Unveiling Shadows: Prospects for Dark Tourism Development in India

Abstract

Tourism often conjures notions of relaxation, joy, and pleasure. The tourism industry caters to providing leisure experiences to people, whose preferences have evolved significantly over time. With a shift toward alternative tourism rather than traditional mass travel, the emergence of Niche Tourism becomes pivotal. While India has made strides in niche tourism, one particular facet remains unexplored: Dark Tourism. This form of tourism has gained immense popularity globally in the 21st century. As tourist preferences evolve and the concept of special interest tourism takes root, policymakers in the tourism sector worldwide are compelled to include this segment in their strategies. Several nations, previously impacted by conflict or lacking in tourism infrastructure, have embraced dark tourism to gain a competitive edge in attracting visitors. India's tourism industry has yet to delve into offering dark tourism as a product. A successful product hinges on customers' perceptions of its ability to meet their expectations. Without awareness among potential customers, even the most exceptional product can falter. This chapter aims to explore the potential of dark tourism in India by gauging the public perception of this form of tourism. It will also address potential challenges in developing dark tourism in India and propose recommendations to foster the growth of this tourism segment.

Citation

Modi, R.K. and Garg, R. (2024), "Unveiling Shadows: Prospects for Dark Tourism Development in India", Sharma, A., Arora, S. and Shukla, P. (Ed.) Dark Tourism (Building the Future of Tourism), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 297-310. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83797-336-120241020