Is the rise of ‘dark tourism’ ethical? Latest insights on money | UK News

Dark tourism, a growing trend in the travel industry, involves visiting sites associated with death or disaster. According to tourism academic Dr. Hayley Stainton and dark tourist Dr. Peter Hohenhaus, this form of tourism has been around for centuries but was officially termed in 1996 by John Lennon, a professor at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Some famous dark tourism sites include Auschwitz in Poland, the 9/11 Memorial in New York, Chernobyl in Ukraine, Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, and the killing fields in Cambodia. These sites offer visitors a unique and educational experience, moving away from traditional holiday destinations.

Dr. Hohenhaus and Dr. Stainton have noticed a rise in the popularity of dark tourism, attributing it to a desire for more unusual and meaningful travel experiences. However, ethical concerns arise when tourists fail to show respect at these sensitive locations, such as taking inappropriate photos or behaving insensitively.

Despite the ethical dilemmas, dark tourism can be a valuable educational tool, allowing visitors to connect with history in a personal and profound way. Dr. Hohenhaus recommends sites like the Ijen crater in Indonesia and the Murambi memorial in Rwanda for those interested in exploring this unique form of tourism.

What do you think of dark tourism? Is it misunderstood, educational, or abhorrent? Share your thoughts in the comments section.