DARK TOURISM

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dark-tourism-warning-kerala-police-wayanad-landslide-killed-143-what-is-dark-tourism-global-hotspots-tragedy-tourists-2574337-2024-07-31

 

Context: Kerala Police is warning against dark tourism in Wayanad to prevent interference with rescue efforts after a tragic landslide claimed over 150 lives.

 Details

• Recently, Wayanad in Kerala, faced a devastating landslide that claimed around 150 lives. In response, the Kerala Police issued a warning against dark tourism. They advised people not to visit these tragedy-hit areas as it interferes with rescue operations and hampers relief efforts.

 What is Dark Tourism?

Dark tourism refers to the practice of visiting locations associated with death, disaster, or suffering. This includes sites where significant tragedies or historical events have occurred.

The Ethical Concerns While dark tourism can offer educational and reflective experiences, it has its darker aspects: ●Interference with Rescue Efforts: As seen in Wayanad, tourists visiting disaster sites can disrupt ongoing rescue and relief operations. ●Commercialization of Tragedy: There’s concern about the exploitation of sites associated with suffering for profit, which can be seen as disrespectful to the victims.

 Examples of Dark Tourism Hotspots

Global Hotspots:

• Auschwitz, Poland: This former Nazi concentration camp is now a memorial and museum. Visitors come to understand the horrors of the Holocaust.
• Chornobyl, Ukraine: The site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, Chornobyl attracts tourists interested in the effects of the meltdown and the abandoned town of Pripyat.
• Gettysburg, USA: Known for the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, this site offers insights into one of the war’s bloodiest battles.
• Dealey Plaza, USA: The location where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated is a point of interest for those exploring significant moments in American history.

 Indian Hotspots:

• Cellular Jail, Port Blair: Also known as Kala Pani, this jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was infamous for its brutal treatment of Indian freedom fighters during the British Raj.
• Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand: Known as the 'Skeleton Lake', it contains hundreds of skeletal remains. The origin of these remains is shrouded in mystery.
• Kuldhara Village, Rajasthan: This abandoned village has legends of its sudden desertion due to a local ruler’s demand.

 People are increasingly interested in dark tourism for various reasons:

• Curiosity and Reflection: Visitors often seek to understand the harsh realities of history or disaster, reflecting on human experiences and resilience.
• Breaking Routine: For those living in stable environments, visiting dark tourism sites can offer a sense of excitement and a break from everyday life.
• Educational Value: Many visit these sites to learn about significant historical events or tragedies, seeking to understand the impact on society.

Overview of the Tourism sector in India ●Contribution to GDP: Tourism in India contributes around 4.6% of the country’s GDP. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that in 2021, tourism generated ₹13.2 lakh crore (US$160 billion), which represented 5.8% of India’s GDP and supported 32.1 million jobs. ●Growth Forecast: The sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.8%, potentially reaching ₹33.8 lakh crore (US$400 billion) by 2031, which would be about 7.2% of GDP. ●Global Rankings: India was ranked 7th in Forbes magazine’s "The 50 Most Beautiful Countries in the World" list. ●Tourist Arrivals: India is the 22nd most visited country globally and the 8th in Asia and the Pacific. In 2022, India saw over 6.19 million foreign tourists. ●Domestic Tourist Visits: In 2012, there were 1,036.35 million domestic tourist visits. This large domestic market helps buffer the sector against fluctuations in international tourism. ●Popular States and Cities: Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have been popular states for tourists. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Agra, and Jaipur have been significant tourist hubs. ●World Economic Forum Report: According to the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India is ranked 39th among 119 countries. ●UNESCO World Heritage Sites: As of July 2024, India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

 Conclusion

• Dark tourism involves visiting locations associated with death and disaster to explore the darker sides of history. While it can provide valuable insights and serve as a reflective experience, it also raises ethical concerns, especially when it interferes with critical rescue operations or commercializes tragedy. The recent landslide in Wayanad serves as a reminder of the impact such tourism can have on ongoing recovery efforts and the need for respectful engagement with these sites.

 Must Read Articles:

Travel & Tourism Development Index

TOURISM SECTOR OF INDIA

 Source:

INDIA TODAY

INVEST INDIA

WIKIPEDIA

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. In the context of tourism studies, which definition most accurately describes the phenomenon known as dark tourism? A. Tourism involves exploring sites of ancient civilizations and their remnants, reflecting historical narratives. B. Tourism that immerses visitors in activities and locations tied to significant historical tragedies and dark events, offering insights into their impact and legacy. C. Tourism that revolves around adrenaline-pumping experiences and extreme adventure sports, with little regard for historical or cultural context. D. Tourism that emphasizes the discovery of modern urban environments and contemporary cultural practices, often with a focus on entertainment and leisure.  Answer: B