Rocca delle Tre Contrade in Sicily hosts renowned chefs for week-long culinary residencies. Pastry chef Claire Ptak recently led a program focusing on Sicilian pastries and local ingredients. The program is highly luxurious, combining gourmet cooking with stays in a beautifully restored 19th-century villa. It offers an immersive Sicilian experience, blending food, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Vietnam unveiled its VGC Project, a strategic initiative to establish itself as a global culinary tourism leader. The project, launched at a major event in Ho Chi Minh City, involves collaborations with international organizations and aims to showcase Vietnam’s diverse culinary heritage through innovation and sustainability.
Singapore, known for its vibrant cultural tapestry, continues to solidify its position as a global culinary hub. Ten new restaurants have recently opened, showcasing the city’s commitment to innovation and excellence, promising a delightful journey for food enthusiasts from around the world. This influx of culinary creativity reflects a growing trend in travel where food experiences take center stage.
The global culinary tourism market is experiencing explosive growth, driven by factors such as increased travel spending, the rise of food-focused media, and a growing interest in local and sustainable food experiences. This article dives into the market trends, key players, and the future of culinary tourism, exploring how it’s shaping the way we travel and experience food.
Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, known as Shaq, is exploring Abu Dhabi’s vibrant street food scene in a new series called ‘Street Bites with Shaq’. This campaign, spearheaded by Visit Abu Dhabi, aims to attract food enthusiasts from around the world to experience the city’s unique culinary offerings.
Baha Mar, the leading luxury destination in The Bahamas, has been awarded the prestigious IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Best New Food and Beverage Festival or Special Event for its 2022 Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival. The award recognizes the festival’s creativity, innovation, and excellence in developing a new festival or event centered around food and beverages that stands out in the industry. Launched in 2022, the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival at Baha Mar aimed to establish Baha Mar as the Caribbean’s premier culinary and arts destination. The three-day festival featured internationally acclaimed chefs, interactive cooking demonstrations, and exhibitions from local artisans. The 2023 festival saw further growth, with Sting as the musical headliner and the introduction of FUZE, a showcase for Caribbean-inspired art.
Culinary tourism has become a driving force in the travel industry, with tourists seeking unique and unforgettable culinary experiences. Malls and high streets are embracing this trend by evolving into culinary hotspots, showcasing local flavors, dining experiences, and food-related activities while increasing foot traffic and profits for the retail and hospitality sectors.
