How Did Dark Tourism Start?

By Alice Nichols

Dark tourism, also known as grief tourism or thanatourism, is a type of tourism that involves travel to places that are associated with death, tragedy, or suffering. It may involve visiting sites of historical atrocities such as concentration camps, battlefields, and disaster zones. Dark tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years and has raised many ethical and moral questions.

History of Dark Tourism

The roots of dark tourism can be traced back to the time of the Roman Empire. The Colosseum in Rome was once a site for public executions and gladiatorial games, which attracted thousands of spectators. Even after these events stopped taking place, people continued to visit the Colosseum out of curiosity.

In modern times, dark tourism began to gain popularity in the 19th century when people started visiting sites associated with death and tragedy. For example, after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, his deathbed became a tourist attraction. Similarly, after the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, people flocked to see artifacts related to the disaster.

Types of Dark Tourism

There are various types of dark tourism that people engage in today:

  • War Tourism – This involves visiting sites associated with wars such as battlefields and war memorials.
  • Genocide Tourism – This involves visiting sites associated with genocides such as Auschwitz concentration camp.
  • Natural Disaster Tourism – This involves visiting sites affected by natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes.
  • Terrorism Tourism – This involves visiting sites associated with terrorist attacks such as Ground Zero in New York City.

Controversies Surrounding Dark Tourism

Dark tourism has been criticized for being insensitive and disrespectful to victims and their families. Some argue that it is exploitative and that it trivializes the suffering of those who have been affected by tragedy. Others argue that it is a way to pay tribute to victims and ensure that their stories are not forgotten.

There is also concern that dark tourism can have a negative impact on local communities. Some worry that it can lead to the commodification of tragedy and increase in crime rates.

Conclusion

Dark tourism has been around for centuries and has become increasingly popular in recent years. While there are valid concerns about its ethics, it can also be seen as a way to pay tribute to victims and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. As with any type of tourism, it is important for travelers to be respectful and mindful of the impact they have on local communities.