Dark Tourism: Practice and interpretation (New Directions in Tourism Analysis)

Dark Tourism, as well as other terms such as Thanatourism and Grief Tourism, has been much discussed in the past two decades. This volume provides a comprehensive exploration of the subject from the point of view of both practice - how Dark Tourism is performed, what practical and physical considerations exist on site - and interpretation - how Dark Tourism is understood, including issues pertaining to ethics, community involvement and motivation. It showcases a wide range of examples, drawing on the expertise of academics with management and consultancy experience, as well as those from within the social sciences and humanities. Contributors discuss the historical development of Dark Tourism, including its earlier incarnations across Europe, but they also consider its future as a strand within academic discourse, as well as its role within tourism development. Case studies include holocaust sites in Germany, as well as analysis of the legacy of war in places such as the Channel Islands and Malta. Ethical and myriad marketing considerations are also discussed in relation to Ireland, Brazil, Rwanda, Romania, U.K., Nepal and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

This book covers issues that are of interest to students and staff across a spectrum of disciplines, from management to the arts and humanities, including conservation and heritage, site management, marketing and community participation.

Glenn Hooper is a Lecturer in Tourism and Heritage at Glasgow Caledonian University, and has held academic appointments at St. Mary’s University College Belfast, the University of Aberdeen and the Open University. He has published widely in travel and tourism, and is the co-founder of the international ‘Borders & Crossings’ Conference Series. His publications include Land and Landscape, 1770–2000, Irish and Postcolonial Writing (with Colin Graham) and Travel Writing and Ireland, 1760–1860.

John J. Lennon is the Vice Dean for the Glasgow School for Business and Society, Glasgow Caledonian University and Director of the Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development. John has undertaken over 550 tourism and travel projects, in over 40 nations, on behalf of private sector and public sector clients. John is the co-author of Dark Tourism: The Attraction of Death and Disaster and a range of publications relating to the subject based on international research in the area.