Slum Tourism as a Catalyst for Poverty Alleviation Among the Philippine Urban Poor: Government Policies Needed

Abstract

Slum Tourism is one of the fastest growing tourism practices. Media mileage and advertising are the primary contributors in slum tourism's rapid growth in popularity and practice. As such, more discussions on this controversial practice ascended. The expanded popularity of slum tourism also fueled debates about the practice. Arguments in favor and against the practice of slum tourism ascended. The tourists, the locals, and the tour companies have their own distinct motivations in engaging in Slum Tourism. Tourists are primarily motivated by their internal motives for social interaction, exploration, curiosity, and the desire to make an impact. This paper intends to propose policy measures that would provide safety net, including standards and regulations, with respect to the practice of slum tourism in the Philippines. This study adopts three theoretical foundations: (a) Maslow’s (1943) Hierarchy of Needs, (b) Pearce’s (1991) Travel Career Ladder, and (c) Lee’s (1966) Push and Pull Model. Strictly considering the economic, social, environmental, and legal aspects of the practice of slum tourism and as a result of the analysis derived from existing literature and the Philippine setting, the author suggests certain policy measures that will provide safety net for the local community, the tourists, and the local economy. These include; (a) Policy for the creation of a Destination Management Team for slum sites; (b) Policy for the creation of Guidelines that enumerate the Do’s and Don’ts in slum tourism; (c) Policy for data collection, monitoring, and evaluation; and (d) Creation of a Policy Framework for slum tourism.