Dark Tourism vs. Ethical Travel: Drawing the Line
Like Rocky Balboa once said, “Life isn't all sunshine and rainbows”. Learning more about history and culture can take us to some very dark places, sometimes literally.
Dark tourism, the act of visiting places associated with tragedy such as war memorials, genocide sites, prisons, and disaster zones, is on the rise. Partly, that's because many people are seeking more authentic travel experiences, away from the glossy highlights of major tourist sites.
But where is the line between education and exploitation? In visiting the sites, are we learning more about the world, or simply treating someone else's misery as entertainment?
Let's take a look at what dark tourism is, the potential problems that come with it, and how to honor history ethically.
What Is Dark Tourism?
Dark tourism means visiting places associated with death, tragedy, or suffering. Often, this means historical landmarks such as the Auschwitz concentration camp, Ground Zero in New York City, or the remains of the Berlin Wall. It can also mean visiting places where natural disasters have occurred, like the Chernobyl nuclear power plant or the New Orleans neighborhoods devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
If this sounds unusual, it's worth remembering that many of the top historical sites to visit have a dark past. If you've ever been to the Colosseum in Rome, for example, or seen a plantation in the south of the US, you've done some dark tourism, whether you know it or not.
Studies show that dark tourism has seen a substantial growth in interest since 2011. The global dark tourism market is projected to reach over $43 billion in value by 2031, indicating a steady rise in demand for this kind of exploration.
Why? Well, many people visit sites of tragedies to pay respect to the lives lost. Others go out of curiosity, or because they want an off-the-beaten-path experience. As famous sites around the world become flooded with tourists and start to feel fake, many travelers turn to darker locations like the catacombs of Paris or Arlington Cemetery to experience something more meaningful.
When Dark Tourism Crosses Ethical Lines
Is it possible to explore tragic sites ethically? And how do you know when you’ve crossed the line? It's very easy for a dark tourism attraction to transcend from education into exploitation, especially if it seeks to profit from the misery of others.
Understanding some general guidelines can help you explore these sites ethically. For example:
Is the site run as a business or as a nonprofit organization?
Are people who have suffered still alive? If so, does visiting benefit them?
Do you have consent from the affected community to visit? Sometimes, dark tourism experiences are offered by individuals who have suffered, and sharing their knowledge is a way to help them heal.
Are you making things worse? Visiting active disaster or conflict zones can cause you to get in the way and hamper efforts to improve people's lives.
Approaching Sensitive Destinations Ethically
Some truly amazing destinations qualify as dark tourist sites. History is replete with suffering, and many of the world's most renowned attractions were built or used for nefarious purposes.
So, how do you visit a sensitive destination ethically? Here are some ideas:
Do your research. Understand the historical and cultural context before you go.
Follow local guidance. Visit official memorials, museums, and community-led tours. Don't fall for informal and sensationalized attractions.
Mind your behavior. Treating sites of suffering as photo backdrops for your Instagram can be very upsetting for others. Dress appropriately and try to avoid intrusive photography or excessively loud behaviour.
Support local communities. Spend money with organizations that contribute to preservation or recovery.
Reduce your footprint. Utilize devices like EcoFlow’s Power Banks to meet your personal power needs, thereby avoiding the strain on fragile local infrastructure.
Don't litter, take unauthorized souvenirs, or damage historic sites.
Asking the Right Questions Before You Go
Sometimes, the key to visiting a dark tourist site is understanding why you want to go there. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you go:
“Why am I visiting this place?”
Are you going to learn something, or for a photo opportunity? Being curious about the world is a good thing. Enjoying the suffering of others, however, is not.
“Who benefits?”
Do your research on who runs the site and what happens to the profits they make. Are they spent on educational programs and preservation, or do they go to a private company? This can make the difference between exploitation and genuine respect.
“Is this location ready to receive visitors?”
When tragedies happen, it can take a long time to recover. Visiting the site of a natural disaster or conflict too soon can place additional strain on local resources and make recovery even more difficult. Whenever you travel, it's always a good idea to stay self-sufficient with an EcoFlow RAPID Pro X Power Bank so you can stay connected and charged up.
“How can I behave respectfully?”
Remember that these locations are more than mere tourist attractions. Dress appropriately and try not to intrude on others with your behaviour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Dark Tourism?
Dark tourism refers to visiting sites associated with tragedy and human suffering as a form of tourism. Examples include Auschwitz, Pompeii, the Anne Frank house, Alcatraz, and Robben Island Prison in South Africa.
Where Can I Book Dark Tourism Experiences?
Many tour operators can help you explore dark tourism sites and understand the historical context. Make sure, though, that you only hire ethical tour companies focused on education and reconciliation. That's the difference between exploiting a tragedy and learning about it.
Why Do People Visit Dark Tourism Sites?
People visit sites of tragedy for many reasons, such as curiosity, an interest in history, or a desire to pay respects to those who suffered. Additionally, many people want to travel off the beaten path and see another side of the places they visit.
What Are the Benefits of Dark Tourism?
At its best, dark tourism can educate people about important historical events. It can also help fund preservation of historic sites or restoration of communities affected by tragedy. But it's important to practice dark tourism ethically to make sure you’re not part of the problem.
Exploring Dark Tourist Sites Ethically
Some of the most interesting and spectacular sites in the world have a dark past, and we have a duty to remember the dark chapters of history, if only to make sure they don't happen again. Practised correctly, dark tourism can be a great way to honor the dead and educate the living. However, remember to explore these sites ethically to avoid exploiting the past's dark history.