversity. They enjoy a wide range of experiences, from casual and adventurous to more refined affairs. This is reflected in the top four food travel activities identified in the survey: dining at a restaurant for a memorable experience, trying gourmet cuisine, sampling street food from local vendors, and visiting famous bars and restaurants.

3. Travelers want variety in their culinary travel experiences

In addition, culinary travelers like to immerse themselves in food and drink by participating in fairs, attending food festivals, visiting farms and wineries, taking cooking classes, and going on guided culinary tours. They appreciate opportunities to engage with local culture and history through food, and seek out unique and authentic experiences.

This presents an opportunity for food and beverage businesses and tourist destinations to showcase their local cuisine and provide a range of experiences to cater to different tastes and interests. By promoting a diverse range of culinary experiences, destinations can attract a broader range of culinary travelers and benefit from increased tourism revenue.

4. Friends, family, online review sites, social media are the strongest influencers of travel decisions

When it comes to deciding on a new travel destination, the opinions and recommendations of friends and family hold the most weight, with 61% of all respondents relying on these suggestions. However, the influence of online review sites cannot be overlooked, as 53% of culinary travelers trust them. Social media also plays a significant role in shaping travelers' decisions, with 41% of culinary travelers influenced by posts from friends and family.

While social media is important for tourist destinations to communicate with potential visitors, individual travelers sharing their own experiences on social networks is even more effective. According to recent research, a significant majority of leisure travelers belonging to the millennial and Gen Z age groups, i.e., 85%, actively share their travel experiences on social media platforms for at least half of their trips. This presents a valuable opportunity for food and beverage businesses to benefit from free and reliable publicity, by encouraging customers to share their experiences on social media platforms.

5. Travelers like local, authentic, and socially responsible culinary experiences

In the past, tourists usually preferred predictable and standardized food and beverage options when exploring new destinations. However, today's travelers are seeking out local and traditional dishes and drinks that offer a more authentic cultural experience. Providing unique culinary experiences that showcase the flavors of a specific region or area has become essential to capture the attention of modern travelers.

Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on supporting socially responsible businesses, with 63% of Millennials seeking out places that demonstrate social responsibility. Food and beverage operations need to operate with responsibility and actively communicate about their practices to attract and retain customers.

These trends in food tourism present an excellent opportunity for food and beverage businesses and tourist destinations, but only if they adapt their operations, communications, and marketing strategies to align with the changing preferences of their customers.

In conclusion, the food and beverage industry has seen a significant shift in travelers' preferences over the years. Our top 5 food travel trends for 2023 suggest that travelers now seek unique, local, and authentic culinary experiences that offer insights into the local culture. Additionally, food travelers tend to engage in active tourism and spend more than other leisure travelers. They rely heavily on recommendations from friends and family, online review sites, and social media posts to make their travel decisions. Furthermore, socially responsible practices are becoming increasingly important to travelers. As such, food and beverage businesses and tourist destinations need to adapt their operations, communications, and marketing practices to cater to these evolving customer preferences to maximise their earning potential. With these trends in mind, we hope this post inspires foodies to embark on exciting culinary journeys in 2023 and beyond.

You Might Also Like

Trendy and Practical Travel Accessories for the Fashionable Traveler

Top 10 Hotels for a Romantic Getaway in India

The Best Travel-Friendly Beauty Tips and Products

The rising trend of self-care and mindfulness in travel

Important Benefits And Tips of Slow Travel

why 'shoulder season' is the best time to travel

The Complete Guidance To Experiencing The True Culture Of A Destination

Latest Travel Restrictions for Popular Tourist Destinations

News and updates on new hotel and resort openings

New Airline routes and flights that are available for booking