ABSTRACT

Slow Food began in the late 1980s as a response to the spread of fast food establishments and as a larger statement against globalization and the perceived deterioration of modern life. Since then, slow practices have permeated into other areas, including cities and territories and travel and tourism.

This book provides an in-depth examination of slow food, tourism and cities, demonstrating how these elements are intertwined with one other as part of the modern search for "the good life." Part 1 locates the slow concept within the larger social setting of modernity and investigates claims made by the slow movement, examining aesthetic and instrumental values inherent to it. Part 2 explores the practices and places of slow, containing both conceptual and empirical chapters in Italy, the birthplace of the movement. Part 3 provides a comparative perspective by examining the practices in Spain, the UK, Germany and Canada.

Slow Tourism, Food and Cities offers key theoretical insights and alternative perspectives on the varying practices and meanings of slow from a cultural, sociological and ethical perspective. It is a valuable text for students and scholars of sociology, geography, urban studies, social movements, travel and tourism, and food studies.

chapter 1|12 pages

Introduction

The rise of slow in a fast world

part 1|63 pages

Locating Slow

chapter 2|18 pages

“Travel too fast and you miss all you travel for”

Slower mobilities and the politics of pace

chapter 3|16 pages

Slow tourism

A theoretical framework

chapter 4|14 pages

Slow travel and tourism

New concept or new label?

chapter 5|13 pages

Practicing Slow

Political and ethical implications

part 2|89 pages

Places and practices of slow

chapter 8|19 pages

Slow and intelligent cities

When slow is also smart

chapter 9|16 pages

Between slow tourists and operators

Expectations and implications of a strategic cross-border proposal

chapter 10|21 pages

Cittàslow

The Emilia-Romagna case

part 3|76 pages

Comparative perspectives

chapter 11|12 pages

Successful integration of slow and sustainable tourism

A case study of food tourism in the alpine region of Algovia, Germany

chapter 13|17 pages

Embedding slow tourism and the “Slow Phases” framework

The case of Cambridge, UK

chapter 14|18 pages

Drinking in the good life

Tourism mobilities and the slow movement in wine country

chapter 15|11 pages

Conclusion

The promises and pitfalls of slow