We are often asked to define “Food Tourism”. We have seen many definitions from around the world, but for us, the definition is as simple as this.
The pursuit and enjoyment of unique and memorable food and drink experiences, both far and near.
We say “food tourism”, but drinking beverages is an implied and associated activity. It is also cumbersome to say “food and drink tourism”. We need to clarify “far and near”. In addition to traveling across country or the world to eat or drink, we can also be food travelers in our own regions, cities and neighborhoods.
If you rarely leave your neighborhood and travel across town to a new neighborhood to go to a special grocery store or to eat out, you’re a “food traveler” in your own backyard! The act of traveling is implied because most people travel at least across their own town, if not the region, the country and even the planet. The distance covered is not as important as the fact that we are always on the move. We are all “travelers” of a sort and we are all “eaters”. Therefore, we can also all be regarded as “food travelers”.