Ecological influences of dark tourism
Ecological influences of dark tourism

Summary/Abstract: Dark tourism, defined as travel to sites associated with death, tragedy, and collective memory, is most often studied from sociocultural or ethical perspectives, while its ecological implications have received limited scholarly attention. This article addresses this research gap by examining the environmental footprint of dark tourism destinations, with a focus on pollution, over-tourism, ecosystem disruption, and carbon emissions. Drawing on case studies from Bulgaria and globally recognized locations such as Chernobyl and Auschwitz, the study demonstrates how unmanaged visitation can accelerate environmental degradation. At the same time, it evaluates sustainable management strategies, including virtual dark tourism as an innovative, eco-friendly alternative. By integrating ecological concerns into the analysis of dark tourism, the paper contributes to the broader debate on sustainable travel and proposes policy recommendations aimed at reducing ecological risks while preserving the educational and commemorative value of these sites.

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