Abstract
This research focuses on slow tourism in low-density areas of Beiras and Serra da Estrela, Portugal, and explores how these genuine and authentic spaces can become attractive for tourism development. Compared to visitors who travel to a destination to visit as many attractions as possible in the shortest time, slow tourists refuse to be treated as a number and seek to receive from and give to their destination in the same proportion. Their involvement in a host community, practiced in a personalized, deep, and informed way, contributes to their well-being. The community's inhabitants recognize that their cultural identity is valued, feel motivated to serve as ambassadors, and note that tourist activities can lead to improvements in their quality of life. This research includes the results of interviews, a benchmarking in Italy, and an analysis of a village tourism. The findings reveal the opportunities they hold for slow tourism, with very positive effects for local development.
TopIntroduction
Describe the general perspective of the chapter. End by specifically stating the objectives of the chapter. Access to information creates numerous advantages for travelers in search of tourist activities. However, such research sometimes only allows the visitor to obtain superficial knowledge of tourist destinations. It also can prevent visitors from fully engaging in their target locale so that they can enjoy personalized experiences that meet their preferences.
Furthermore, although many rural areas require development, they have unique characteristics and are places of rare beauty that are favorable to the development of slow tourism, as is the case of Beiras and Serra da Estrela (Figure 1). The present study analyses the adequacy of the tourist offer of low-density territories to the growing demand for slow tourism.
Figure 1. Beiras and Serra da Estrela territory.
Potential slow destinations are often rural, people live in accordance with the time and with the seasons, the true speed of life. Remote places are untouched places, unknown destinations, and unstepped routes, out of season scenarios, far from the madding crowd (Guiver & McGrath, 2016).
The population of this territory, mostly aged, feels forgotten and abandoned and, for that reason, much of its knowledge is also being depreciated, forgotten, and, consequently, lost. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to capture the value of the rural areas of the territory under analysis and provide them with a renewed image, taking advantage of a seemingly new concept - slow tourism.
In short, it analyzes how a territory consisting of depopulated, degraded, and poorly developed areas, repulsive to many of its inhabitants but attractive to a certain type of tourist (slow tourists) due to its unique characteristics, can be transmuted into a pleasant space for all stakeholders through the development of tourist activities.
Although those who live there view the region as unattractive, it has all the attributes that the slow tourist seeks and values. In this sense, it is classified as a territory that, despite being one of the richest in cultural and natural heritage, also has many associated weaknesses inherent to low-density areas, which must be seriously evaluated. Thus, in this investigation, from the research question: How slow tourism contributions to the revitalization of low-density territories? some opportunities for the development of this territory will be presented, based on the tourist demand of slow tourists.
TopSlow Tourism
Slow tourism is a concept that values participating in experiences using the time necessary to deepen the reality of the target destination. It prioritizes personalizing experiences according to the rhythms and preferences of each visitor. The slow tourist, being unique, is integrated into the community that welcomes them and gives to and receives from them in the same measure. This visitor is more conscientious than the average traveler and ends up contributing to the well-being of the local population. By showing interest in cultural and natural heritage, they are easily guided by those who truly know the region and are proud to make known the same to those who can value it, even if these same inhabitants do not always appreciate their surroundings. In this way, slow tourists do what they like, taking the time they need to experience and appreciate what surrounds them. As a result, the traveler achieves holistic experiences that will last in their memories forever, and that complete and enrich them as a human being.
It is important to take time to observe, to be in the moment and take pleasure from simple things, taking time to wander around, chat to people, enjoy a drink at a local café or just watch the world go by, sipping coffee on a sidewalk terrace, and taking leisurely trips to neighbouring villages (Guiver & McGrath, 2016).
The experiential dimension is an integral part of slow tourism and the most relevant aspect at the core of slow tourism (Serdane et al., 2020).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Beiras and Serra da Estrela Territory: It is a predominantly low-density territory, made up of numerous villages, some of rare beauty. It consists of the following municipalities: Almeida, Belmonte, Celorico da Beira, Covilhã, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Fornos de Algodres, Fundão, Gouveia, Guarda, Manteigas, Mêda, Pinhel, Sabugal, Seia, and Trancoso.
Low-Density Territories: Are usually associated with the inland territory (with fewer than 50 inhabitants/km2). They are characterized by the existence of heritage elements of high value, that are, most of the time, unexplored.
Slow Tourism: The joy of discovering the place at the right pace, valuing its uniqueness. It is a different tourism choice that contributes to a better world, also characterized by the pleasure of discovery, learning, and sharing.
Rural Areas: Have unique characteristics and are places of rare beauty that combines exceptionally with the development of slow tourism.
Slow Travel: At its core means relaxation, traveling between the area of residence and the destination is no longer stressful, and the visitor enjoys the trip and observes how the landscape changes along the way, is having time to engage with people, and to enjoy both the trip and the destination, rejecting quick flights and getaways and opting instead for bike rides or even walking.