Dark Tourism: Death as a Tourist Attraction

I was recently approached by a reporter from CNN to contribute to an article about cemetery tourism as a form of dark tourism. I was surprised to discover that the author was seriously repulsed by the thought. After a brief discussion, she admitted to walking her dog in a nearby cemetery because of its serenity, beauty, and an environment that allowed her to reflect on her day and on her life. We have all visited cemeteries, sometimes to visit lost friends and family or to see the gravesites of famous people, other times for more sundry reasons, maybe as a place to take a date or other, more delinquent activities. However, visitation to places of death, destruction, or danger are a growing phenomenon in the travel and tourism industry. In fact, many destination marketing organizations have packaged dark tourism as a form of cultural tourism, whereby understanding the most traumatic and controversial aspects of a country’s history helps a visitor to better understand its modern cultural traits. In other words, our culture and heritage come from our history…not just the pleasant parts, but all of it!

Dark tourism, or the visitation to sites of mass tragedy and death, is estimated to be a $30 billion industry. Some of the most notable dark tourism sites include the Killing Fields of Cambodia, the Nazi concentration camps in Europe, Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disasters, the catacomb of Paris, Rome, or Edinburgh, along with numerous war and battle sites. Other lesser-known dark tourism sites could include African American slave sites, natural disaster sites (such as a hurricane or tsunami), or civil war battlefields. While these places have always existed in many parts of the world, it is the interest in visiting these sites that drives the dark tourism industry.

People visit dark tourism sites for many reasons, and there are extensive scientific studies attempting to better understand this phenomenon. Many people consider dark tourism to be educational and historical, and evidence suggests that visitors are often seeking historical facts surrounding an event. Authenticity is also a strong motivator for visitation. Others experience a path of self-discovery, as they reflect on death in general, their own death, or how they would have handled living through a similar situation. However, the most common reason people visit dark tourism sites is out of pure curiosity.

I have visited numerous dark tourism sites. I cannot say I enjoyed them, per se, but I do revere them and the tragedies that occurred there. As an example, visiting Hiroshima, Japan as an American was deeply moving. I was not alive when the nuclear bombs were dropped, but I was raised in a country deeply impacted by that decision (maybe not as impacted as people from Japan, or maybe just impacted in a different way). Did I feel guilty as an American? No, I think I felt guilty as a human being, knowing that most dark tourism sites (not all) tell stories of humans suffering at the hands of other humans. At the same time, Hiroshima today is a vibrant, bustling city, with amazing food and other sites definitely worth visiting. I would never have known that if I hadn’t been drawn to the dark tourism aspect of the city.

If you find yourself interested in visiting a dark tourism site, or if you see an opportunity on a travel itinerary, I highly suggest you give it a try. However, keep in mind that appropriate behavior is warranted. First, it is helpful to research the site before you arrive. This helps put you in a reflective mood and get the most out of your visit. It also reminds you that other visitors might have a strong emotional response, requiring a deeper level of respect and consideration than at traditional attractions. Prepare questions for your guide, as not all sites offer an immersive interpretation program. Cell phones, food, beverages, and smoking/vaping are usually frowned upon in dark tourism sites, as is loud, unruly, or disrespectful behavior. Some visitors may have lost family members in the tragedy or may have a cultural attachment to the site. As a respectful visitor, it is important that you do not disrupt the experiences of others. Lastly, clean up after yourself; do not litter or vandalize. Leave the place better than you found it.

Death is a natural part of life, and we all have contemplated how we will die and where we will go afterwards. Dark tourism allows us to explore these feelings and offers insights into what it means to be human. These sites of death are also sites of courage, survival, compassion, and rejuvenation. It may sound heavy (and it is), but it can also be transformative, allowing us to better understand our culture, history, and the many challenges our society has overcome. It also reminds us to never let these tragic events happen again. Dark tourism, just like other forms of tourism, keeps alive the stories of our past and helps us make better judgements in the future.

Check out these websites for more information:

https://matadornetwork.com/read/dark-tourism-destinations/
https://matadornetwork.com/read/dark-tourism-destinations-around-world/
https://www.dark-tourism.com
https://foreverlostintravel.com/20-unique-dark-tourism-sites-around-the-world/
https://travelanalyser.net/article/Explore_the_Best_DarkTourism_Destinations_in_the_USA

This feature was written by Sue Slocum, associate professor in the Tourism and Events Management program at George Mason University’s School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management (SRTM). To learn more about how Mason can prepare you for an exciting career in the tourism, events, and hospitality industries, please visit the program website.