Analysis of Dark Tourism: A Qualitative Research Report

This report presents a qualitative research analysis of dark tourism, exploring the concept, main attractions of holocaust sites, and factors influencing tourist choices. The study examines the emerging trend of visiting historical sites associated with death and tragedy, often referred to as dark tourism or thanatourism. The research investigates the motivations behind visiting these sites, including a desire for historical knowledge, a fascination with mystery, and the opportunity to experience history firsthand. The report delves into the ethical considerations surrounding dark tourism, particularly in the context of holocaust sites, and examines the impact of cultural and social beliefs on tourist preferences. The methodology includes a literature review of existing research, exploring the perspectives of various authors and researchers on the subject. The report highlights the significance of emotional parameters, cultural beliefs, and the influence of documentaries and news in shaping tourist decisions. The report also acknowledges the challenges and controversies associated with dark tourism, such as the potential for disrespect and the lack of comfort and enjoyment compared to traditional tourist destinations. The report's conclusion summarizes the key findings and suggests areas for further research.

Qualitative Research
about Dark tourism

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Research aim and objectives........................................................................................................1
Research question .......................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW ...............................................................................................................2
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................5
DATA ANALYSIS PLAN .............................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................7
TIME SCALE .................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Recently, tourism sector is at boom. It is growing very rapidly which has highly
contributed in growth and development of different nations. There is rise in number of people
who are travelling from one place to another. Also, by travelling their social life has improved as
well. Moreover, there are many trends which has emerged in tourism sector. It has highly
influenced taste and preference of people (Light, 2017). Furthermore, it has diverted the minds
of people towards tourism. In earlier times people were not having any knowledge about
historical places. But with evolution of internet they are able to gather a lot of information.
Hence, they prefer to visit historical placed more often as compared to other. This has resulted in
emerging of concept of dark tourism. It is a type of tourism which involves visiting horror and
historical places that are related to death. In this there is high involvement of tourist who wants
to study things that are related to mystery. Here, the main attraction of dark tourism is to gain
knowledge about history related to that place. Moreover, it involves finding out what is the value
of that monument in society. In present time, there are many tour operators who have started the
concept of dark tourism. They are providing offers and services to tourists.
It has been stated that in tourism sector emerging trends are impacting people needs to a
great extent. There are many new historical areas which is been evolved. They are attracting
tourist to visit them. Furthermore, people want to do adventure by visiting dark location
especially youngsters (Stone and et.al., 2018). Tourism industry is expanded into various
categories. There are different types of tourism such as medical, cultural, business tourism, etc.
these all tourism has attracted numerous people to travel. Now, there perspective is has changed.
They want to know about history of places and facts and myths associated with it.
Research aim and objectives
Aim- To examine facts of dark tourism and attraction of dark locations
Objectives
 To understand concept of dark tourism
 To evaluate main dark attraction in visiting holocaust sites as dark tourism destination
 To examine factors that impact tourist choices
Research question
 What is dark tourism and what are the main attractions of holocaust sites?
 What are the factors that impact tourist choices?
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LITERATURE REVIEW
Concept of dark tourism
According to Podoshen and et.al., 2015, dark tourism means to visit places that is having
an interesting history and is associated with death and tragedy. In this tourist explore various
historical places to know past history behind it. Now, tourist consider this as travelling for fun
and terror. Recently, a tradition is developed where people visit historic places to attend public
execution. In a study conducted at Glasgow university a new term thanatourism was evolved
related to dark tourism. There are a lot of holocaust sites in dark tourism that are castles,
battlefields, Jewish heritages, Nazi camps and memorials of murdered jews etc. It also includes
sites of human atrocities and genocide. In many parts of world there are a lot of dark locations
where tourist visit.
In present time, many tourists are attracted more towards dark tourism. In this especially
scholars and historians are actively participating. So, by visiting dark location they are able to
gain knowledge about past events and analyse communities attached to it. Alongside it, tourist
are able to know about incident that occurred at that time and how it changed society
In the view of Ashworth and Isaac, 2015, many people believe that dark tourism is not
good for society. This is because it shows how in historic times people were so cruel. The
holocaust sites represents the cruel and massive death of thousands of people. It also describes
about why people was included in war. Moreover, people get to know about cultural differences
that exists and how it led to war or killing of other people. This negatively influence their mind.
Furthermore, youngsters and children are mostly impacted by it. Besides this, they start relating
and comparing ethics and values with other society. But for some people dark tourism is like
pilgrimage. They prefer to visit location on specific date.
Light, (2017), stated that dark tourism destinations such as holocaust sites are related to
violent or untimely deaths which has historical or political significance. The innocent people of
different age groups and societies were murdered by terrific methods such as gas exposures or
poisons. Though this tourism is associated with the dying and death but it provides great
description and analysis of living and life. However, these sites are regularly questioned on the
basis of ethics and moral boundaries. The holocaust sites are matter of controversy among
tourists. Along with the cite elements the behaviour of people on these sites is also criticised. For
example many people capture their smiling selfies or photos while travelling to sombre sites. It
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influences the emotional sentiments of the affected or related people. Similarly, war torn areas
can be dangerous for the visitors as they can give rise to new conflicts or controversies due to
such free movement of tourists.
Main attractions of holocaust sites
As elucidated by Podoshen and et.al., 2018 the main attraction of dark tourism is to
identify history behind monument. Tourist wants to what makes that monument so popular and
also beliefs and values attached with society. Besides this, other main attraction involves is
mystery behind dark location and why it exists. By visiting to holocaust sites people are able to
understand that how wars and other political factors lead to the sufferings of millions of innocent
people. For example Yad Vashem in Europe is one of the most popular holocaust site which is
established as a memorial and museum. At this place millions of Jews and other ethnic groups
were killed by the orders of Adolph Hitler. There are rumours about certain places which
attracts mind of tourist. Hence, it helps them to gain information about past history. Usually
people are afraid of visiting places that are related to dealt. This is because a negative feeling is
developed among them that restricts it to visit dark locations.
According to Gmelch and Kaul, (2018), the controversial presence and regular ethical
questioning of these places attracts many visitors to visit the site so that they can try to explore
the real facts. The historical insights are the key attraction which forces people to visit these
places. One of the attractive attribute of these sites is that these places gives an opportunity to
visitors so that they can live history and can experience the presence of victims and historical
incidences.
In the same context Collins-Kreiner, (2016) stated that since death is also one of the
taboo subject and most of the people prefer to avoid this conversation the dark tourism is an
option for people to witness the graveyards and sizzling stories of death and tragic events. These
places are not created artificially from the cities instead the history and past has helped them to
evolve and to establish their unique place in tourism. This is also one of the attraction which
convince people to visit these less organised places which are not organised and which represents
the original essence of such sorrowful and horrified places.
Yan and et.al., (2016) asserted that the oddness and mysterious events related to these
places are also key elements which gain the attention of tourism hunters. The Halloween myths
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and beliefs are very easily associated with holocaust sites. Thus, in order to experience the
sizzling and horror full places people are attracted towards these places. Many historians or the
researches who are in constant search of history and its realistic evidences consider dark tourism
sites as the home to their solutions. The scholars and researchers are in continuous search of such
destinations so that they can make their research more impactful.
As per Stone and et.al., (2018), practical demonstration gives better learning than the
theoretical knowledge. Along with the description of holocaust museums when people actually
visit these places then they gain more understanding of the history. Thus, many tourists visit
these places so that they can share the grief and pain in terms of their condolence.
Factors influencing the preference of tourists in context of dark tourism
Unlike other popular tourist destination's holocaust sites are not easily picked up by
people. According to Powell and Kennell, (2016) vast range of factors influences the decision of
people to make visit to such destinations. The foremost reason is the emotional parameters. Since
holocaust sites such as US holocaust museum, Mauthausen camp, Terezin concentration camp,
martyred villate site of Oradous- sur-Glane are the destinations which have traces of deaths and
pain many people desire to visit such places so that they can pay tribute and respect to victims. It
is strongly believed that if these past signposts will be neglected then it may be difficult for the
next generations to understand their history and to make attempts so that such events can be
eliminated in the future.
Ashworth and Isaac, (2015) elucidated that these places are usually related with the
painful history. Thus, many beliefs and theories are famous regarding these destinations. For
example some social groups consider these with the ghost theories while other relate it with the
tribute to historical events. Thus, the controversial and mysterious presence of dark places forces
communities to have different perspectives on visiting these places. For some people their fear
prohibits them to choose such destinations for travelling while for the others these type of dark
tourism is way to experience the thrill and the horror.
In the same context Yan and et.al., (2016) argued that these holocaust sites are also
shown in several documentaries and news due to their historical significance or the unique
origin. Thus, when people view such documentaries they are inspired to visit such places. The
people who are very emotional and sensitive can often end up with pain after visualising such
destinations. Thus, a wide range of communities prefer to avoid this type of tourism.
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As per Podoshen and et.al., (2015) the cultural and social beliefs of an individual also
influences the travelling choices. For example many communities have strong belief that the
places which witnessed the massive deaths are not suitable for travelling and enjoy. Dark tourism
involves places which are historically and ethically important and thus if these sites are promoted
as tourist destination where people are visiting for enjoyment and with smiling faces then it is
disrespect to the victims associated with the destinations.
Another significant factor which affects the dark tourism is that these destinations are not
considered as an important part of the travelling. Unlike other famous destinations most of the
dark sites are not developed or managed properly. Thus, only a limited group of people are aware
about such locations. This is also one of the reason that it is assumed by visitors that since these
places are not promoted or maintained they are not worth to visit or either they are too risky to
visit.
According to Powell and Kennell, (2016), the comfort level and enjoyment is the basic
element which is discovered by the tourists at any place. Since at dark tourism places it is not
guaranteed that people will get comfortable or fun excitement these places are avoided from the
list of travelling. Also, from the ethical perspective it is required that at these places people
behave properly so that they do not disrespect the souls of dead people. It is also one of the major
factor that people does not want to visit a place as a tourism part which limits their enjoyment
perspective.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
It is a framework which enables researcher to get conduct research in systematic way. It
describes that what methods will be used by scholar in study. Through this, it becomes easy to
follow structure and attain aims and objectives. For present study, methodology is described
below :-
Research philosophy –
It contains a framework on which overall research is based. This helps scholar in
conducting study in systematic manner. There are different philosophies like realism,
interpretivism, positivism, etc. Realism philosophy is quite useful for the studies which requires
evaluation of scientific concepts while the interpretivism philosophy is wide employed for the
research studies which requires in depth knowledge of themes and concepts. In current study,
scholar will use positivism philosophy. Positivism philosophy can analyse both qualitative and
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quantitative data and to draw suitable conclusion related to the study. This is because it will help
in testing hypothesis of dark tourism.
Research approach –
It refers to plan or procedure which states how data will be collected and analysed. There
are various approach that are deductive, abuductive and inductive. The selection of appropriate
research approach provides flexibility in research study. The studies in which outcomes are pre-
specified and quantitative data is used to deductive approach is used. It provides a better analysis
of the numerical data. The second type of research approach is abductive type in which
incomplete observations are evaluated and predictions are made so that research objectives can
be achieved. However, in this study inductive approach is used because this approach employs
different theories and evidences for evaluating the data.
Research type-
It is basis of study which is related to collection of data. It is necessary to gather data in
from reliable and authentic sources so that outcomes are obtained. The research type is vital to
chose the suitable data collection and analysis methods. Basically, there is two research types
that is qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative refers to analysing only theoretical knowledge
through secondary data. This type of data does not contain any kind of statistical or numerical
facts to demonstrate the theories. On the other hand quantitative research type refers to
developing facts and figures and evaluating numeric data. Quantitative studies uses numerical
statistics to establish and verify the relevant theories used in the study. The present study is based
in qualitative type. The research will analyse different concepts and theories to evaluate the
study. By this scholar will evaluate dark tourism facts and its concept.
Data collection-
It is most important element in methodology as it includes collection of data and
information. The researcher must gather precise data so that aims and objectives are attained.
Generally, there are two data collection methods that are primary and secondary. Primary refers
to gathering fresh data whereas in secondary it is collected from previous articles, journals, etc.
Primary data helps to develop the theories and concepts on the basis of realistic perceptions and
the latest trends. The data can be collected with through survey, questionnaire, interview or
discussion. In current study, researcher will use secondary method to gather data. By this it will
be easy to understand concept of dark tourism and attraction of dark locations. The secondary
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data collection helps to evaluate the facts and theories which are not known to the people but are
studied and analysed by several scholars.
Sampling –
It is a process of dividing population on certain factors and then selecting target people
from it. This helps in conducting research in effective way. There are different techniques
available through which sampling is done. It is categorised into two groups that is probabilistic
and non probabilistic. They both are further classified into random, cluster, stratified, etc. In
random samples population participants are selected randomly so that unbiased research can be
conducted. On the other hand since in this study different population groups cannot be accessed
completely clusters are made. In cluster sampling entire research population is divided into
number of groups known as clusters which are analysed to collect the data. Clusters are more
convenient geographically and thus they can best suit the studies having wide scope. Here,
researcher will use cluster sampling method. It will be easy for him or her to select tourist who
have visited dark locations.
DATA ANALYSIS PLAN
This is the most important element in research methodology. It is because the overall
results are dependent on how data and information will be interpreted. This helps in obtaining
precise and accurate outcomes. In order to analyse data, there are different techniques available.
For the statistical data various statistical analysis tools can be used so that numerical figures can
be analysed. Contrary to this for the analysis of qualitative data themes can be developed on the
basis of secondary sources reviews. It depends on scholar willingness that which technique is
chosen. In context to present study, researcher will use thematic data analysis technique.
CONCLUSION
From qualitative research it has been concluded that dark tourism means to visit locations
that is related to death and tragedies. It helps scholars and people to find out reason behind
structure and how it is related to a particular community. Besides this, they are able to
understand concept of that particular monument and why it was built. There is various perception
of people regarding this. It has been also analysed from the above study that dark tourism can be
considered as an important form of tourism as it helps to understand the historical facts with
more clarity and close view. This tourism form is not promoted to large extent and thus many
people are does not prefer to visit such places due to fear and less development in the sector. It
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can also be concluded from the above study that for better understanding of history dark tourism
must be promoted and factors which influence the travelling decisions of tourists must be
identified so that tourism activities at such places can be enhanced.
TIME SCALE
Activity 1 to 2
Week
3.
to
4
Week
5 to
6
Week
7 to 8
Week
9 to
10
Week
11 to
12
Week
13 to
14
Week
15 to
16
Week
17 to
18
Week
19 to
20
Week
Identify
research topic
Review of
Literature
Drafting
Methodologies
Complete
Proposal
Designing
questionnaire
Collection of
data
Analysing data
and
interpretation
Discussion and
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Conclusion
Submitting
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Ashworth, G.J. and Isaac, R.K., 2015. Have we illuminated the dark? Shifting perspectives on
‘dark’tourism. Tourism Recreation Research. 40(3). pp.316-325.
Collins-Kreiner, N., 2016. Dark tourism as/is pilgrimage. Current Issues in Tourism. 19(12).
pp.1185-1189.
Gmelch, S.B. and Kaul, A., 2018. Tourists and tourism: A reader. Waveland Press.
Light, D., 2017. Progress in dark tourism and thanatourism research: An uneasy relationship with
heritage tourism. Tourism Management. 61. pp.275-301.
Podoshen, J.S. and et.al., 2015. Dystopian dark tourism: An exploratory examination. Tourism
Management. 51. pp.316-328.
Podoshen, J.S. and et.al., 2018. Dark tourism, abjection and blood: A festival context. Tourism
Management. 64. pp.346-356.
Powell, R. and Kennell, J., 2016. Dark cities? Developing a methodology for researching dark
tourism in European cities. In Tourism and Culture in the Age of Innovation (pp. 303-
319). Springer, Cham.
Stone, P.R. and et.al., 2018. The Palgrave handbook of dark tourism studies. London: Palgrave
Macmillan.
Yan, B.J. and et.al., 2016. Investigating the motivation–experience relationship in a dark tourism
space: A case study of the Beichuan earthquake relics, China. Tourism Management. 53.
pp.108-121.
Online
Dark tourism. 2018. [online] Available through : <https://bigthink.com/culture-religion/what-is-
dark-tourism>
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