Dark tourism: Why some people derive voyeuristic pleasure from visiting places where tragedies occurred

Picture a town frozen in time, its streets eerily quiet, nature slowly reclaiming abandoned buildings. No, that was not the description of a post-apocalyptic film set but of Pripyat, a ghost town near Chernobyl. Believe it or not, before the Russia-Ukraine war brought travel to a complete halt, tourists would flock there by the thousands each year.

Welcome to the world of “dark tourism” or “thanatourism,” where natural disaster sites and scenes of historic horrors become unlikely travel destinations. From the killing fields of Cambodia to the 9/11 Memorial in New York, these sites draw visitors like moths to a flame — or perhaps more aptly, like pilgrims to a shrine.

D K Ghatani, travel consultant at Sikkim Tours and Expeditions, tells indianexpress.com, “Dark tourism — a term coined in the 1990s — involves visiting places associated with death, tragedy, or suffering.”

“Human beings have a natural curiosity about death and tragedy,” Dr Alisha Lalljee, psychologist, special educator and psychotherapist based in Mumbai, reveals. She notes that visiting such sites may fulfill a need to understand tragic events that occurred there. For some, such visits could also be something to boast about.

But what is the appeal? Is it morbid curiosity, a quest for understanding, or something deeper?

The recent Wayanad tragedy, where a series of landslides took the lives of over 400 people, shed light on this controversial yet fascinating aspect of modern travel. After noticing several tourists visiting the spot days after news about the tragedy made headlines, the Kerala Police were forced to release a statement on X urging people not to visit the disaster-stricken area. “Do not head to tragedy-hit spots for sightseeing. It will affect rescue operations. For help, please call 112,” the statement read.

The intent behind these visits, which could include sites like former concentration camps, battlefields, natural disaster zones, or locations of historical atrocities, varies. Some people are driven by a desire to understand history, pay their respects, or confront the realities of human nature. For others, it may stem from curiosity or the thrill of exploring the macabre.

Jatinder Paul Singh, CEO and co-founder of Viacation, reveals that over the years, he has observed how people approach these sites. “Visitors now come not simply to witness events from afar but to reflect on the personal stories and human experiences behind the tragedies.”

Pripyat, the ghost town near Chernobyl was a popular spot for dark tourism before the Russia-Ukraine war. (Reuters/File)

The emotional and psychological impacts dark tourism

Malika Chandra, psychotherapist at MC Psychotherapy, believes dark tourism, despite its heavy emotional impact, may have some positive outcomes. “We are reminded of our mortality, and it brings us in touch with our empathy,” she says. However, the impact can vary greatly depending on the individual’s personal history, emotional resilience, and the nature of the site itself.

Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist at Mindtalk, however, notes that the emotional impact “varies depending on the individual’s personal connection to the event and their mental state.” For some, these visits can lead to feelings of reverence and reflection, while others may experience discomfort or distress.

Frequent exposure to tragic narratives can lead to emotional exhaustion or desensitisation. As Dr Lalljee explains, repeated visits to sites of intense suffering can trigger re-traumatisation and worsen mental health if not approached with caution. This makes it crucial for frequent dark tourists to engage in self-reflection and seek support if needed.

Respect vs. thrill-seeking: What is the fine line?

A central challenge in dark tourism is distinguishing between respectful visits and those driven by morbid curiosity. Psychologists note that the line between these motivations can be blurry and often depends on the visitor’s approach and mindset.

Aanandita Vaghani, founder and mental health therapist, UnFix Your Feelings, points out that the distinction can be subtle, with respectful visits sometimes overlapping with elements of learning and exploration. “The key difference is in the underlying motivation and emotional engagement of the visitor,” she says.

There’s no straightforward answer to whether dark tourism is ethical, according to Vaghani. “Some view dark tourism as voyeuristic and exploitative of human suffering, while others see it as an opportunity for education, engaging with history and reflection,” she said.

“Ethical considerations play a crucial role here; it’s essential for visitors to approach these sites with respect and mindfulness of the pain and loss they represent,” Cadabam stresses.

Tourism industry experts emphasise the importance of site management in shaping visitor behaviour. “Commercialisation should be handled cautiously to prevent diminishing the gravity of the events,” says Singh. The focus should remain on education, reflection, and fostering understanding.

Sensitivity to the emotional weight of the site is vital, ensuring visitors grasp the human suffering behind the history while preserving the site’s dignity and cultural integrity. Well-designed memorials and educational programs can encourage a respectful atmosphere, while sensationalised presentations may attract those seeking a more voyeuristic experience.

 

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Best practices in dark tourism management

Effective management of dark tourism sites is essential to balance education and respect. Ghatani advocates for incorporating firsthand accounts and survivor testimonies to provide authentic, accurate narratives. “This approach not only adds credibility but also connects visitors more deeply with the human aspect of the history,” he says.

Singh stresses the importance of using guided tours, multimedia, and curated exhibits to ground the stories in accurate historical facts and encourage reflection, rather than just observation. “By grounding the stories in accurate historical facts, these practices help visitors appreciate the depth of human suffering and leave with a sense of responsibility and respect for the past.”

Sensitivity to the emotional weight of the site is vital, ensuring visitors grasp the human suffering behind the history, while also preserving the site’s dignity and cultural integrity. Well-designed memorials and educational programs can encourage a respectful atmosphere, while sensationalised presentations may attract those seeking a more voyeuristic experience.

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