Published on : Thursday, February 21, 2019
A newly released report from the UNWTO provides examples of walking tourism that can serve as practical references for destinations that aim to develop such offerings.
To cite the report “increasing consumer demand for experiencing a destination in an authentic way and the growing popularity of active tourism make walking tourism more and more relevant beyond walking activities, showcasing a destination as a whole including its local culture and nature”.
Walking tourism also allows travellers to engage with local populations, nature and culture in a better way while meeting the growing demand for outdoor activities in general, says the report.
Walking tourism can be developed anywhere as part of a sustainable tourism agenda and it requires a relatively small investment, providing high social and economic returns for residents and tourists alike if developed and managed in a proper way.
“This might give ground for potential conflicts,” adds the report. “Therefore, access to training and inclusion of the local population in the tourism value chain is needed in order to seize new business opportunities for regional development.”
Tags: Walking tourism