SLOW TOURISM

It is a form of tourism that respects local cultures, history and environment and social responsibility values.
The concept of slow travel has emerged from the Slow Food and Slow Cities movement originated in Italy in the 1980’s and 1990’s. It focuses on the “development of places that enjoy a robust vitality based on good food, healthy environments, sustainable economies and the seasonality and traditional rhythms of community life” (Knox, 2005). It emphasises local distinctiveness in a context of globalisation and seeks to improve quality of life locally and to minimise the environmental footprint.

Slow tourism follows two essential principles: “taking time” and “attachment” to a particular place: “Taking time” means modification of the daily time relationship, specifically a different perception of nature, and “attachment” means living in harmony with a place, its inhabitants and their culture. Tourists must be able to look rather tan to see; to experience the area rather than to endure it.
Slow tourism aims to combine slowness, time for living, and quality of life with modernity and contemporary technology -authenticity is not incompatible with technology (Kappeler, 2000).

It requires the involvement of the local community and partnerships. Locals are an important part of creating an appealing atmosphere for tourist feedback, which can lead to an appreciation of local culture and heritage, thereby encouraging local involvement in tourism and strengthening the local identity (Nilsson et alt. 2007).
The concept of sustainable tourism development, which includes economic, environmental and social sustainability, should be perceived as a pillar of the philosophy of slow tourism.