The new way of traveling: slow tourism

In recent years, slow tourism has gained increasing popularity as the new way of traveling completely opposite to mass tourism. The phenomenon emerged in the 1980s, alongside other movements like slow food.

The term Slow Tourism derives from the concept of the Slow Movement. It first gained prominence with the birth of Slow Food in 1986 in Bra, Piedmont, thanks to Carlo Petrini. It all began when Petrini protested against the opening of the first McDonald’s in Rome that same year. This lead to the creation of this movement, which primarily promoted local culinary traditions in opposition to fast food culture. In the 1990s, the idea of Slow Tourism also began to spread.

Slow Tourism is the new way of traveling. It is a philosophy of life. The core idea is to slow down and fully enjoy the journey. People who choose this approach to travel prioritize quality over quantity, often selecting lesser-known destinations and staying for longer periods to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Slow Tourism opposes mass tourism and favors sustainability. By traveling slowly, tourists reduce their environmental impact, opting for eco-friendly modes of transportation like bicycles or less polluting options such as trains. Instead of staying in hotels, they prefer eco-friendly accommodations, ideally run by locals. These journeys offer the chance to discover hidden gems, such as ancient villages and historical trails surrounded by nature, and to experience unique moments away from mass tourism.

In an increasingly fast and globalized world, Slow Tourism offers an alternative for those looking to escape the stress and pressure of modern life, inviting them to rediscover the pleasure of slowing down, authenticity, and reflection during their travels.