A Global Analysis of Ethical Practices and Visitor Motivation in Sites of Death and Disaster

Dark tourism, which involves visiting sites linked to death and tragedy, can be made more ethical and sustainable through the Sustainable Engagement Model. This model integrates Thanatourism, Postmemory Theory, and Emotional Geography to guide visitor experiences while preserving collective memory and fostering empathy. A global analysis of four international sites—Auschwitz Birkenau, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Ground Zero (9/11 Memorial), and Rwanda Genocide Memorial—revealed that ethical storytelling, community involvement, and participatory design are key to meaningful engagement. These practices not only promote respectful remembrance but also strengthen global citizenship by encouraging thoughtful reflection among visitors.

Sood, D., Sharma, S., & Tiwari, A. (2026). A Global Analysis of Ethical Practices and Visitor Motivation in Sites of Death and Disaster. Sustainable Dark Tourism, 160–178. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003655282-9