The positive role of negative emotions in heritage-site visits: the case of Auschwitz Death Camp

This exploratory qualitative study focuses on two issues: (1) an examination of the emotions that participants expect to feel when visiting a heritage site presenting death and atrocities; and (2) the emotions they feel during the visit. The study is based on 43 semi-structured interviews with participants from Israel, Poland, and Germany. The findings revealed the centrality of negative emotions that emerge at a heritage site, and the co-existence of positive/pleasant and negative/unpleasant emotions such as pride, satisfaction, frustration, sadness, and anger. Additionally, the findings showed the interlinks between the on-site presence, the intensity of the emotional experience, and its memorability. The findings highlight the significant role of negative/unpleasant emotions for the conceptualization of heritage tourism and distinguish it from other types and forms of tourism.