Dark Tourism and Rural Crime

Dark tourism, which involves travel to sites of death, tragedy, or violence, is growing in popularity and becoming a key economic strategy for rural communities. This study reveals that Australian Convict Sites, including locations tied to colonial punishment and modern crime, are increasingly leveraged as dark tourist attractions to sustain regional economies. The research analyzes case studies across Australia, from historical convict tourism to carceral sites and deadly towns, demonstrating how these 'darker' narratives are reshaping rural tourism. By examining both colonial and contemporary crime-related sites, the study highlights the cultural narratives that underpin this emerging trend, offering insights into its broader implications for heritage tourism.

Wise, J. (2024). Dark Tourism and Rural Crime. https://doi.org/10.1332/policypress/9781529219258.001.0001