North America Food Guide: Pros and Cons for Tourists

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The European Travel Commission and the U.S. Travel Association released a joint survey in July 2026 evaluating traveler preferences between Europe and North America, with food culture cited as a key differentiator. The study, based on 2,500 responses from tourists who visited both regions in 2025, found that 62% of participants preferred North America’s culinary diversity, while 58% cited Europe’s gastronomic heritage as a primary draw.

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Food Culture as a Travel Decision Factor
The survey highlighted that 74% of respondents who visited both continents noted “distinct regional specialties” as a major influence on their travel choices. In North America, 68% of travelers praised the “fusion of global cuisines,” particularly in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Conversely, 71% of respondents who traveled in Europe emphasized “time-honored traditions,” with destinations such as Tuscany, Paris, and Barcelona frequently mentioned.

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“North America offers an incredible range of flavors, from street food in Mexico City to fine dining in San Francisco,” said Maria Lopez, a travel analyst with the U.S. Travel Association. “But Europe’s deep-rooted culinary history provides a unique cultural experience that many travelers seek.”

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Tourism Trends Amid the 2026 World Cup
The study coincided with heightened interest in North America as a travel destination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. According to the World Cup Organizing Committee, 40% of international visitors planning to attend the event cited “food accessibility and variety” as a key factor in their decision.

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In contrast, Europe’s tourism sector reported a 12% increase in bookings for 2026, driven by cultural and historical attractions. The European Travel Commission noted that “food-focused itineraries” saw a 25% rise, with 89% of travelers in Italy and Spain expressing satisfaction with local cuisine.

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Regional Challenges and Opportunities
While North America’s food scene was praised for its innovation, 38% of respondents raised concerns about “high costs in major cities,” particularly in New York and San Francisco. Europe, meanwhile, faced criticism for “limited accessibility to international cuisines” in smaller towns, though 65% of travelers appreciated the “authenticity of local dishes.”

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“The debate between Europe and North America isn’t about which is better, but which aligns with a traveler’s priorities,” said Dr. James Carter, a tourism professor at the University of Toronto. “North America excels in diversity, while Europe offers depth.”

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Future Outlook
The survey’s authors recommended that both regions invest in “cultural culinary exchanges” to enhance cross-border appeal. For 2026, the World Cup Organizing Committee announced plans to partner with local chefs to create “shared food experiences” for international visitors.

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As the World Cup approaches, travelers continue to weigh the merits of each region. “Whether it’s a pizza in Naples or a taco in Mexico City, the food is a gateway to understanding a place,” said a 2026 visitor from Germany, who traveled to both continents. “But the choice depends on what you’re looking for.”