This document discusses slow tourism and presents a model for developing slow tourism. It begins by defining slow tourism as an alternative to mass tourism that focuses on taking time, using all senses, and traveling at a relaxed pace. It then describes a case study of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, identifying its slow tourism activities. Finally, it details the development of a slow tourism model based on research conducted at Kirstenbosch, including visitor demand for slow activities. The model shows how slow tourism can be supplied through various experiential offerings. In conclusion, the author calls for more research and policies supporting slow tourism in South Africa.

1. SLOW TOURISM
DEVELOPING A MODEL
Nawaal Titus (MTech student) CPUT Cape Town Campus
NDT/TESA RESEARCH SEMINAR 2-3 SEPTEMBER 2015 at University of Venda

2. INTRODUCTION – PRESENTATION
FORMAT
1. What is slow tourism?
2. Study site: Kirstenbosch National Botanical
Gardens (KNBG)
3. Research design
4. Findings & developing- Slow tourism model
5. Conclusion

3. 1. WHAT IS SLOW TOURISM ?

4. 1. WHAT IS SLOW TOURISM?
• NOT tourism for old people !
• Usually viewed in a negative context “backwardness”
• Antithesis to mass tourism
• Stem from Slow Food Movement in Italy (founder
Petrini - Rome in 1980’s)
• Slow Travel/Tourism, Slow Cities (Citta Slow), Slow
Food were formed under this umbrella

5. 1. WHAT IS SLOW TOURISM ?
DEFINITIONS
• 'taking time' and 'attachment to a particular place‘,
using all five senses in the tourism experience
• alternative to air and car travel where people travel
slowly overland, stay longer and travel less
• Trip being slow, enabling closer observation rather
than simply sight-seeing… limited use of cars or
other motor transport
(Authors: Matos 2004; Dickinson and Lumsdon (2010); Sugiyama and Nobuoka (2007)

6. 2. STUDY SITE: KNBG
• 2004 KNBG declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Cited the most beautiful garden in Africa (Huntley, 2012) located -
south slope of Table Mountain
• Gardens is 102 years in existence, attracts 696 780 visitors per year
(international and local visitors) SANBI, 2014

7. 2. STUDY SITE: KNBG
Slow tourism activities in KNBG
Landscape photography
Walks and single day hikes
Environmental education (Greening Programmes)
Braille route tours for the sight challenged
Picnics, exercise and yoga, open air cinema, art exhibitions, bird watching, guest house
accommodation, exhibitions and events

8. 2. STUDY SITE: KNBG

9. 3. RESEARCH DESIGN
Aim of the study
• Understand and examine the slow movement
and its sub-sectors – little is known and
published about this subject and in South Africa
• If visitors are gravitating towards slow tourism
ideals – reducing pace (leisure lifestyles)
• Developing a slow tourism model within the SA
context

10. 3. RESEARCH DESIGN
• A predominantly qualitative study was
conducted & some quantitative information
• Qualitative study took the form of a grounded
theory approach
• Grounded theory used in sociology studies –
• Observed the phenomenon, then figured out
the relationship, which lead to a theory

11. 3. RESEARCH DESIGN
• Research populations – Two
( i) KNBG visitors and (ii) KNBG staff
• Tools and techniques
(i) non-participant observations
(ii) non-schedule structured and scheduled structured
interview questions
• Purposive sampling method selected
• Sample size – 256 visitors ( 187 observed and 69 interviewed)
• Sample size – one KNBG senior staff member (interviewed)
• Thematic analysis used to analyse observation and interview
data

12. 4. FINDINGS AND DEVELOPING A
SLOW TOURISM MODEL
• Majority of visitors (main reason for visit) to walk, explore fauna
and flora, greenery & open fresh air and space, sound of birds,
natural beauty made them feel relaxed and rejuvenated

13. 4. HOW WAS THE MODEL
DEVELOPED???
o el or t e e elop ent o slo touris at eritage sites an protecte areas

14. 4. DEVELOPING A SLOW TOURISM
MODEL
Model for the development of slow tourism at heritage sites and protected areas
Source: Titus N and Spencer JP. 2015. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Vol 4(2),
Online @ http//: www.ajhtl.com

15. 4. DEVELOPING A SLOW TOURISM
MODEL
• Data findings indicate there is a demand for
slow tourism activities – Slow tourism model is
based on the demand and supply theory
• Demand is represented by the red box

16. 4. DEVELOPING A SLOW TOURISM MODEL

17. 4. DEVELOPING A SLOW TOURISM MODEL

18. 4. DEVELOPING A SLOW TOURISM MODEL

19. 4. DEVELOPING A SLOW TOURISM MODEL

20. 5. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE RESEARCH
• In the 1996 Tourism White Paper responsible tourism closely
resemble slow tourism
But…
• Do not discourage using lower carbon travel modes, and for the
tourism activity to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace to fully value the
experience, environment and local people
• Possible negative effects of mass tourism on the destination and
natural environment can contribute to the decline stage of the
tourism area life cycle were not considered
• No SA government policies mentions the development of slow
tourism or refers to slow tourism
• Future Research:
Niche tourism products are constantly emerging creating a more green
conscious visitor
More qualitative studies that focus on visitor quality and behavioural
trends are required
Slow tourism model can form a basis for future responsible and slow
tourism studies which is practically non existent in SA

21. THANK YOU
Photograph source: In the presentation taken by Titus N 2014 at KNBG. Except for the Ariel view of KNBG
Nawaal Titus
nawaaltitus@yahoo.com.au