Responsible slum tourism: Egyptian experience

This paper aims to evaluate stakeholders’ views on the potential role that slum tourism and its associated products can play in enhancing living conditions in slums in Egypt. Empirical results were obtained using two quantitative surveys: one to investigate dwellers’ perceptions and a second to select appropriate pro-poor products based on stakeholders’ preferences. Findings show that inhabitants have positive attitudes toward the possibility of benefiting from slum tourism, but they differed in their ranking of the appropriateness of related pro-poor products. Based on findings, authorities should develop appropriate slum tourism products and typologies, as a planning threshold, to enhance living conditions of dwellers. A useful planning way of drawing ties between slum types and typologies is presented.

► This paper investigated the emotional responses of slums’ inhabitants. ► Dwellers have positive attitudes to the possibility of benefiting from tourism. ► The way that tourism is run affects the inhabitants’ surrounding conditions. ► Responsible participation is a critical factor in improving slums’ conditions. ► Large size of slums factor prevents dwellers to benefit from tourism practices.