The Price of Poverty: Unveiling the economic benefits of 'Slum Tourism'

Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire showcased the slums of Mumbai, exposing the world's audience to India's slums in a way that was both eye-opening and unprecedented. The film brought global attention to the harsh realities of life in Indian slums, presenting a new perspective on urban poverty.

As of 2024, slum tourism has become an unexpected attraction for tourists from around the world. Slum tourism involves visiting impoverished urban areas, to observe the living conditions of the people residing there. These tours are typically organized by local guides and companies, offering tourists a glimpse into the daily lives of residents in these communities.

Many well known travel platforms like Trip Advisor provide slum walks and tours for ₹ 1500/- to ₹2000 per person which include guided tours, transportation, and other services. One can go to the website and book a slot for themselves. A popular Mumbai tour company, Khaki Tours also provides such tours according to one of their posts on X. The tours are gaining popularity not only in Mumbai but also cities like Delhi and Bengaluru.

According to industry experts, slum tourism can generate significant revenue for local economies, with estimates ranging from $10 million to $100 million annually in some destinations. However, it has been criticised by many. Back in March this year, TikTok influencer Tara Katims was slammed for sharing a video during her journey through Dharavi while taking a ‘slum tour.’

Madhu Singh, the co-founder of an NGO in Uttar Pradesh, told India Today that tourism is a sector which promotes culture, history, food, entertainment, and sports. But slum tourism as a concept seems antithetical to the very idea of tourism. Tell us what you think about slum tourism in the comment section. Subscribe to our channel Business Hook for more such content.

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