The Rise of Food Tourism
Food tourism is travel which is centered around culinary and dining experiences. Of course, we all eat when traveling and most of us seek out interesting and fun foods that are unique to the area. However, food tourism is traveling to an area (or areas) specifically for the food and drink. It is a relatively new trend and, of course, made popular by “foodies” worldwide. Like other forms of organized tourism, culinary tours and group travel insurance go hand-in-hand. But we’ll get to that in a minute.
Recent Trends in Food Tourism
Perhaps, you are thinking to yourself that it can’t possibly be a huge moneymaker in the travel industry. Well, you are thinking wrong. Just take a look at these stats:
The percentage of U.S. leisure travelers who travel specifically to experience unique dining experiences jumped an astonishing 11 % (from 40 % to 51 %) between the years of 2006 and 2013. In 2012, it was estimated that tourism expenditures on food services in the U.S. made up for just under one fourth of all travel income.
What is Food Tourism Exactly?
Food tourism is adventurous, fun and full of unexpected and exciting thrills for all of your senses. Of course, if you are a tour guide or travel business owner, you may be looking for new and interesting ways to expand your business and skills. Food tours are one of the best ways to do that. Popular tours are run all over the world – in Italy, France, South America and, of course, the U.S. Tour Provence on foot, or dine in an elegant Moroccan palace filled with sensory experiences that will tantalize not just your mouth… but your eyes, ears and nose. When you consider the types of unbelievable memories that can be made on these kinds of culinary tours, it is not hard to imagine how food travel has become a booming global industry.
The Food Factor in Traveler’s Destinations
There are many wonderful, fresh and exciting destinations where you can spend time, eat food and learn a lot. However, when traveling, there is always a risk factor. That’s where culinary tours and group travel insurance come together. If you’re leading group tours, you’ll want to check out the health insurance options. The further from the “beaten path” that you venture, the more important that it is to be safe and insured, particularly as a tour guide. Tour guide travel insurance is an easy way to make sure that you are always ready should something unfortunate happen; say you get a bad seafood platter.
In general, travel is more and more about FOOD! People are becoming increasingly globally aware and developing more adventurous palates. Part of seeing the world is trying the food and this industry is incredibly fast-growing. If you plan on guiding tours around the world, you should count on doing at least a few food tours. May we wish you happy and safe touring!