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Culinary tourism redefines Indian vacations, reveals Godrej Food Trends Report
MUMBAI: Food and travel are officially the ultimate power couple.
As National Tourism Day approaches, the Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 has spotlighted culinary tourism as the driving force behind a revolution in Indian travel. No longer a side dish to the main event, food has claimed centre stage, transforming vacations into unforgettable, flavour-filled journeys.
In 2024, Indians travelled more frequently and for longer durations, with vacation spending surging nearly 25 per cent. A significant chunk of this increase was fuelled by travellers seeking unique and immersive culinary experiences that connected them to local cultures. Whether exploring bustling spice markets or learning time-honoured recipes from community experts, food became the heartbeat of modern Indian vacations.
The Godrej Food Trends Report 2024, curated by Godrej Vikhroli Cucina with insights from over 190 food experts, revealed the top culinary trends shaping Indian travel:
1. Street food and market tours
With 94.1 per cent of experts highlighting their popularity, vibrant food streets and spice markets emerged as must-visit attractions. From the zesty flavours of pani puri to the aromatic whiffs of garam masala, travellers immersed themselves in the diverse culinary fabric of India.
2. Culinary site tours
Nearly 92.3 per cent of experts predicted continued interest in these immersive experiences, where travellers visited tea estates, artisanal cheese hubs, and other production sites. These tours offered behind-the-scenes glimpses into the craft of food making, adding an educational edge to the journey.
3. Home dining experiences and local expertise
Around 87.5 per cent of experts noted a surge in travellers booking home dining experiences. These intimate interactions with local experts allowed visitors to learn traditional cooking techniques, taste signature regional products, and gain a deeper appreciation for India’s culinary heritage.
“Food is no longer just a part of the travel experience, but its very essence,” said A Perfect Bite Consulting MD & the annual report editor Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal. “Today’s travellers are not just seeking destinations but connections—immersive, authentic experiences that allow them to explore the heart of a place through its culinary heritage. Whether it’s walking through vibrant spice markets, learning traditional recipes from local experts, or savouring unique regional flavours, food has become the bridge that links people to cultures and stories,” she elaborated.
This surge in culinary tourism isn’t just reshaping Indian vacations; it’s creating opportunities for local communities and small brands to showcase their culinary culture. From bustling street vendors to small-scale producers, the movement is helping amplify India’s rich food heritage on a global stage.
As the country celebrates National Tourism Day, travellers are invited to embrace the fusion of food and travel—a blend that promises to redefine how people experience culture and destinations in the years to come.
The Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 is available for download at www.vikhrolicucina.com.
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Axis Bank named Official Banking Partner of DP World PGTI
Partnership supports all tournaments this season to grow professional golf in India.
MUMBAI: Axis Bank just teed up a hole-in-one partnership because when a bank sponsors golf’s biggest swing in India, even the fairways feel more financially secure. Axis Bank has been appointed Official Banking Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI), strengthening its commitment to sporting excellence and community engagement while backing the growth of professional golf across the country.
Under the partnership, Axis Bank will support all DP World PGTI tournaments this season, contributing to talent development, enhanced tournament experiences and wider fan engagement. The collaboration aligns the bank’s values of precision, discipline and trust with the Tour’s focus on performance and opportunity.
Axis Bank executive director Munish Sharda said, “We are pleased to partner with DP World PGTI as its Official Banking Partner. Golf embodies precision, discipline, and a pursuit of excellence qualities that strongly reflect who we are at Axis Bank. This association also strengthens our engagement with India’s growing premium customer segments, where the sport has a deep and enduring connect.”
Professional Golf Tour of India president Kapil Dev said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Axis Bank as a Tour Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India. Partnerships of this stature play a vital role in strengthening the foundation of the Tour, enhancing opportunities for our players, and expanding the sport’s reach across the country.”
Professional Golf Tour of India CEO Amandeep Johl added, “Axis Bank’s strong legacy of excellence, innovation, and nationwide reach aligns perfectly with DP World PGTI’s goal to elevate professional golf in India and provide greater opportunities for our players.”
In a sport where every stroke counts and every partnership drives distance, Axis Bank isn’t just backing golfers, it’s investing in the fairway to future, turning India’s greens into a stage where precision meets passion and every drive has the power to inspire.
