“Cittaslow”: Quality of Life and Visitor Experiences

Abstract

Cittaslow (‘slow-towns'), a network of 182 towns, is contributing to local urban development. The aim is to improve the quality of life in slow-towns. These improvements also have the potential of developing tourism as the towns become more “visitor-friendly”. Data were collected through a combination of face-to-face interviews, workshops and observations conducted in Vize, one of the nine Cittaslow destinations in Turkey. The Cittaslow indicators, projects and events are used to illustrate the power of the network. The study describes numerous ongoing projects that will positively affect the quality of life for residents in the community and enhance visitor experience. Findings suggest that the residents are supportive of the initiatives and are becoming more involved in the Cittaslow activities. Tourism is found to be at the initial stages of its development.