We are all used to travelling, even though in different ways. Although tourists faced hard times to travel due to the pandemic, now they can choose again new places to visit, but the formula to do so has changed. Slow tourism is now one of the most popular choices: travelling with authenticity, sustainability, slowness bucks that “eat and go” trend – reduced slightly in the last years – and this is due to the increase of the average stay of guests.
According to the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) – that releases the Tourism Barometer quarterly – in 2022 more than 900 million tourists travelled abroad, doubling in comparison with both 2021 and pre-pandemic travels. For this reason, it is important that in early 2023 slow tourism appeals to 54% of tourists. In addition, data show that the percentage of walkers has increased: 52% of them wants to go trekking, while 50% loves to lose themselves in natural landscapes, and 46% wants to discover the territory. But why do people prefer slow tourism as a way to travel?
The principle that stays behind this kind of holidays is to think about a new idea of tourism that respect local traditions and that also considers sustainability as a state of mind. What really matters when travelling is to figure out how many stories, traditions, and know-how a territory might offer – all those elements that have developed over the centuries and shape the identity of a country. However, tourism may be considered “slow” only when satisfies certain principles: reducing the length of a journey, maximising spare time, relaxing their own mind, eating in traditional restaurants, going shopping either in local markets or in manufacturers, learning new techniques, minimising carbon footprints.
Whilst most people choose to plan their holidays in the summertime, fall may be the ideal season to discover new places and appreciate a “slow living” holiday, both in Italy and abroad.
1. Alpe Adria – Carinthia, Austria
A slow travel aimed to discover Carinthia – the most southern of the Austrian federal states – well known for its mountains and valleys, is the ideal destination for those who love mountain sports like skiing, trekking, and mountain bike. Here tourists will be able to learn how to bake ancient grains bread, how some traditional products are made, discover apiculture, and cook traditional food side-by-side with local chefs.
2. VenTo
VenTo is both an important and long bike lane that connects Turin and Venice for 700 km along the Po river's sides. This is an ideal holiday for those who love riding a bike to discover all the cities across the lane in a sustainable way – also with shorter lanes.
3. Transameria
Situated in southern Umbria along ancient roads enriched with history, century-old olive trees and authentic food, this itinerary has been conceived to learn more about culinary traditions and paths to cross both by bike and by walk. Touring the town of Todi, Amelia's cyclopic town walls, the Lane of Furious, and the Walk of Germanic.
4. Funes Valley, Dolomites
The Dolomites are a perfect landscape for both excursionists and mountain lovers, as they can travel in a sustainable way and also taking care of the environment. Bu they also can live an unforgettable food experience: local cheesemakers, black-bread bakers, speck-makers, as well as Isarco Valley vineyards that give birth to some world-famous wines.
5. Valais Canton, Switzerland
Grand Entremont and Fully regions are the places to be: enriched with ancient history, they are known for their family-owned agricultural production and natural attractions – for example, the Alpin glacier, Switzerland's baroque castle, and Europe's highest vineyard. This is an area full of mountain-bike lanes – the so-called Flowtrails – that can be crossed by any kind of enthusiasts. Don't miss the “goat trekking”, a brand-new excursion to experience with goats.
