Gastronomy forms an inherent link with tourism in Europe and plays a large part in the tourism experience on the continent. It may therefore come as a surprise that it is little researched, even though there is anecdotal evidence to suggest it is a growth niche market area.

This is the first industry report to be written on the subject of gastronomic tourism. Focusing on Europe, it includes country case studies on Austria, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland as well as emerging destinations, and ten profiles of companies offering a gastronomic tourism product. The countries profiled here are those which have both large numbers of visitors, established reputations for gastronomy and some development of the product.

Designed for travel and tourism professionals, this report provides a unique overview of this growing market. Combining the latest tourism data from the most authoritative sources and Mintel's own unique, independent analysis, it offers a level of market-explanation that can help create focused marketing and shape effective tourism policy at the highest level