Tasteless tourism to some of humanities greatest tragedies is becoming an increasingly popular business. Places such as the nuclear disaster Chernobyl, Devil's Island, The World Trade Center and the Lower Ninth Ward New Orleans are all growing examples of this tasteless tourism.
These attractions bring in money from tours to t-shirts and surely give tourists a uniquely morbid but educational experience they aren't soon to forget.
Implications - Although some call it "tasteless tourism," it is important to note that most of these places are now memorials of the people who have lost their lives. The featured video is all about Chernobyl and the effects and devastation that it later brought. Its main message is to bring awareness to the dangers of nuclear power.
Tasteless Tourism
Death Guarantees Dollars for These Controversial Attractions
Trend Themes
1. Controversial Tourism - Tourism to historically significant and controversial places is gaining popularity with business opportunities in merchandise and tours.
2. Dark Tourism - Tours to sites of tragedy and death for educational and morbid experiences are on the rise.
3. Educational Morbidity - Combining the educational aspect of travel with the morbid curiosity of tragedy is becoming increasingly popular.
Industry Implications
1. Tourism - The tourism industry can capitalize on these dark and controversial destinations by offering tours, merchandise and unique experiences for travellers.
2. Memorialization - These controversial sites can serve as memorials, creating new industries for the design and maintenance of monuments, statues and other items.
3. Education - Opportunities for educational institutions and media companies to offer related documentaries, history lessons and other forms of media concerning these controversial destinations.