Slum Tourism

This book, Slum Tourism, offers a critical examination of the global trend of visiting impoverished urban areas, exploring its ethical and practical implications.

The phenomenon of slum tourism has emerged as a global trend, drawing both fascination and controversy. Slum Tourism explores how impoverished urban areas captivate the imagination, often seen as places of 'otherness' or 'authenticity.' This book traces the historical roots of slumming back to the Global North, particularly in Victorian London, where the upper classes ventured into the East End. However, the dynamics of slum tourism have evolved significantly, now manifesting in mass tourism in locations like South Africa and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As this trend spreads across the Global South, providers recognize its potential for growth.

The moral implications of slum tourism have sparked heated debates in media and academia alike. While discussions have flourished, academic research has only recently begun to systematically address slum tourism as a global issue. This edition presents a comprehensive overview of the field, examining the diverse challenges and opportunities that arise from this practice. The multidisciplinary approach of Slum Tourism provides unique insights into critical concepts within tourism studies, such as 'poverty,' 'power,' and 'ethics.'

Drawing on extensive research from ten countries, the book delves into the motivations for visiting slums, the representation of these areas, and the beneficiaries of this tourism. It sheds light on tourism's role in poverty alleviation, urban regeneration, and the complex power dynamics at play. This groundbreaking volume is essential for students, researchers, and academics eager to understand the implications of contemporary tourism practices.