What are the benefits of slow travel and tourism?
In recent years, the trend of “slow travel” has become increasingly popular, with 90% of tourists seeking a more deliberate, sustainable and immersive travel experience. A method of travelling that encourages people to slow down and connect with their surroundings.
So, what is slow travel, and how can it benefit the tourism industry? Let’s take a look.
What is slow travel and tourism?
Fast food, fast fashion, and fast media – our world today is all about 'fast' everything and when it comes to travel, it’s often no different.
Slow travel encourages tourists to take their time and truly experience the places they visit. Instead of rushing through destinations, slow travellers often stay longer in one place, opt for sustainable modes of transport and spend time soaking up the local food, cultures and way of life. This method of travelling is more sustainable and enables travellers to make deeper connections with the people they meet and the environments they stay in.
What are the benefits of slow travel?
There are many benefits of slow travel, not least the sustainable experiences that positively impact the people supporting slow experiences. From building relationships with local communities to unwinding and exploring destinations at a slower pace, travellers can truly immerse themselves in the local culture and environment.
The benefits of slow travel include:
Deeper cultural immersion: Slow travel allows you to immerse yourself more fully in authentic local cultures and understand a different way of life. Spending more time in one place enables you to build relationships, understand the customs, and connect with the community on a deeper level.
Reduced environmental impact: By staying longer in one destination, travellers can decrease their carbon footprint associated with frequent travel. Slow travel often involves using local transportation and amenities, like cycling or walking.
Enhanced wellbeing: Rushing from one tourist hotspot to another can be stressful. Slow travel encourages a more relaxed pace, giving travellers time to unwind, reflect, and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
Authentic experiences: Slow travel allows for spontaneous experiences and unexpected discoveries that are often missed when rushing through a destination. Travellers can explore off-the-beaten-track, meet locals, and participate in events or festivals that might otherwise be overlooked.
Examples of slow travel
From spending a week living with a local family in a rural village for cultural immersion to participating in a mindful and relaxing yoga retreat to destress and unwind, there are various ways to travel slowly while contributing positively to the places you visit and making a sustainable impact.
Whether volunteering with conservation projects, learning traditional crafts from local artisans, or simply getting to know residents, slow travel creates connections beyond superficial tourism.
Life amongst the trees at Pacuare Lodge Siquirres, Costa Rica
How can hotels adapt to this movement?
Slow tourism isn’t just a way of travelling for tourists; it’s also an essential consideration for businesses and hotels within the industry. With 43% of travellers willing to pay more for more sustainable travel options, we know that sustainability makes business sense, so how can you get involved in slow travel to support eco-conscious tourists?
Sustainable hotels and businesses within the tourism industry can support and encourage slow travel by promoting their green practices and encouraging guests to embrace a slower pace of exploration. Simple approaches for hotels include:
Offering slow travel packages: Providing packages that include longer stays, slower itineraries, and immersive experiences can attract guests looking to disconnect and recharge.
Long-term stay facilities: As 78% of travellers seek eco-friendly accommodation, it’s important to provide sustainable accommodations suitable for longer stays, such as suites with kitchenettes or full kitchens, eco-friendly laundry facilities, and ample storage space. This caters to slow travellers who prefer to immerse themselves in a destination for an extended period.
Highlight local culture and cuisine: Incorporate elements of local culture into the hotel experience. For example, the restaurant could offer locally sourced food and beverages, the decor could showcase local artwork and crafts, and cultural events or workshops could be organised.
Facilitate meaningful experiences: Collaborate with local tour operators, guides, and artisans to offer unique and sustainable experiences for guests. This might include guided tours focused on local history and traditions, cooking classes using local ingredients, or nature excursions that emphasise sustainability.
Provide information and resources: Offer guests information about local attractions, cultural events, and responsible travel tips to help travellers make informed decisions and encourage them to engage more deeply with the destination.
Transportation options: Encourage guests to walk local routes or hike off the beaten track to discover local amenities. Other transport options, like bikes and electric vehicles, can encourage travellers to choose more sustainable ways to explore their destination.
Support sustainability initiatives: Implement sustainable practices throughout the hotel operations, such as reducing packaging, minimising food waste and being mindful of water usage. Educate guests about these initiatives to encourage responsible travel behaviours and highlight that sustainable tourism is a long-term commitment.
Through these mindful approaches to slow tourism, hotels and businesses can attract and cater to slow travellers seeking authentic and enriching experiences while contributing positively to local communities and the environment.
The Long Run helps businesses promote slow travel through our 4Cs framework, which is focused on Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce. We help purpose-driven tourism businesses minimise environmental impact, create authentic local experiences, and preserve cultural heritage while balancing profitability with these sustainable practices.
Travel business members of The Long Run have the best guidance for anyone looking to book a sustainable trip and truly slow down. They can advise on the best destinations for a slower pace and the experiences that will showcase it at its finest. These are the people to talk to if you really want to get under the skin of a destination. Discover our Travel Business members and get booking now
Exploring the bush on foot at Singita Kruger National Park, South Africa