Tourism Society News 11th October 2005

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TOURISM SOCIETY TO HOLD DARK TOURISM MEETING

Dark Tourism, a fascination with visiting sites associated with death, destruction and doom, is the topic for the next meeting of the Tourism Society.

The event, to be held at the Kensington Close Hotel, London (17th October 2005, 18.00-21.00), will focus on issues such as visitor motivation, ethics and morality, modern interpretation and the responsibility of tourism providers.

Dark Tourism recently appeared on the tourism degree curriculum yet much of the industry remains unaware of it. Pompeii, Auschwitz and the Pyramids may not be top of the hot spot list for many tourists but Ground Zero is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. Numerous tourist attractions, like Ground Zero, highlight the growing demand for what is termed 'dark tourism' or 'tourism macabre' and the need to carefully manage this new market.

The panel of speakers includes John Lennon, top tourism professor at Glasgow Caledonian University and co-author of the main text on the subject; Ria Dunkley, PhD student at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff and Tony Seaton, Professor of Tourist Behaviour at the University of Luton. The event will be chaired by Brian Human FTS, English Historic Towns Forum.

This seminar aims to gain more recognition for the term amongst the industry. Said the Tourism Society chief executive Sue Finch: "This is the second time the Tourism Society has held a meeting on Dark Tourism because of our members interest in a concept not widely used in the trade"

"We are very grateful to The Kensington Close Hotel and to the University of Central Lancashire, the co- sponsors of this event. It is set to be an exciting night."

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:
Flo Powell Tel: 020 7488 2789 Email Flo

Note to Editors:

The Tourism Society (est.1977) is the leading network of professionals in the industry. All sectors are represented, including: accommodation, attractions, destinations, operators, travel companies, writers, academics, students and consultants.

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