Author: Serena Viglianisi
Date of Publication: 12/09/2022
Everyone knows the meaning of tourism in general, but probably, few know the meaning of slow tourism. Actually this is a new way of doing tourism that has involved various cities and continues to fascinate many tourists.
WHERE DID SLOW TOURISM COME FROM?
This movement has to do with slow food. In fact, Carlo Petrini created it to resist the opening of McDonald’s near the Spanish Steps in Rome and focus on a slower lifestyle. The term "slow" has a positive tone. This is because it targets several key points applying policies and strategies that respect the environment:
● the territory
● the identity
● local resources and knowledge
● territory growth
● improving the quality of urban life.
In the same way, making tourism and travelling more slowly, leads to a better and different lifestyle. This comes in contrast to the usual mass tourist who prefers standard things. Instead, through this movement, tourists live the complete experience. They want to visit unknown places rediscovering the culture and traditions of this place. In this way, tourists will live their experience with peace of mind by enjoying each moment of the journey. This happens without haste and brings home unforgettable memories.
WHAT IS SLOW TOURISM?
Slow tourism follows the concept of slowness. Actually, it is a longer journey but lived in a slower and quieter way. This movement belongs to sustainable travel to allow a cultural journey and respect, especially for the environment. The concept of slow tourism relies on the sustainable consumption of transport, goods, mobility and slower journeys. Further, it follows three core pillars:
● Do things at the right speed
● Changing the attitude towards speed
● Looking for quality versus quantity
These three points highlight the importance of this kind of tourism. In general, slow tourism means living the trip in a more peaceful way while trying to get out of the daily stress. It is a new travel style for the tourist: spend more time in one place to learn about the community and the territory. In this way, the tourist will be able to understand and know the surrounding environment.
SLOW TOURISM IN BARCELONA
One city that started to follow and apply this movement is Barcelona. Since 2007 a network of public bicycles has emerged: the Bicing Barcelona. This initiative has allowed the birth of numerous bike paths and more than 90 traffic lights just for cyclists. In this way, many people and especially young people can move more quietly in the city at a lower cost. From there, the city recognized the importance of sustainability with greater attention.
In the field of tourism, from the phenomenon of bicing, the Barcelona CycloTour has appeared. A trip inside Barcelona to discover the attractions, monuments and the most hidden sides of the city. Paying 20 euros, the tourist has at his disposal a bike, a helmet, water, a bag for items. Also, they have a drink on the beach during the break. All this meets the new needs of tourists, who require more respect and contact with nature and the city through excursions. Actually tourists love trips, water sports such as wind surfing and diving and a lot of other activities..
BARCELONA SLOW THROUGH MONTJUIC
If you want to go outside the city, visiting Montjuic Park is the best choice to enjoy the green spaces and clean air. The Montjuic rises a few metres from the port up to 173 m. high and dominates the whole town. Thanks to Barcelona Slow's tour, you can take a walk through the park and see all the marvels it has to offer. This experience allows you to discover the city on foot, in peace and without pressure.
This walk is an opportunity to dive into the green spaces and the history of the places while discovering new things. It is a good activity for the mind and body. It is possible to make different itineraries according to the interests of the visitor.
Very important thing: EVERYTHING IS ECONOMICALLY SUSTAINABLE!