Dark tourism – visitation, understanding and education; a reconciliation of theory and practice?. (10th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lennon, J. John; Teare, Richard
• Is Part Of: Worldwide hospitality and tourism themes. Volume 9:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 245
• Page End: 248
• Publication Date: 2017-04-10
• Subjects: Visitor attractions -- Dark tourism research -- Visitor motivations -- Dark tourism operations; Hospitality industry -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.479105
• DOI: 10.1108/WHATT-01-2017-0002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-4217

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The paper aims to profile the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes ( WHATT) theme issue "Dark tourism – visitation, understanding and education; a reconciliation of theory and practice?" by drawing on reflections from the theme editor and theme issue outcomes. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editor to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question and the outcomes. Findings: It was observed that visitors to dark tourism sites are often motivated by respect and remembrance and that this motivation is frequently reported by the practitioners who manage these sites. Practical implications: The paper presents dark tourism site educational guidelines for practitioners. Originality/value: This paper provides a rich array of insights from practitioners involved in managing museums and related educational programmes, conceptual development and applied academic research.