A Reflection on Poverty Tourism

As we all know, there are numerous humanitarian organisations whose purpose is to bring awareness as well as relief to impoverished communities. There are also many channels, through which members of the public can get involved, but one in particular caught my attention; I was sceptical. “Poverty tourism”, “poorism” and “slum tourism” are only a few names used to describe this new brand of tourism. On these tours, travellers are taken to squalors of their choice. The popular ones are Dharavi in India, the favelas of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, and some districts in Nairobi, Kenya. Good intention or exploitation? Though most critics accuse this method of being, not only profiteering from poverty, but also degrading and “voyeuristic”, I believe that it can be an honest and compassionate approach to poverty alleviation.

Dharavi Slum in Mumbai, India
 by Kounosu via Creative Commons

"Poverty tourism” can be seen as an education on how impoverished communities live, raising awareness of the issues surrounding poverty and a percentage of the proceeds go to the development of under-privileged communities. I have gathered that the hope is, besides monetary assistance, for travellers to experience poverty, even just for a day, and make a difference. But can they? Entertainment??!

   Dharavi Slum in Mumbai, India
 by depletedcranium.com

That confronting yet refreshing perspective, made me inquisitive about what these tours entail, so I emailed "slum tour" operators in Brazil and India. The tour operator in India asserted that they have a strict no camera policy while in the slums and in the "red light" district. The operator from Brazil informed me that although cameras are allowed on the tours there are restrictions on when and where pictures can be taken. She reasoned, “Community doesn’t mind if you take pictures, as long as you respect basic rules like not photographing faces directly.” They also assured me that the aim of the tours have been discussed with the communities. The communities are aware that the tours are not to degrade or undignify, but to break the stereotype that the “poor” are lazy, and to show a very positive side of the slum- its sense of community, their dynamics and hard work. 

Armstrong, the founder of Favela Tour, displayed openness when he explained the contributions they have made to the community. Favela Tour finances eighty percent of Para Ti community school. Poojari, the co-founder of Reality Tours, declared that they are transparent with their financial earnings by posting sales, loss and profits from the “slum tours” on their website. Reality Tours sets up a non-government organisation called Reality Gives that runs a kindergarten, and a community and education centre.

Favelas
 by anthony_goto via Flickr C

After my communication with the tour operators, I realised that as a traveller, it is imperative to research for credible tour operators and learn their ties to the community. We also have to be aware of social courtesy and be sensitive in our approach. Looking deeper, “poverty tourism” not only brings revenue to under-privileged communities, but also creates jobs for the locals; most of the tour guides came from an impoverished background. Some operators bring children off the street, educate and train them as guides, giving them a new lease on life. The life that SOCIETY has denied them.

Slum in Cambodia
by Oudam

As a response to Odede's and Ruge's perspective, I agree that "poverty tourism" will not solve the problem of poverty, but by raising the awareness of many people, it will hopefully alleviate the conditions of poverty stricken communities. Sure, you can do your part from the comfort of your own home by sponsoring a child, or donating to an organisation. But how can you understand the reality of poverty without having experienced it first hand? I am not inferring that spending one day with the community will be a life changing experience, but it will certainly open your eyes. 

In response to Giovagnoni’s criticism, who is to say that a “vision traveller” is any more compassionate than a “poverty traveller”? Individuals make it voyeuristic, not the industry. In my opinion, there is no difference between a “slum tour” organised by an operator and a “vision tour” organised by a humanitarian organisation. You can dress it up and give it a different name but it still involves travelling to a developing country to witness a community living in hardship. Hence, it is “poverty tourism”. 

“Poverty tourism” is only a tool and how ethical or how it contributes to the community relies heavily on the participants. By making a conscious effort to go through a credible organisation, I believe that “poverty tourism” can be an honest and compassionate approach to help alleviate poverty.