Light versus dark motives in dark tourism: a conceptualization from an ethical perspective

Laura Czermak and Ralf Vogler

Current Issues in Tourism, 2025, vol. 28, issue 2, 203-219

Abstract: A light versus dark spectrum is a common tool to conceptualize dark tourism. The existing spectrums, however, have a clear focus on destinations and attractions and leave the tourist and in particular ethical aspects of the travel decision aside. As an answer to this shortcoming, the following proposes a different approach. With this newly developed spectrum, both motive and ethical aspects are put into the forefront to determine the shades of darkness. It is removing intuitive inconsistencies of the existing models by assessing the shade of darkness based on either eudaemonic or hedonic motives. In addition, the availability of motives is also assessed, considering the framing impact of travel planning activities and time consideration on the planning process. With this new spectrum, academia and practitioners have a conceptual basis for discussions and research about the important aspects of ethics in dark tourism.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/13683500.2023.2300035

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