Thaindian News

London, Jan 30 (IANS) Slum tourism is a growth industry with more and more wealthy travellers opting to visit the poorest parts of the world.
What is it that is prompting slum tourism? Is it a new trend? What impact does slum tourism have on the people who opt for this kind of ‘holiday’?

Harlem in New York is a prime example. The area once associated with violent crime, drugs and sex trade has emancipated itself out of this as travellers have become attracted to the people, the music and the atmosphere of the neighbourhood.

Much that now makes Harlem attractive grew out of the experience of the people who lived there when times were much harder. Arguably, visitors to the neighbourhood have spread the word about the unique culture.

A researcher from the University of the West of England’s (UWE) Bristol Business School is about to embark on a project that will address some of these questions and more.

Fabian Frenzel will travel to the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro in a quest to discover why people go, what prompts tour operators to offer this kind of ‘holiday’ and the ethos behind the organisations.

Do the tour operators give something back, do the travellers have an in depth experience or is this kind of travel little more than voyeurism?

Frenzel explains: “Slumming is not a new phenomenon. Rich people have been attracted by slums since they occurred as a result of the industrial revolution in the early 19th century.

“And there is evidence that the slum experience has perpetuated social motivation to do good and moreover has prompted political demands for greater social justice.

“Many areas around the world that were once regarded as slums have become significantly gentrified and the conditions that people once lived in have led to the growing of unique cultural communities,” says Fabian.

This has already been documented in historical books like “Slumming” by Seth Koven, looking particularly at Victorian slum-tourism in London or “Slumming in New York” by Robert M. Dowling, said a university release.

Fabian will travel to Brazil during the summer of 2010 and lead a research seminar at UWE’s Bristol Business School during the autumn where he will present his findings.