The Perceived Influence of Slow City (Cittaslow) Status on Tourısm and Local People: A Study in Aylsham, United Kingdom

Authors : Yeşim COŞAR

Pages : 15-26

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Publication Date : 2019-02-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract : There are two extreme cases in the world of tourism. One is seeking happiness by taking vacations in quieter places, while the other is accepting the advantages and disadvantages of mass tourism in a busy environment. The concept of a slow city was initiated to be of help to the former world of tourism while being a crucial response to the latter as well. As there has been limited empirical investigation of the slow city concept and its influence on tourism development in a specific field, the purpose of this study is to investigate the perceived influence of a slow city on the local people in light of tourism development. The study includes a historic market town located in the Norfolk region of the UK and the findings suggest that the perceived benefits of slow city status appear to be neutral, albeit some people are in favour of its economic advantages. In the concluding remarks, the study further compares the results with those of other previous studies and provides both theoretical and practical implications. 
Keywords : Cittaslow, slow city, slow food, sustainable tourism