Catalonia leads this exciting initiative with different areas and countries in the Mediterranean area participating. The project's goals are to promote new tourist destinations that are not so well known or mostly unknown and to do so from the perspective of the Slow movement. In this way, it positions the Mediterranean countries as benchmarks for more sustainable and responsible tourism. The Slow movement in tourism Do you know what the Slow movement is? It is a cultural current that emerged in the eighties in Italy as a counterpoint to the concept of American fast food. The "slow" movement wanted to value local identity and traditions and the consumption of a healthy diet that respects the natural environment. Over time, the concept spread to other areas, such as tourism, one of the most important economic sectors on a global scale. "Slow tourism" is a way of understanding life and how we relate to our environment. Discover new places respectfully and leisurely and focus on the small details by getting to know and valuing the culture and traditions of each region you visit. In this way, you will have an unforgettable experience based on a sincere connection with the customs, the people, and the environment. The Med Pearls' purposes The Med Pearls project adopts many of the precepts of slow tourism, such as avoiding big crowds, the importance of seasons, diversification, innovation, and the development of the local economy. Deconcentration aims to promote new destinations sustainably and responsibly. It looks for areas with heritage, cultural or natural interest. It puts in the necessary resources to turn it into another tourist attraction in the territory. Of course, everything is developed from a Slow tourism perspective. One of the biggest problems with many destinations is their seasonality. One of the project's goals is to promote visits at any time of the year and thus avoid overcrowding on specific dates in the calendar. It is necessary to promote the diversification of destinations and develop new experiences intended for a much more specific visitor profile, such as the Slow tourism example. New technologies also help us maximize resources and reduce environmental impact. In this sense, they are a handy tool to promote new tourism products, which would otherwise not be feasible, and to reach a larger audience quickly. And all together, with a much smaller footprint on the territory. Guaranteeing the development of local economies is one of the primary purposes of Slow Tourism and the Med Pearls project. The wealth generated by the territory must stay in the territory and favour producers, restaurateurs and local tourist companies committed to respectful, conscious, and sustainable tourism. Encouraging new Slow tourism experiences The Mediterranean region is one of the leading international tourist poles, but there are still many "pearls" to discover. The project led by, among others, the Catalan Tourist Board has encouraged the creation of new tourist experiences in several Mediterranean countries from the perspective of respect for the natural environment, the populations, and their people. In this way, the aim is to turn the Mediterranean region into an inescapable benchmark for Slow tourism. Live equally intense experiences without haste, respecting the environment and discovering the charm of details and nuances. You can consult the Breathing Lands website to discover some Slow tourism experiences.