According to the National Restaurant Association (www.restaurant.org), travelers and tourists account for approximately 40% of sales at fine-dining restaurants and 25% of sales at casual-dining restaurants.
According to a survey by Experian Simmons (www.smrb.com), 18% of adults say they try to eat gourmet food whenever they can; 31% of these consumers strongly agree that they seek out gourmet foods. Travel provides the opportunity for those who enjoy gourmet dining to experience new cuisine.
According to Portrait of Affluent Travelers, a report by Ypartnership (www.mmgyglobal.com), 85% of luxury travelers want dining in new and different restaurants as part of their travel experience. This ranked highest among all travel activities among the affluent, ahead of shopping, gambling, cultural activities, museums, and spas.
Culinary Destinations
The 2016 Readers Choice Awards poll by 10Best (www.10best.com), a USA Today travel site, ranked food and beverage destinations as follows:
CULINARY TOURISM USA Traveler Dining Photo Gallery
Best Local Food Scene
1. Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
2. Louisville, KY
3. Nashville, TN
4. Providence, RI
5. Raleigh, NC
6. Asheville, NC
7. Oakland, CA
8. New Orleans, LA
9. Portland, ME
10. Charleston, SC
Best Small Town Food Scene
1. Frankenmuth, Ml
2. Driftwood, TX
3. Portsmouth, NH
4. Yountville, CA
5. St Helena, CA
6. Traverse City, MI
7. Tarpon Springs, FL
8. Hendersonville, NC
9. Naples, FL
10. Fredericksburg, TX
Best Food Trail
1. Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail (New Mexico)
2. Mississippi Gulf Seafood Trail
3. Cajun Boudin Trail (Louisiana)
4. Hoosier Pie Trail (Indiana)
5. Sweet Tea Trail (South Carolina)
6. Kentucky Bourbon Trail
7. Finger Lakes Sweet Treat Trail (New York)
8. Oregon Cheese Trail
9. Beer Brewery Trail (Vermont)
10. Texas BBQ Trail
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