Slow Tourism in Large Cities: Creating Slow Districts

Abstract

Purpose. Discussion regarding the development potential of large cities with respect to the idea of slow tourism, especially in the context of designated areas of specific city districts. References were made to the city of Cracow. Method. Analysis of literature on the subject made references to issues related to the idea of slow movement with respect to cities (slow city) and tourism (slow tourism). Analysis of Cracow’s case, in the context of the establishment of a slow district which is scheduled in the city, allowed for practical references with respect to the discussed issue. Findings. The performed analyses showed the complexity of the issue of slow movement, but also its attractiveness for large cities and tourists (e.g. on account of environmental protection). However, popularisation of the idea of slow movement also entails risks, especially related to its mass character and, in effect, its commercialisation. Research and conclusion limitations. Analysis of literature on the subject only referred to a fragment of the issue and case analysis focused on only one municipal centre. Practical implications. References were made to specific binding tasks from the Tourism Development Strategy of Cracow. Originality. References were made to a large municipal centre which, in the context of the slow movement idea, is a rare subject of academic papers. The subject matter was connected to specific examples of slow districts, planned in the strategic document for Cracow. Type of paper. Overview-type article and case study.