Visitor and resident perceptions of the slow city movement: the case of Japan

ABSTRACT

The concept of Slow Tourism has evolved in recent years, and while the literature discussion about the Cittàslow (Slow City) movement has been increasing, little is known about its application in destinations outside of Europe where it originated. Through a survey of visitors and residents, this study examined the awareness level of the movement in the pioneer case of Japan. The discussion of this paper sought to investigate the movement, as a way to understand the interest in, and appropriateness of increased visibility for Kesennuma Cittàslow, located in the northeast corner of Miyagi prefecture, Japan. The study provides new insights into the Cittàslow phenomenon that has been gaining attention within the academic discourse.

KEYWORDS:

• Characteristics
• Slow Tourism
• tourist experience
• Cittàslow
• Japan

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Therez B. Walker

Dr. Therez B. Walker is a lecturer in tourism management. She teaches in the areas of tourism policy and planning, sustainable tourism, community based tourism and destination marketing. Her research work focuses on sustainable tourism development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and how islands can maximise linkages between the tourism industry and other sectors of the local economy. In addition to academic activities, she has a background in consultancy, working with destination management organisations (DMOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Timothy J. Lee

Dr Timothy J. Lee has published more than 180 refereed articles in journals (including 60+ in the SSCI-indexed), books, and conference proceedings. He serves as an editorial board member in ten quality international academic journals including Tourism Management and Journal of Travel Research. He is the Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Tourism Sciences. His main research interests are health-oriented tourism; ethnic issues in the tourism and hospitality industry; and tourism / hospitality development, which incorporates East Asian standards.