In a world that never stops moving, the desire for deceleration is growing. Many travelers long for an authentic experience that goes deeper than the surface impressions of conventional mass tourism. The “Slow Tourism” movement is increasingly gaining attention, promoting a mindful, eco-friendly way of traveling that offers space for relaxation and meaningful encounters.
Originating from the “Slow Food” movement, Slow Tourism isn’t just about traveling at a slower pace but embracing the journey itself as an experience. The goal is to spend more time in fewer places, creating deeper connections with local culture, people, and nature.
What Makes Slow Tourism Unique?
Slow tourism is more than just a trend. According to a survey by the German Travel Association, 41% of European travellers today attach great importance to sustainability and local authenticity. Slow tourism even goes one step further here: by consciously lingering and discovering the surroundings on ‘slow paths’, travellers can not only get to know the culture better, but also themselves. While traditional tourism focuses on consumption and speed, slow tourism offers the chance to really experience new places and create lasting memories. According to a recent study by Booking.com, 81% of German travellers stated that they would like to travel more sustainably in 2024. This is in line with more immersive experiences, reflecting the trend towards more conscious and authentic travelling. The survey highlights that many travellers are showing a growing interest in environmentally friendly practices and supporting local communities.
Mindful Travel: Less Is More for the Environment
Mass tourism leaves its mark: according to UNEP, around 8% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide are attributable to tourism. Slow tourism offers an alternative approach here and encourages people to travel more consciously and avoid air travel, for example. Public transport, bicycles or even long walks play a central role in this concept and actively contribute to reducing the carbon footprint. Slow tourism can also help to relieve overcrowded destinations. By focussing on rural areas and less frequented places, it not only makes new regions interesting for tourists, but also preserves sensitive ecosystems and cultural sites.
A benefit for local communities
In addition to the ecological benefits, Slow Tourism also has added economic value for the destinations. Local communities benefit directly when travellers consciously invest in the local culture and economy. Italy offers an inspiring example of this with the ‘Albergo Diffuso’. In small villages, empty houses are converted into guest rooms, creating jobs and preserving cultural identity at the same time.
A study conducted by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) last year shows that travellers who stay longer in one place contribute significantly more to the regional economy. They visit local markets and restaurants and thus promote a fairer distribution of tourism revenue. Slow tourism therefore not only brings deceleration, but also a sustainable economic upturn for the destination regions.
Greater Value Through Intentional Experiences
Slow tourism not only offers benefits for the environment and the local economy – travellers themselves also benefit. Travellers who stay longer in one place can build deeper connections with the locals and the surrounding area. Experiences such as attending a local festival or sharing a meal with locals often create lasting memories and foster a real understanding of the culture.
At a time when many are longing for a break from digital and other stimuli, slow tourism offers a kind of ‘wellness for the soul’. Many slow travellers report that they return more relaxed and fulfilled after such a holiday. Consciously experiencing the landscape, immersing yourself in a different culture and simply enjoying the silence creates a lasting travel experience that lasts beyond the trip.
Inspiration for Slow Tourism Experiences
Slow tourism can be realised in many different ways and there are numerous inspiring examples:
– Hungary – Hévíz Spa: With its rich culture and picturesque landscapes, Hungary offers ideal conditions for slow travelling. The Hévíz spa, the largest natural thermal lake in Europe, is a particular highlight for slow tourism enthusiasts. Visitors can experience the healing powers of the warm water and unwind on walks through the surrounding nature and wine region. Wellness and relaxation take centre stage and promote a sustainable, intensive travel experience.
– Jumeirah Frankfurt: Slow tourism is also possible in urban areas. Jumeirah Frankfurt, for example, invites travellers to experience the city in peace and quiet, far away from the hustle and bustle. Exclusive city tours focussing on regional culture and cuisine offer relaxed access to the old town, local cuisine and the art scene – perfect for an intensive but decelerated experience of the big city.
– Formentera Tourism Board: Formentera stands for a sustainable holiday experience in the Mediterranean. The island promotes sustainable tourism with environmentally friendly transport options such as cycle paths and hiking trails that allow guests to consciously experience the Mediterranean landscape.
Tips for Mindful Travel
Slow tourism doesn’t have to be complicated. Even small changes in travel behaviour can have a big impact and intensify the travel experience. There are a few simple approaches for travellers who want to try out slow tourism:
- Taking more time and visiting fewer places: instead of a quick tour of several cities or sights in one day, it can be worthwhile to linger longer in one place and experience it in more depth. Those who take the time to get to know a city, village or landscape in depth often discover hidden treasures that are easily overlooked during a fleeting visit. Travelling slowly means consciously perceiving things and allowing impressions to sink in rather than rushing from one attraction to the next. A longer stay also allows you to develop a feeling for the local way of life, making the trip a personal and authentic experience.
- Support local providers: By consciously choosing local accommodation, restaurants and shops, travellers are helping to strengthen the economy of the region they are visiting. For example, staying in a family-run inn or buying produce at a local market can create a more direct connection to the culture and the people. Local tour operators often know the best insider tips that are off the beaten track and offer authentic insights into the region. Slow tourism thus creates a win-win situation: travellers experience authentic moments and the income directly benefits the local people.
- Plan for digital downtime: Travellers often tend to share their experiences online immediately, be it through photos, videos or status updates. However, the constant use of a smartphone or camera can lead to a less intense experience of the here and now. Slow tourism invites you to take a conscious break from digital devices and concentrate fully on your surroundings and your immediate experience. If you decide to put your smartphone aside, you often discover things that you would have missed through the camera screen and return with memories that are deeply rooted in your own perception.
- Focus on nature and choose environmentally friendly means of transport: Slow tourism is often closely linked to experiencing nature. Whether you are hiking, cycling or on a boat trip – the conscious perception of the surroundings and the slow exploration of landscapes are what make slow tourism so appealing. Travelling on hiking trails or exploring the surroundings by bike, for example, allows you to experience the landscape and its details more intensively. This not only makes travelling more environmentally friendly, but also more enriching, as the journey itself becomes an experience.
- Engage with the local culture and people: Another important aspect of slow tourism is consciously immersing yourself in the culture and everyday life of the places you are travelling to. This means familiarising yourself with the local language and customs and engaging in genuine encounters. Talking to locals, attending events and festivals or preparing and savouring regional dishes together creates a connection that goes beyond the surface. These in-depth experiences make the stay more intense and enriching – a real ‘immersion’ in the culture that will be remembered for a long time.
Slow Tourism: A Journey for the Future
Slow tourism could stand for a sustainable future of travelling. Through a conscious, resource-conserving way of travelling and a retreat from fast consumerism, this movement has the potential to positively influence not only travellers but also the places they visit.
In an increasingly fast-paced world, slow tourism is an invitation to focus on the essentials: genuine encounters, the beauty of nature and an awareness of the uniqueness of each place. Slow tourism is not just a form of travel, but a path to more mindfulness and sustainability in everyday life and when travelling.
KLEBER GROUP is not only active in the field of slow tourism for its customers, but also realises its own responsible projects. These include Akua, which aims to implement sustainable water solutions in water-scarce regions in order to improve the quality of life of the people living there. KLEBER GROUP is also dedicated to promoting the sustainable development of African tourism with its multidisciplinary Voice4Africa initiative.
Sources
Aktuelle Umfrage von Booking.com enthüllt Potenzial für nachhaltiges Reisen trotz Herausforderungen
Falstaff – das Medium für Genuss, Wein Bewertungen & Reisen
#Reisen verbindet: DRV
Slow Tourism: Tipps für bewusstes Reisen | DERTOUR
Unsere Geschichte – Slow Food
Statistiken zum nachhaltigen Reisen | Statista
Sustainable development (unwto.org)
