Exploring the Unspeakable: The Psychology of the Dark Tourist

Davlara Anna-Maria and Sofia Karampela
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Davlara Anna-Maria: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Sofia Karampela: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)

A chapter in Synergizing Management, Culture, and Arts for Tourism Development - Vol. 2, 2026, pp 153-167 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This paper explores dark tourism, a form of tourism that focuses on places associated with tragic events such as wars, genocides, or natural disasters. With a focus on Greece and Europe, it examines the ethical, psychological, and social dimensions of the phenomenon. Through a questionnaire (45 participants), the knowledge, experiences, and moral concerns of the public are analyzed. The results show limited familiarity with dark tourism, mixed views on its ethical character, and strong psychological reactions. At the same time, the educational value of these sites is highlighted, as well as the risks of commercializing tragedy. In conclusion, guidelines for respect, awareness, and good management of the sites are proposed.

Keywords: Dark tourism; Ethical challenges; Psychological impact; Memory; Greece; Europe (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D91 I31 Z10 Z19 Z32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-17534-2_10

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-17534-2_10

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