Dark Tourism: The Ethical Dilemma
As I stood before the somber gates of Auschwitz, I couldn’t help but wonder: am I a dark tourist? The term, coined in 1996 by Professor John Lennon, refers to the practice of traveling to sites associated with death or disaster. But is it ethical?
According to Dr. Hayley Stainton, a tourism academic, dark tourism has been around for as long as we’ve been traveling to places associated with death. However, it’s only in recent years that the term has gained popularity. Dr. Peter Hohenhaus, a renowned dark tourist and author, agrees that the phenomenon is on the rise.
Dark tourism sites like Auschwitz attract millions of visitors each year.
So, what drives people to visit these sites? Dr. Stainton believes that tourists are looking for more unique and unusual experiences. “This has seen a move away from the more traditional ‘sun, sea and sand’ type holidays to a variety of different tourism forms, which includes dark tourism,” she explains.
But is it ethical? Dr. Stainton argues that the stigma around dark tourism is often misguided. “People don’t visit sites like the killing fields in Cambodia or the site of Chernobyl for ‘fun’ - they visit for the educational experience,” she says. The problem arises when tourists are not respectful to those who may have been impacted. “It is therefore imperative that dark tourists are considerate of those around them and respectful at all times,” Dr. Stainton emphasizes.
Tourists must be respectful of the sites they visit and the people affected by them.
Dr. Hohenhaus recommends visiting Ijen crater in Indonesia, the Polygon in Kazakhstan, the Goli Otok former prison island off the coast of Croatia, the Murambi memorial to the Rwandan genocide, and Majdanek concentration camp memorial near Lublin, eastern Poland. These sites offer a unique opportunity for educational tourism, but it’s essential to approach them with sensitivity and respect.
As I reflect on my own experience, I realize that dark tourism can be an enriching experience, but only if done responsibly. By being mindful of our actions and respecting the sites we visit, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world’s complex history.
Dark tourism sites offer a unique opportunity for educational tourism.
In conclusion, dark tourism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that raises important ethical questions. While it’s essential to approach these sites with sensitivity and respect, it’s also crucial to recognize the value of educational tourism. By doing so, we can ensure that our travels are not only enriching but also responsible.
