Tourexpi
TUI Culinary Tourism Report 2025: How German Travellers Enjoy Food Abroad
For
around 16% of Germans, culinary variety is even the most important factor when
choosing a travel destination. These
insights are drawn from the latest TUI Culinary Tourism Report, based on a
survey of 2,000 respondents conducted in January 2025.
Food
& Drink: The Top Holiday Expense
German
holidaymakers spend more on food and drink than on excursions, cultural
activities, or transport. The most generous spenders are aged 18 to 24, with
51% prioritising their travel budget for culinary enjoyment. Women also tend to
spend slightly more on food than men – 47% versus 45%.
Between
All-Inclusive and DIY Cooking
When
it comes to dining options, 35% of respondents prefer an all-inclusive package,
while 25% opt for half-board. About 15% choose to cook their own meals,
shopping at local markets and preparing food themselves. This do-it-yourself
approach is particularly popular among older travellers: nearly one in five
over the age of 55 cook during their holidays, compared to just 11% of Gen Z.
Favourite
Cuisines: Italy Still Reigns Supreme
Italian
cuisine remains the clear favourite among all age groups. Pasta, pizza, and
gelato continue to top the list of culinary dreams. Second place varies by age:
younger travellers favour Turkish cuisine, while Germans over 55 surprisingly
rank their own national cuisine second. Greek food, especially popular among
25- to 54-year-olds, was named the world’s best cuisine for 2024/25 by
TasteAtlas.
Culinary
Curiosity: How Open Are Travellers to New Tastes?
About
31% of those surveyed say they always try local specialities when travelling,
and 24% say they usually do. Older generations are significantly more
adventurous in this regard: 61% of travellers over 55 say they often or always
sample regional cuisine, compared to just 43% of those aged 18 to 24.
Conclusion:
Travel as a Culinary Adventure
The
TUI Culinary Tourism Report makes one thing clear: food is a central part of
modern travel. Whether at a resort buffet or a street food stall in Bangkok,
great food becomes an emotional experience. It connects cultures, sparks
curiosity, and creates lasting memories.
Today,
to travel is also to taste the world.
Image
Credit: © AA
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