A Fake Slum for Luxury Tourists Who Don't Want to See Real Poverty

[Earth_First]

It's estimated that one in eight people worldwide live in so-called slums, which, in some cities, makes visiting these informally maintained neighborhoods unavoidable. Although controversial, the practice of "slum tourism" has become a popular way for tourists to engage with poverty on a personal level. But why go visit an actual slum when you can simply stay at a luxury resort thatlooks like a slum?

The Emoya Luxury Hotel and Spa near Bloemfontein, South Africa offers Shanty Town, a dozen shacks made from scrap wood and corrugated metal that it thinks is the perfect setting for your next corporate retreat or wedding anniversary. The resort has gone to great lengths to recreate the joys of slum living without the nuisances of crime, disease, or poor sanitation: "Now you can experience staying in a Shanty within the safe environment of a private game reserve. This is the only Shanty Town in the world equipped with under-floor heating and wireless internet access!"

For those of you worried that the presence of heating and wi-fi might not make for an authentic slum experience, don't worry! Shanty Town has made it more realistic for you by installing a "famous 'long-drop' outside toilet" and encouraging guests to heat water in outdoor fires. By burning toxic, life expectancy-lowering trash, I hope!

Reviews on Trip Advisor were mixed. While one guest praised it as a "real experience," and even enjoyed a barbecue under the stars at their shack, another cautioned that slums do not offer good value: "Do not even consider staying in the Shanty Town. For the price you can stay in a luxury bed and breakfast establishment. An average caravan park with chalets will have the same experience." 



http://gizmodo.com/a-fake-slum-for-luxury-tourists-who-dont-want-to-see-r-1471187465

What.The.Shit.

[Blue_Tires]

1. Normally I'm amused at seeing wealthy faux-socially-conscious suckers get fleeced

But this is just....

[etherealtruth]

2. How utterly offensive

[dipsydoodle]

3. Sick.

Just sick.

[Demo_Chris]

4. I am offering a similar experience at my own home here in Texas...

It's expensive, but well worth it.

[etherealtruth]

6. You may be on to something here

... Kids have moved out ... I have worked long hours for years ... I may be able to give a "hoarder" like experience.

Hopping you do not mind me stealing your idea

[Glassunion]

5. I say lock the fuckers in without food for two weeks to get the "whole package" experience.

[enlightenment]

7. I honestly feel the need

for brain bleach after that. How utterly disgusting.

[Douglas Carpenter]

8. I wonder if they have a Sunday brunch there?

[Douglas Carpenter]

9. I have stayed in squatter areas in the Philippines any number of times - the thought had crossed my

mind, "Is there a way this could be marketed to western tourists.?"

[Thor_MN]

10. I wonder if they have a decent hollandaise sauce for the Eggs Benedict?

A "play being poor" vacation for the 1%... What a bunch of moronic assholes.