Tourist experiences of genocide sites: The case of Rwanda

Tourists visiting genocide memorial sites, such as those in Rwanda, often engage with these locations for meaningful and emotionally challenging reasons, contrary to the common perception of voyeurism. A study analyzing visitor experiences at the Kigali Genocide Memorial found that tourists approach such sites with positive intent, despite initial trepidation, and leave with a deeper understanding of the genocide's horror and suffering, as well as a desire to learn more. This research builds on previous work by examining both travel blogs and survey data, revealing that genocide tourism—though a subset of dark tourism—serves as a powerful educational tool rather than a mere act of morbid curiosity.

Sharpley, R., & Gahigana, I. (2014). Tourist experiences of genocide sites: The case of Rwanda. Turisticko Poslovanje, (13), 61–78. https://doi.org/10.5937/turpos1413061s