What is slow tourism?
"Slow tourism" is a new form of travel that appeared in the early 2000s and consists of taking one's time by focusing more on local destinations and means of transport with a lower ecological impact. Inspired by the "slow food" and "slow life" trends that emerged in Italy in the 1980s, the slow tourism philosophy allows us to disconnect and refocus on our environment.
This new travel experience is gaining more and more followers every year and has many advantages. It allows you to take the time to immerse yourself in the place you are in, to meet other people and to leave room for the unexpected and experience new emotions.
The trend of a more responsible, more active tourism
The slow tourism trend has grown out of the emergence of sustainable, solidarity-based, eco-sensitive tourism. It is aimed at a target group that is sensitive to the idea of eco-responsible travel. Faced with the consequences of mass tourism, awareness of slow tourism seems to be the answer to tomorrow's tourism. Slow tourism encourages a more authentic trip, on the other side of the world outside the usual itineraries or close to home, in the countryside.
Opting for a new form of soft mobility
Rethinking the way we travel also means rethinking the way we move from one site to another. How can soft mobility be promoted during a business or purely tourist trip?
By using more environmentally friendly mobility.
Some methods of mobility to put into practice during your next trip:
running ;
hiking;
cycling;
scooter tours;
river tourism;
horseback riding;
...
Slow tourism, a new opportunity for territories
Local authorities have a role to play in this slow tourism dynamic. Adopting slow tourism means acting in favour of a more sustainable tourism for the environment, more active tourism for the health and well-being of everyone.
This new form of tourism reduces long-distance travel, allows encounters with the local population and gives the opportunity to discover new soft activities like cycling, walking or running.
By choosing this new positioning, local authorities can unite their businesses around a local network and attract new tourists.