Beauty versus tragedy: thanatourism and the memorialisation of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide

Rwanda's genocide memorial sites are increasingly being integrated into its national tourism product, a process that both challenges and facilitates the work of site guardians. This duality reflects the complex interplay between thanatourism—tourism motivated by death or tragedy—and the ongoing reconciliation efforts following the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. The study critically examines this contested memorialisation process, drawing on theories of genocide, heritage, and tourism to highlight its implications for both local communities and international visitors.

Friedrich, M., & Johnston, T. (2013). Beauty versus tragedy: thanatourism and the memorialisation of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 11(4), 302–320. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2013.852565