Mass tourism, with its routes pre-designed and its desire for standardization, is giving way to a new way of travelling: a more transformative and conscious tourism. Sometimes out of necessity (the cities overcrowded offer accommodations each time further expensive) and others by decision (to escape from the tumult and queues), this approach this on the rise of various forms. And one of them is the called Dupe Tourism.
Dupe is a term coming from English that means “duplicate”. It doesn’t sound very good at first and usually is used to name products homologous to others further expensive but with good relationship quality-price. However, applied to tourism, the term Dupe exemplifies a change in trend that can be very profound.
Each time more people are searching alternative destinations to cities and crowded places, which has opened the fan for cities and areas with less influx tour receive visitors. And the best thing, in the end, is that those who are looking for carry out this form of tourism avoids mass tourism and, therefore, can prevent it from replicating.
The underlying objective: experiences authentic that connect who travels with the places they visit, promoting genuine and respectful interaction of local communities.
3 destinations that conscious travellers are reaching
Gdansk, Poland
This port city in the Baltic Sea combines history, architecture and a vibrant cultural life. Gdansk has learned to keep his authenticity by avoiding become in a destination overcrowded as other European cities. Its cobbled streets and local markets allow for authentic immersion in Polish life.
Apulia, Italy
Located in Southern Italy, Puglia is a region that surprises with its traditional ” trulli ” houses, pristine beaches and unique gastronomy. This destination is being positioning as an quiet alternative to the saturated Amalfi Coast, offering an experience less crowded and more genuine.
Antwerp, Belgium
Known for its rich artistic tradition and its connection as an commercial exchange point, Antwerp is a destination that combines the classic with the contemporary. His approach in the design, fashion and gastronomy make it in a perfect location for travellers looking for cultural experiences and creative opportunities without the crowds of Brussels or Bruges.
3 accommodations for practicing Dupe tourism
SUITESNATURE: Design and nature in balance
This project in Galicia it is an paradigmatic example of how the design can integrate with harmony in the natural environment.
In addition to its architecture respectful, SUITESNATURE collaborates with local communities, promoting cultural and gastronomic activities that benefit the local economy and enrich the visitor experience.
Werk, Slovakia: a space that adapts to the day
Lying in an old industrial complex, Werk reinvent the use of space to serve both locals and tourists. In the mornings, the place works as a cafeteria and workspace, while at night it transforms in a bar with live music.
Hotel Terra Bonansa: the Pyrenees out of ski season
This small boutique hotel in the Aragonese Pyrenees is built with sustainability criteria, using local materials and renewables energies. Lying in Bonansa, a small town with just 90 inhabitants censused, away from other valleys of the Pyrenees that tend to fill their accommodations during the ski season.
