# Rise of food-centric global travel trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rise-of-food-centric-global-travel-trends
> Updated: 2026-10-02T10:42:21.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

The travel industry is seeing a significant rise in food-centric tourism, where culinary experiences increasingly drive destination selection. Trip.com Group’s brand, Trip. Gourmet, recently announced its 2027 Fine Dining List, which recognizes 744 restaurants globally across three tiers, reflecting a 45% increase in food-related searches.

Broader trends for 2025 and 2026 indicate a shift toward local culinary authenticity. This includes ‘shelf discovery,’ where travelers visit local supermarkets and convenience stores to experience regional cultures through food. Social media has further popularized this through snack-hunting content. Reports suggest that approximately two-thirds of travelers view sampling local food as the premier way to understand a culture, with many preferring regional snacks and condiments over traditional souvenirs. Additionally, food enthusiasts are increasingly utilizing small-ship cruises to access unique culinary landscapes and local markets in less-trafficked ports.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Food-centric travel trends emerge for 2025 and 2026

Travel trends for 2025-2026 show a rise in food-focused tourism, including ‘shelf discovery’ in local grocery stores and the use of small-ship cruises to access authentic regional culinary experiences.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/food-centric-travel-trends-emerge-for-2025-and-2026

### 2026-09-13: Trip. Gourmet announces 2027 Fine Dining List amid rising food-driven travel trends

Trip. Gourmet has released its 2027 Fine Dining List, highlighting a trend of food-driven travel. Meanwhile, Japan's Tabelog announced its 2026 top 100 traditional sweets shops.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-gastronomy-awards-expand-with-new-thailand-and-fine-dining-recognitions

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Cite as: Rise of food-centric global travel trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rise-of-food-centric-global-travel-trends