Managing ghosts: exploring local government involvement in dark tourism

Abstract

In the growing discussion of dark tourism, attention has focused on dark tourism theory, interpretation of tragic events, management of dark tourist sites, and visitor motivations. The local government component, however, has been overlooked in this field of study. Fame from notorious events often transfers to the city where it happened, sometimes sharing a name (the Amityville Horror, the Villisca Axe Murders, Auschwitz) whether the community likes it or not. This fame transfer creates a shared city ‘ghost’ lingering in its shadows, but draws curiosity seekers from around the globe. This study presents factors local governments should consider as they examine their role in dark tourism, including planning for site management, consideration of the safety of, and services provided to, their citizens, examination of potential economic benefits, and most importantly, to ensure that they have a voice in the stewardship of their history.

Keywords:

• thanatourism
• dark tourism
• urban heritage
• heritage planning
• historic cities

Notes on contributor

Beth A. Wielde Heidelberg is a professor with the Urban and Regional Studies Institute at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She holds postgraduate degrees in urban planning and public administration. Her specialties include local government administration, urban law, urban planning, and heritage preservation policy. Her academic experience is supplemented by several years of working for local governments, which has given her insights into how her academic specialties are applied in the professional workplace.