In recent years, travel has seen a remarkable shift. What was once centered on sightseeing, exploring historical landmarks, and souvenir shopping, has now evolved into a more experiential form of tourism. Increasingly, travelers are placing emphasis on authentic culinary experiences to shape their adventures. Instead of simply relying on guidebooks, modern-day tourists now create lists of local snacks to try, eager to indulge in flavors that reflect the uniqueness of the places they visit. This growing trend has given rise to snack tourism, where the exploration of a destination’s culture through food is becoming just as essential as visiting its famous landmarks. The Skysnacker Lounge, scheduled to open in London in October 2025, is a prime example of this shift, offering a global taste adventure right in the heart of one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Snack Tourism: Changing How People Travel

As snack tourism continues to rise, it is changing the way people plan their travel. While past generations may have traveled mainly to visit famous monuments, the modern traveler is increasingly drawn to discovering local snacks that embody the essence of a place’s culture. Treats like KitKats from Tokyo or Tim Tams from Sydney have become integral to travel choices, influencing where people decide to visit. The focus has shifted from simply observing landmarks to exploring the region’s unique snacks, making food an essential part of the travel experience. What was once a secondary consideration has now taken on a central role in how travelers connect with the places they visit.

Reflecting this transformation, the Skysnacker Lounge in London will open from October 31 to November 2, 2025. This event promises to be a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a wide variety of global snacks in one place. But it’s not just about tasting different foods—it’s about immersing oneself in the cultural context behind each snack, offering visitors a chance to better understand the culinary traditions that shape these iconic treats. The lounge, featuring snacks from Europe, Asia, Australasia, and beyond, offers a rare chance to explore a variety of flavors from across the globe, all without leaving London.

Snack Tourism’s Impact on Modern Travel

Snack tourism has grown beyond being a passing trend. It has become a central aspect of the travel experience for many. According to data, 47% of travelers in the UK say that the availability of local food and snacks influences their destination choices. For many, experiencing the local culture through its snacks is just as important as sightseeing. Tasting Petit Écolier biscuits from France or the special edition KitKats from Japan has become a meaningful way to connect with the culture of a place. These snacks are no longer just food—they are part of the cultural fabric that gives travelers a richer, more immersive experience of the places they visit.

Among the many travelers embracing this movement, Millennials have emerged as key advocates. Research shows that 59% of Millennials plan their vacations specifically around the snacks they want to try. 70% of Millennial travelers even allocate part of their travel budgets to purchasing local snacks while abroad. This shift indicates how food culture is reshaping the way people approach their vacations. Snacks have become as important as landmarks in the travel decision-making process.

In addition to Millennials, Gen Z is also playing a pivotal role in the rise of snack tourism. For this younger generation, local cuisine is often more appealing than visiting traditional tourist sites. Approximately 38% of Gen Z travelers have stated that they would prefer to try local food rather than visit famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This growing trend highlights how food, specifically snacks, is becoming an essential part of how younger generations experience the world around them.

A World of Snacks in One Place

The Skysnacker Lounge in London promises to offer a truly international experience. Visitors will have access to over 6,700 different snacks from across the world, representing diverse culinary traditions. This collection will provide travelers with a chance to sample authentic regional treats that they might not otherwise encounter, offering a rare opportunity to explore flavors from various corners of the globe.

• Europe: European snacks are known for their nostalgic and refined flavors. Visitors will be able to try iconic treats like Daim Bites, Carambar Caramel, and the beloved Petit Écolier biscuits, all of which hold a special place in the hearts of Europeans, evoking memories of childhood.
• The Americas: The snacks from the Americas bring bold and adventurous flavors. Visitors can enjoy treats like Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Crunchy, Nerds Gummy Clusters, and Dr Pepper Strawberry & Cream Soda, which provide a taste of bold, flavorful combinations typical of American and South American snack cultures.
• Asia: Asian snacks are famous for their innovative and experimental flavors. Attendees will have the opportunity to try unique treats such as KitKat Birthday Cake, Lays Magic Masala, and Samyang Buldak Ramen Carbonara, offering bold new flavor combinations that challenge traditional snack profiles.
• Australasia: Australasia is home to snacks that evoke a sense of nostalgia, such as Tim Tams, Caramello Koalas, and Violet Crumble, which are loved in Australia and New Zealand. These treats bring a playful, sweet touch to the event, reflecting the region’s fun and easygoing snack culture.

With more than 6,700 snacks on offer, the Skysnacker Lounge provides an exciting chance to indulge in flavors from all over the world. The event goes beyond merely tasting snacks—it allows visitors to engage with the cultural identities of the regions these snacks represent. It’s an immersive, educational experience where visitors can truly connect with the cultures behind the food.

Maximizing the Snack Tourism Experience

For those interested in embracing snack tourism, there are several practical steps that can help travelers make the most of their snack-centric adventures:

• Research Local Trends: Before traveling, it’s important for snack enthusiasts to look up the latest snack trends in their destination. Social media platforms such as TikTok, or local food blogs, can be great sources of information, helping travelers discover the must-try treats they shouldn’t miss out on.
• Shop Locally: Visiting supermarkets and convenience stores is one of the best ways to find authentic snacks that are loved by locals. These locations provide a true taste of the region’s food culture, offering snacks that reflect the everyday preferences of the local population.
• Be Aware of Customs Rules: Travelers should always be mindful of the customs regulations for the countries they visit. Some snacks may not be allowed to cross borders, so it’s important to verify if any items are restricted before packing them into luggage.
• Leave Extra Space for Snacks: Serious snack tourists know that extra luggage space is essential. This space is crucial for ensuring that travelers can bring back all the unique snacks they find on their journeys, allowing them to share these discoveries with others once they return home.

The Future of Snack-Centered Travel

As snack tourism continues to grow, its influence on the travel industry will only expand. No longer considered a side activity, food has taken center stage in the travel experience for many. People are increasingly seeking authentic cultural experiences, and snack tourism offers a great opportunity to connect with a destination’s culture through its food.

The rise of snack tourism is reshaping the way the travel industry operates. There is an expected increase in food-focused experiences, including snack tours, global food festivals, and specialized travel packages aimed at travelers eager to explore regional snacks. The Skysnacker Lounge is just one example of how food-centered events are becoming essential parts of the modern travel experience. These events showcase the growing role that food now plays in travel, moving beyond just being a part of the journey to becoming an integral aspect of how people engage with new destinations.

For the travel industry, the rise of snack tourism presents exciting opportunities for growth. As food tourism continues to surge, destinations will need to embrace their local snacks as a key part of their attraction to travelers. This shift will encourage more innovative experiences, as destinations and tourism providers create food-based tours and events, offering new ways to explore the world. Food will continue to dominate the travel experience, and destinations that focus on their culinary heritage will stand out in the increasingly competitive travel market.

A New Era for Travelers and the Global Travel Industry

In conclusion, snack tourism is redefining how people experience new destinations. Travelers are increasingly choosing locations based on the snacks they can try, making food an essential part of the overall travel experience. The Skysnacker Lounge in London serves as a prime example of how snack tourism is changing modern travel, providing a platform for people to explore a wide variety of global snacks in a single location.

As this trend grows, it is clear that snack tourism will have a lasting impact on the global travel industry. Destinations will increasingly showcase their local snacks to attract travelers, and food will become a driving force in how people experience new cultures. This shift marks the beginning of a new era in travel, where food and snacks play a central role in shaping the journey. As travelers continue to prioritize food in their travel plans, the travel industry will continue to evolve, offering innovative and exciting ways to explore the world through its flavors. The future of travel is food-focused, with snacks playing a key role in shaping global travel experiences.