What is Slow Tourism ?
The word slow is very trendy at the moment. It can be found everywhere : slow life, slow food, …
What is behind these words?
In this article, we explain this concept. We will also show you why our region is particularly suited to this type of tourism and how the Beauraing Tourist Office promotes this type of travel. Finally, we’ll have a look at how Slow Tourism can be practised here in Beauraing.
Origin of Slow Tourism
According to the Canadian travel agency Passion Terre, slow tourism first appeared in the early 2000s.
This concept has found more and more followers in France and is slowly starting to arrive in Belgium and the Walloon Region. It is said to be inspired by the slow food movement dating back to 1986.
The slow food movement is in opposition to fast food. It defends ethical values such as eating locally, eating in season, paying producers correctly, respecting the earth, etc.
To reduce or even eliminate the negative effects of mass tourism, we can already identify certain needs linked to this type of tourism: to slow down, to enjoy, to rest, not to establish a strict programme in advance,…
A clear and precise definition
In our opinion, the best definition is the one proposed by slow-tourism-lab slow-tourisme-lab, which is :
Slow tourism is more than a form of tourism, it is a way of life practiced by the traveller.
Slow Tourisme Lab
Slow tourism is the art of travelling while taking one’s time, of fully immersing oneself in the nature that surrounds us and in the richness of our heritage. It is the art of meeting people, savouring culinary delights, while respecting the territory and its inhabitants.
How to practice Slow tourism in Beauraing
In particular, how is it possible to practice this kind of tourism in the Beauraing area?
1. Prioritizing soft mobility
Beauraing is easy to reach by train with the SNCB network. On the spot, you have access to a wide range of signposted walks to criss-cross the entity on foot. You can find yourself in the heart of our typical villages or contemplate our landscapes and forests.
In Beauraing Tourist Office, we can advise you on the many bike routes in the vicinity. We also have the “Bienvenue vélo” label (services offered to cyclists: repair kit, route information, water point, etc.)
2. By respecting the environment
Regarding the subject, the Tourist Office (and the operators of the Maison du Tourisme Famenne-Ardenne Ourthe et Lesse) offers a guide to good practice.
You can discover our nature reserves or our Geopark (UNESCO label) thanks to our signposted walks, our roadbooks and our geosites.
3. By participating in activities on our territory
Get to know our inhabitants by participating in activities and events (flea markets, markets, village festivals, bonfires, …) and discover our folklore.
4. By consuming our local products
Don’t hesitate to meet our local producers and breeders. For more information, you can go to our YouTube channel.
5. By entering the Tourist Office:
- to meet us and discover our secrets.
- to admire our furniture made from recycled materials.
- to find out our local and/or eco-friendly products.
Resources :
http://www.ouvrirlemonde.com/preparer-son-voyage/slow-tourisme-voyager-en-toute-conscience/,
https://www.officiel-des-vacances.com/nouvelles-tendances-voyages-le-slow-tourisme,
https://passionterre.com/slow-tourisme/,
