المحتوى متاح باللغة الإنجليزية

What do you need to do to make sure a tourist package is suitable for Slow Tourism practices? Are there any criteria to guide companies in the creation of Slow Tourism packages?

Taking into account the pilot areas of the Med Pearls project, the Chapter 2 of the ‘Research study on Slow Tourism international trends and innovation’ presents a technical factsheet of the most important criteria and requirements to be met to create Slow Tourism packages and experiences. Using all the information gathered during the project and the experiences of the destinations involved, this criteria and requirements list seeks to guide Incoming Travel Agencies and Destination Management Companies to create Slow Tourism Packages. Packages that fit the philosophy of Slow Tourism and at the same time become highly attractive to tourists.

The technical factsheet is classified in different sections, which present the traits that would conform a perfect Slow Tourism package. These sections are:

• Accommodation. The section focuses on checking if the package offers properties that are local and/or family-run businesses; if the type of accommodations are farmhouses, country homes, cottages, etc; or if the properties work or are in contact with local producers and providers, among other characteristics.
• Activities. This section checks if the activities of the package aims to protect and promote natural and cultural heritage, allow a better understanding of the local identity, and promote responsible tourism behaviours.
• Food. A section that seeks to identify is the culinary products of the package come from local producers, and promotes the gastronomy of the region.
• Transport. A section that focuses on the use of sustainable means of transport, new and less travelled routes, public transport use, etc.

Apart from the 4 previous sections, the factsheet includes a section devoted to general aspects such as the ones related to the package itself, or the DMC or Incoming Travel Agency offering the package. For example: the size of the group should be small or individual, the package needs to be guided or self-guided, the DMC/Incoming Travel Agency develops alliances with local touristic stakeholders, etc.

The research concludes that for a tour package to be considered Slow, it must meet a minimum of compulsory requirements. Precisely a 40% of requirements in each category is recommended in order to ensure coherence and balance. The more requirements the package meets, the more “Slow Tourism philosophy” will be.

For more information, read the full CHAPTER 2 here: 2. Criteria and requirements for Slow Tourism packages.