Urbani izziv Volume 30, No. supplement, February 2019
: 52-63
(Articles)
doi: 10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-2019-30-supplement-004
Author
Irma BOOYENS
Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, and University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism & Hospitality, Johannesburg, South Africa
irma.booyens@gmail.com
Christian M. ROGERSON
University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism & Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, Johannesburg, South Africa
crogerson@uj.ac.za
Title
Re-creating slum tourism: Perspectives from South Africa
Abstract
Slum tourism is a growing phenomenon in several cities in the global South. The objective in this conceptual
paper is to analyse the development and critical challenges around slum tourism in the urban global South and to
argue a case for ‘re-creating’ slum tourism by building upon the potential for creative tourism. The focus is upon
the ‘townships’ of South Africa. It is argued that South Africa provides an instructive case study in the
international phenomenon of slum tourism and of its potential to be reimagined and developed in a responsible
manner, including through an important role for creative tourism. Recommendations are offered for a research
agenda on creative slum tourism.
Key Words
slum tourism, creativity, townships, creative tourism, economic and physical slum upgrading, South Africa