Why Is Coffee Tourism Trending in 2026?

Travel in 2026 looks a little different - and it smells a lot like freshly brewed coffee.

Around the world, travelers are no longer just chasing landmarks or nightlife. Instead, they’re planning trips around coffee culture, café scenes, and immersive brew experiences. Welcome to the rise of coffee tourism.

Coffee Is No Longer Just a Morning Ritual

Coffee Culture Over Clubbing: 1 in 3 travelers now rank a destination’s coffee scene above its nightlife when planning travel. 

(GetYourGuide, Hidden Trends 2026)

According to recent travel trend reports, coffee has become a deciding factor in where people go. In fact, a growing number of travelers now say coffee culture matters more than nightlife when choosing a destination.

From specialty cafés in Tokyo to historic espresso bars in Rome and plantation tours in Colombia, coffee has evolved into a cultural experience worth traveling for - not just something you grab on the go.

From Niche Interest to Mainstream Travel Trend

Once reserved for true coffee enthusiasts, coffee tourism has officially gone mainstream. Travelers are increasingly booking:

☕ Coffee plantation visits

👩 Barista-led brewing workshops

🏙️ Guided café crawls

🌱 Coffee tastings & origin experiences

These hands-on moments allow visitors to connect with local culture through the lens of coffee - learning how beans are grown, roasted, brewed, and enjoyed differently around the world.

Experiences Over Souvenirs

Skills over souvenirs: Bookings for workshops are up 59%, and 31% of Gen Z would rather come home with a new skill over a souvenir. 

(GetYourGuide, Hidden Trends 2026)

Another key driver behind this trend is the shift toward experience-led travel. Instead of bringing home souvenirs, modern travelers want skills, stories, and memories. Coffee experiences - from latte art classes to sunrise coffee harvests - are perfect examples .

Coffee as a Cultural Connector

Coffee has always brought people together. In 2026, it’s also connecting travelers to local communities. Whether it’s lingering at a neighborhood café or talking with farmers at the source, coffee offers a slower, more intentional way to explore a destination - one cup at a time.

Bring the Coffee Travel Mindset Home

You don’t have to be on a plane to embrace coffee tourism. The spirit of it lives in your kitchen. With a Melitta® coffee maker, you can bring the café experience home.

• Experiment with beans from different origins to discover new flavors.

• Try different brewing methods to perfect your cup.

• Savor each cup as a mindful, intentional ritual.

Just like travelers explore coffee culture abroad, Melitta® empowers you to explore it at home. Every cup becomes an opportunity to pause, taste intentionally, and connect with the craft - creating your own mini coffee adventure, anytime. 

In 2026, coffee isn’t just part of the journey.
It is the journey - and Melitta® is your passport.