As India celebrates National Tourism Day on January 25, culinary tourism has emerged as a driving force, transforming how vacations are experienced in India. What was once a secondary element of travel itineraries, food is now at the heart of the modern vacation. For today’s adventurous traveller, culinary experiences are no longer just an add-on; they are essential to shaping the entire travel journey. As culinary tourism in India rises to prominence, it is capturing the attention of both food lovers and the travel industry, signalling a new era in how people explore destinations.

In 2024, a marked shift in travel behaviour saw Indians taking vacations more frequently and for longer durations than ever before. This increase in travel was accompanied by a nearly 25 per cent surge in vacation spending, a significant portion of which was driven by a growing desire for unique and immersive culinary experiences. As travellers seek out food-centric adventures that connect them to local cultures, the demand for food-focused tours continues to rise, setting the stage for culinary tourism to play an even more pivotal role in 2025.