When it comes to tourism, there are the mainstream things and then there are the bizarre and weird things. Mainstream touristy things are advertised and promoted by various people, many times even local and central government bodies, celebrities and more.
Then there are the weird ones that are more niche and more known through word of mouth or specific organisations that build their whole business on those things.
Now, we have seen a lot of strange stuff when it comes to tourism, but perhaps the slum tours of Delhi have got to one not just one of the strangest but also extremely insulting. That is not to say that this is not an actual thing, with the term for it being ‘poverty tourism’.
But recently people became aware of one such kind of tour and took to social media to really call out how insensitive and insulting this really was.
Delhi Slum Tour
On 3rd September 2022, Tanishka Sodhion a journalist, posted on their Twitter an advertisement posted by Tripadvisor about the “New Delhi Slum Walking Tour”.
The description of the tour that has a ticket at Rs.1800 reads
“Our most friendly and popular tour takes you to one of the largest slums in Asia where you see another hope and light in this beautiful world. Walk with us and get to know about the life, everyday ongoing activities, small businesses, market inside the slum, trains passing every ten minutes, chapati factory and much more in his unique way to explore.
Venture off the tourist trail on this unique 3-hour walking tour of the Sanjay Colony and get a first-hand glimpse of life in a Delhi slum. Learn about the struggles of some of Delhi’s poorest inhabitants, and discover the rich culture and sense of community that has emerged among residents. This small-group tour has a maximum of six people, ensuring a respectful and non-intrusive visit.”
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The highlights section of the tour stats that
- “Visiting small-scale industries and small residences.
- Walk through the chicken market which is a major source of income.
- Visiting chapati factory where every day more than 8000 chapatis are delivered in the city.
- Taste a cup of tea and share your thoughts with us.”
The tour also includes:
- “An English-speaking local guide cum friend.
- Welcome drink in the family.
- Souvenir as a gift from all of us
- Local transportation”
Obviously, this resulted in a lot of backlash over such tours being conducted in the first place and being advertised in such an illogical manner.
What do you readers think? Should such tours take place? Are they ethical in any way? Tell us in the comments below.
Image Credits: Google Images
Feature Image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: Times Now News, News18, Twitter
Find the blogger: @chirali_08
This post is tagged under: Delhi Slum Walking Tour, Slum tours, Slum tours delhi, weird tours, weird travel, twitter, outrage, poverty, india slums, india poverty, poverty tourism, delhi slum
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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