Slow Tourism, a new type of tourism that originated in Italy, has the potential to change how we travel and how we embed sustainable practices in our destinations. This chapter traces its evolution, provides a critical interpretive critique of existing definitions, and develops a conceptual model that locates Slow Tourism within the context of sustainable practices. Slow Tourism and Slow Travel are treated as separate and potentially connected paradigms.

Political will, corporate social responsibility, responsible communities, and political consumption are essential components of Slow Tourism and all are necessary for its successful implementation. In order to fully grasp the ‘attitude’ exemplified by Slow Tourism, it needs to be viewed in the context of a socio-political, grassroots movement that takes a firm stand (through mindful consumption, production, and lifestyle choices), draws a hard line (holds everyone responsible and accountable for its success), and that keeps a gentle hand (remains inextricably connected to both the pleasures of living a life – being human – as well as the protection of resources, both environmental and social, that make this good-life possible – being humane).

Slow Tourism continues to evolve in unique and meaningful ways as more people and communities across the globe consider the consequences of their actions and take control over their time and responsibility for their choice. As a change agent, Slow Tourism is both an example of political consumption (i.e. mindful traveler choices with regards to time, meaningful engagement, purchases, and carbon footprint) as well as sustainable patterns of production, policies and practices (i.e. local-based tourism development that benefits the community and protects its uniqueness of place, culture and the environment). Most importantly, it is about sustainable change – real actions, not just talk about actions.