From 'the biggest pizza party in Italy', to the world's largest chocolate festival, to creepy crawly bugs and tuna tossing, almost two-thirds of travellers pick a holiday destination for its great food, according to research by Booking.com.
Here are some of the site's most recommended food festivals for the ultimate gastronomic getaway.
Ribfest - Ontario, Canada
Meat lovers will relish at Canada's Largest Ribfest, located in Spencer Smith Park in Burlington, Ontario from August 30 to September 2, 2019. Now in its 22nd year, the festival features 19 award-winning rib masters from all over North America. It's the perfect festival to tuck into mouth-watering meat, cool off with a drink in the beer garden, listen to local bands across three stages and enjoy the fireworks and celebrity food judging contests.
Where to stay: The charming Creekside B&B is the perfect home away from home for Ribfest festival goers, as this cosy bed and breakfast is located just a short drive away. During your stay if feeling inspired by what you saw at the festival, why not make use of the property's onsite BBQ facilities to grill or smoke your own mouth-watering ribs.
Napoli Pizza Village Festival- Naples, Italy
More than one million pizza lovers from around the world are expected to flock to Naples, the birthplace of pizza, for the 9th edition of the iconic Napoli Pizza Village Festival. Mark your calendars - the 2019 dates are confirmed from September 13 to 22 . Not only can visitors sample world famous pizza, travellers can also attend workshops from pizza masters around the world, enjoy exhibits, concerts and take part in contests.
Where to stay: The Grand Tour B&B boasts a central location and city or sea views. Nearby sites include the Piazza Plebiscito and Castel dell'Ovo. After indulging at Pizza Fest, guests can take advantage of the scenic 25-minute walk from Lungomare Caracciolo, where Pizza Fest is located, back to the apartment.
BugFest - North Carolina, US
For those brave enough to sample buggy dishes prepared by local chefs, a bug-eating emporium takes place at BugFest on September 21, 2019 at the Museum of Natural Sciences in North Carolina, USA. The event showcases exhibits, activities, educational presentations and workshops on all things bugs. Arguably one of the more unusual types of food, this festival explores the health benefits of entomophagy and local chefs prepare dishes that may pack a crunch.
Where to stay: The StateView Hotel, Autograph Collection is a short drive from BugFest.
Salon du Chocolat - Paris, France
Salon du Chocolat is the home of every chocolate lover's dream. Taking place in the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles between October 30 and November 3, this year will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Salon du Chocolat is a hub for international flavours and chocolate trends with exhibits, activities, competitions, workshops, live recipes from top chefs, chocolate sculptures and even a chocolate fashion show. The world's largest chocolate and cocoa festival represents 60 countries from around the world.
Where to stay: Okko Hotels Paris Porte De Versailles offers accommodation a short walk from the Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre, the Eiffel Tower and Parc des Princes. The Marché Cervantes is also nearby, a small market specialising primarily in fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs and dairy, charcuterie, seafood, and fresh flowers.
Tokyo Ramen Show , Japan
The Tokyo Ramen Show, spanning over the course of eleven days, will take place between late October and early November, with this year's event marking the festival's 10th anniversary. Held in Komazawa Olympic Park, noodle lovers can explore the 30 vendors from all over Japan and celebrate the different regional delicacies of ramen.
Where to stay: The Global Hotel Tokyo offers guests comfortable and affordable accommodation via its futuristic capsule pods. The capsule pods are just a 30-minute drive from the Komazawa Olympic Park, where the Ramen Show is located.
Tunarama Festival - Port Lincoln, Australia
Although it may seem like a rather unusual food festival, the annual Tunarama Festival in Port Lincoln, Australia is home to the 'world famous tuna toss'. Celebrated over the Australia Day weekend in January, this annual iconic festival pays homage to the city's tuna fishing and farming industries.
Guests can enjoy fresh produce from local market stalls, live music, farm to fork dining and some of the freshest seafood in the world, as well as the tuna themed street parades. If seafood lovers can't make it to the Tunarama festival, then they should try to visit Los Abrigos, Spain, Bouzigues, France, Si Racha, Rayong or Bangsaen in Thailand. All of these have been endorsed as the top destinations for seafood by Booking.com travellers.
Where to stay: The waterfront Bay 10 - Suites and Apartments are conveniently located just a short walk from Port Lincoln's town centre.
