Cycle tourism as a form of sustainable tourism: the importance of a policy for its enhancement

The paper intends to propose a first analysis on the potential for development of sustainable tourism in the so called "slow territories”, sometimes little known contexts that present a significant set of both tangible and intangible resources, often characterized by levels of excellence. Innovative relationships between agricultural and industrial realities, processes of enhancement of typical local products, cultural and landscape heritage represent the hallmarks of these territories, which are grafted on a strong territorial identity based on reciprocity, trust, bonding with the history and local traditions. In this context, the "slow" territories often follow an original development processes, by combining local traditions with cultural, social and technical innovation, allowing growth development paths no measurable through traditional indicators of growth. In this framework, the “slow territories” represent not only a model of local development, but also a growth trajectory that combines economic growth, social cohesion and environmental protection, with a view to sustainability. The distinctive characteristics of these territories appear so consistent with the changing characteristics of the tourism market that, especially in recent years, highlights the growth of a substantial segment of demand more aware and attentive to responsible, sustainable and experiential dimensions of the holiday.