EF Go Ahead Tours is serving up a plate of new itineraries designed for foodies.
The tour operator has developed a food tours collection that offers small-group itineraries designed to introduce travelers to a country and culture through its cuisine. The collection comes after EF partnered with Qualtrics Research, revealing that 70% of surveyed travelers are interested in culinary travel.
The research also found that 55% of respondents are likely to book a culinary tour in the next year or two. Demand for culinary itineraries is strong among demographics such as solo travelers, repeat customers and older adults, EF said.
"Food is one of the most appreciated benefits of travel amongst travelers and a way to learn more about local cultures," said Lael Kassis, the vice president of market innovation and development for EF Go Ahead Tours. "The launch of this special new collection of food and tours marks a broader evolution of EF Go Ahead Tours' culinary travel offerings, where we've refreshed existing itineraries with incredible new experiences like cooking classes and wine tastings, introduced new regions across Europe and Asia and elevated hotel selections."
The new collection features three travel styles: food tours, food and wine tours and America's Test Kitchen tours.
The food tours are designed for travelers who want to also experience guided food walks, market visits, farm and producer tours, and hands-on cooking classes. The food and wine feature famous wine regions. And the America's Test Kitchen tours are premium itineraries created in partnership with ATK and include elevated accommodations and multiple cooking classes or demonstrations.
New itineraries include food tours of Asia and Europe, pairing Michelin dining experiences with home-hosted meals.