Exploring the potential and development strategies of dark tourism: a case study of Bethlehem Governorate, Palestine

Bethlehem Governorate, Palestine, harbors significant potential for dark tourism, offering a unique lens to explore themes of conflict, occupation, and historical injustice. Key sites such as the separation wall, Israeli settlements, military checkpoints, refugee camps, and memorials serve as poignant reminders of ethnic cleansing and apartheid, providing visitors with an immersive experience that fosters dialogue, education, and reconciliation. A SWOT analysis and TOWS matrix revealed that these underutilized sites could enrich Bethlehem’s tourism offerings while promoting socio-economic development. The study underscores the importance of strategic planning to leverage dark tourism for preserving collective memory, historical justice, and cross-cultural awareness.

Al-Qasasfeh, Y. (2025). Exploring the potential and development strategies of dark tourism: a case study of Bethlehem Governorate, Palestine. International Journal of Tourism Cities, 11(1), 175–196. https://doi.org/10.1080/20565607.2025.2496995