Discover how Malaysia's haunting histories are not only a fascinating aspect of its culture but also a significant contributor to its economy.
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23 Oct 2024
6 Min Read
Afrina Arfa (Alumni Columnist)
Discover how Malaysia's haunting histories are not only a fascinating aspect of its culture but also a significant contributor to its economy.
Dark tourism, the practice of visiting sites associated with death, disasters, or the macabre, has become a growing niche within Malaysia's tourism industry. Beyond the thrill, these sites offer a unique blend of history, tragedy, and mystery. While the term 'dark tourism' was only coined in 1996 by two academics at Glasgow Caledonian University, the concept itself is much older. A 2005 article notes that humans have long been drawn to death, from public executions and Roman gladiatorial games in the past to war museums and memorials in the present.
With a wealth of dark tourism sites—including historical landmarks and haunted locations—Malaysia has seen an influx of tourists eager to explore these attractions. By the end of 2023, Tourism Malaysia reported over RM 71.3 billion in transactions from more than 20.14 million tourists. Globally, the dark tourism market is projected to reach USD 31.89 billion by the end of 2024, with an anticipated increase to USD 40.82 billion over the next decade, highlighting a promising opportunity for Malaysia's tourism industry to capitalise on this trend. Yet, amid the natural wonders and modern architectural marvels of the world, it begs the question: what is it about the macabre that holds such fascination?
As one of the oldest forms of tourism and now a multi-billion-dollar industry, dark tourism appeals to many visitors. While the concept of dark tourism is culturally nuanced and carries different meanings for different people, a 2021 study published in the International Hospitality Review identified common motivations for visiting, namely curiosity, education, and personal connection. As Philip Stone, executive director of the Institute for Dark Tourism Research, explains, 'Dark tourism does not need "dark" tourists—only people who are socially engaged in the cultural and political fabric of their own life world.' These sites serve as reminders of mortality, presenting the deaths of others as cautionary tales that illustrate the consequences of human conflicts, mistakes, and misfortunes. Therefore, the primary motivation is often not a fascination with death itself, but rather an interest in cultural heritage and education.
The influence of pop culture has also played a significant role in fuelling the industry. Infamous sites like Pablo Escobar's hometown in Colombia and Chernobyl in Ukraine have experienced a surge in visitors following the release of shows like Narcos on Netflix and Chernobyl on HBO. This increased exposure has captivated curious travellers, especially among Gen Z. According to a 2022 survey, 91% of Gen Z have visited at least one dark tourism site, highlighting their role in driving the trend's growing popularity.
Beyond its eerie allure, dark tourism has become a valuable economic asset both globally and nationally. According to a study, dark tourism sites must be packaged, promoted, priced, and positioned like any other product or service to attract modern tourists. This approach has been successfully implemented worldwide, with many tour agencies offering experiences centred around dark events and locations, such as the 9/11 Ground Zero tour in New York and the Hurricane Katrina Tour in New Orleans. The Titanic Belfast is another successful example, leveraging an air of mystery, educational value, and emotional impact to become Northern Ireland's most popular tourist attraction.
While dark tourism is a smaller segment of Malaysia's overall tourism industry compared to that of other countries, an increasing number of visitors are flocking to explore its darker, historically rich sites, such as the Penang War Museum, Kellie's Castle in Perak, and Villa Nabila in Johor Bahru. Manoharan Periasamy, the director-general of Tourism Malaysia, states that, 'besides introducing these novel experiences, Malaysia would also enhance its existing niche tourism, which is witnessing an upward trend.' By refining Malaysia's dark tourism offerings, the country could unlock various opportunities, including increased revenue from ticket sales, guided tours, and special events.
Although data on the exact number of visits to Malaysia's dark tourism sites is limited, the growing presence of dark tourism can be observed nationwide. For example, many guided tours in Langkawi now include Kota Mahsuri in their itineraries, with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) designating November 18 as Mahsuri Day. Other locations, such as the Sandakan-Ranau Death March, are also receiving significant search activity on platforms like TripAdvisor, Foursquare, and Flickr, highlighting this growing interest. Indirectly, the high demand translates into additional income through the sales of accommodation, transportation, and other services that cater to dark tourism experiences. Despite this rising public fascination and policymakers exploring strategies to capitalise on it, the industry remains controversial, as sites linked to tragedies raise ethical questions among many.
Despite the nuanced motivations behind visiting places of the macabre, dark tourism carries a moral ambiguity that is often frowned upon. This practice raises ethical concerns about the commodification and touristification of sites associated with tragedy. While the industry has, in many ways, created a memorialised afterlife for those who tragically passed, it also leaves narratives open to framing that fits the allure of the dark and allows these sites to be catalogued as tourist attractions. Furthermore, the process of remembrance is often influenced by political choices about what, who, and where we choose to memorialise, as well as what we choose to forget. As a result, dark tourism can turn even the most heartbreaking events into experiences that are 'packaged' and 'sold' to tourists, which can be insensitive to the victims and their families. The trend becomes a larger predicament with the influence of social media, where some individuals—though they are in the minority—visit tragedy-linked sites primarily to create engaging content, turning dark tourism morally grey. Consequently, the challenge of balancing cultural and historical tourism with the need to respect the significance of these sites has led to many dark tourism locations being neglected.
Nevertheless, many countries have successfully transformed sites of tragedy into memorials that pay tribute to the lives lost, such as Cellular Jail in India and Seodaemun Prison History Hall in South Korea. Similarly, museums preserved from the World Wars, like the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland and the Penang War Museum, serve as powerful reminders of history while honouring those affected. This underscores the idea that dark tourism has vast potential, if properly managed, to function as an educational resource while also retaining its economic viability—making it essential to strike a balance between commemoration and commercialisation.
As a catalyst for growth beyond a niche market, dark tourism presents a lucrative opportunity to boost the country's economy—albeit with a need for a more sensitive approach to commercialisation. As Malaysia's dark tourism sites continue to captivate travellers with their unique blend of history, tragedy, and mystery, it is crucial to balance preserving cultural significance and leveraging economic potential. With careful management from both public and private sectors, dark tourism can become a meaningful avenue for reflecting on the past, enriching our understanding of the cultural heritage that has shaped Malaysia into what it is today.
Afrina Arfa is a Bachelor of Finance and Economics (Honours) alumna of Taylor's University. She spends her time indulging in economic news, hoping to inspire others to think beyond the constraints of society.