Dark Tourism: Visiting Sites of Tragedy and History
Understanding Dark Tourism: Beyond the Beach
Dreaming of taking off for a leisurely holiday? Before setting out, you may want to try something completely different.
Some people choose to spend their holidays lying on the beach, taking a well-earned break from their hectic workplace. Others might prefer an educational holiday, taking in historical sites and museums. Yet for a growing number of people, neither of these holidays would be of interest. They would probably prefer a trip to the site of a major disaster, such as Ground Zero in New York or the site of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl in Ukraine.
Dark tourism – the tourism of sites of tragedy – is a phenomenon in the tourist industry which is attracting more and more "holidaymakers". Our reporter, Caroline Rhys-Jones, talks to Dr. Barrett, who has just completed a detailed study of the phenomenon.
Interview: The Appeal of Tragedy Sites
Caroline: What is it that makes people want to visit these places?
Dr. Barrett: Experts find it difficult to come up with concrete reasons for this kind of tourism. After all, why would anyone want to spend time at places which were once the scenes of great suffering? Would not it be more natural places to visit with a more positive and fun atmosphere? It seems that the main motivation is a mixture of curiosity and a certain thrill of being at the site of a most historic event, even if it was a disaster. On the other hand, the reasons for setting up such sites to cater for tourists are easier to understand.
Caroline: And what would they be?
Dr. Barrett: First of all, there is the economic aspect, especially if these sites are located in poorer countries. The other aspect, which is probably much easier to justify from a moral point of view, is the fact that these sites serve as a reminder of the terrible things that men have done in the past, and as a warning that they should never be allowed to occur again.
Caroline: Is it possible to say that certain kinds of people are more interested in dark tourism?
Dr. Barrett: No, not at all. I even spoke to one mother who took her children on a tour of sites connected with the troubles in Northern Ireland. When I asked her if she really thought that this was appropriate for children, she answered: "I know some people might not approve, but I think these kinds of tours bring history alive for children and help them really understand what happened."
Caroline: Thank you, Dr. Barrett.