Food Tourism Management

WE DEVELOP, MANAGE & MARKET FOOD TOURISM sustainably and strategically

protecting local food cultures &
generating socio-economic benefits

food tourism?






is that a thing?

In the following an introduction about the food tourism industry is provided:

In fact, food tourism forms part of cultural tourism. It is also known as culinary or gastronomy tourism. Undoubtedly, it has developed from a trend into an important economic branch of the tourism industry. As a matter of fact, the global food tourism market reached a value of US$ 696.5 billion in 2021. With an annual growth rate at 17.4%, it is projected to reach a market value of US$ 1,796.5 billion in 2027 (Wood, 2022). As a result, the gastronomy tourism industry needs to be further expanded in order to meet the needs of tourists nowadays. Therefore, destination stakeholders should market it in a sustainable approach to be able to enjoy a significant competitive advantage over other places.

Thus, Food Tourism Management (FTM) specialises in realising the potential of culinary tourism for communities and culinary businesses. Consequently, by operating strategically, managing projects and marketing this form of tourism, FTM aims at generating economic benefits. Besides, FTM concentrates on strengthening the destination’s food identity, thereby protecting its local food heritage.

In cooking classes you learn how to cook typical dishes of the food culture at a destination
Wine tastings are a culinary activity that not only tourists but also locals tend to enjoy.
tasting authentic cuisine
Food events such as outdoor picnics at farms attract guests to visit your location.

Examples for the services of Food Tourism are food destination management and food project management:

food management

In the following the food tourism services are presented:

In coaching sessions strategic management regarding the development of culinary tourism at a destination is going to be taught.

strategic management

A clearly outlined food identity serves as a strategic asset for a destination. Thus, managing culinary tourism from a strategic perspective is crucial to realise its full potential.

FTM is equipped with the necessary theoretical knowledge to develop food tourism at a destination sustainably in order to generate profits and benefits for people and planet.

Food truck festivals are one of the projects that FTM can organise for your destination or culinary business.

Project Management

In particular, culinary projects which support its destination’s food identity need to be organised to foster the strategy of the general tourism plan.

Together, suitable projects can be realised to strengthen gastronomy tourism. As a result, destination image and the quality of life for locals and tourists will be enhanced.

Social media marketing concerning food and beverages is one of the marketing management services offered by Food Tourism Management.

marketing management

The appropriate marketing is decisive in manifesting the destination’s authentic food identity. Hence, brand image will be improved and brand awareness increased.

Managing the marketing strategy of the destination’s food identity and its food (tourism) businesses strategically is central in realising its full potential. 

FACT 1
Actually, 83% of food and tourism experts considered the development of food tourism as extremely important for destinations (Stone et al., 2019).

FACT 2
Strikingly, 55% of travellers listed a destination's cuisine as a principal factor in the choice of their holiday destination (ETC, 2019).

FACT 3

15% of travellers regarded discovering a new cuisine as the main interest driving the choice of their holiday destination (European Travel Commission (ETC), 2019).

Fact 4

80% of travellers researched food and drink options while traveling to a new destination. In particular, 53% of them considered themselves as culinary travellers (World Food Travel Association (WFTA), n.d.).

Fact 5

More than 80% of all leisure travellers stated that food and drink experiences have a great influence on their overall holiday satisfaction. As a result, they are more likely to return to the place (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI), 2021).

Fact 6

In fact, 81% of tourists agreed that food and drinks help them understand the local culture better (CBI, 2021).

Fact 7

80% of travellers have at least once been inspired to take a trip or to visit a specific destination due to food or drink related activities or attractions (Stone & Migacz, 2016).

Fact 8

Interestingly, 42% of Boomers and 52% of both Generation X and Generation Y were identified as culinary tourists (Stone & Migacz, 2016).

Fact 9

Importantly, tourists spent about 25% of their budget on food and drinks. The number even increases up to 35% at expensive destinations (CBI, 2021).

In the following examples for culinary tourism activities are shown in the form of images:

food tourism?









what's that?
At food festivals visitors and locals can try out the food culture of a place.
visiting food truck festivals
Through the food markets many tourists are attracted. This is an income generated from the culinary industry
visiting local food markets
Preparing and consuming traditionally made dishes are one form of gastronomy tourism.
trying handcrafted meals
visiting local farms
visiting local farms
Read More

why manage food tourism?

  • identify your individual food destination identity
  • generate socio-economic benefits for your community
  • support your destination stakeholders
  • protect your local food culture
  • increase tourist numbers in your destination
  • create a strong food destination image
  • gain a competitive advantage
  • the demand for food tourism experiences is increasing
  • support your local economy (agriculture, restaurants, hotels, supplier of food tourism experiences, local food shops, etc.)
  • protect your destination's food heritage
  • learn about your destination's food culture and history
  • steer towards a sustainable tourism industry
  • prevent the leakage effect
  • increase tourist satisfaction
  • develop an all year-round destination
  • contribute to the improvement of infrastructure
  • develop destination partnerships
  • promote local events