Ghosts Among Us: Local Government Support for Dark Tourism Through Long-Range Planning Policy

When a community is thrust into the spotlight due to a tragic event or has a reputation given to it by folklore, it joins the pantheon of dark tourism destinations. Tourists will visit these infamous places regardless of how residents and the local government feel about visitors coming to explore their local tragedy, especially when the community is still rebuilding or grieving. Local governments must decide how they will handle this interest in their community, while protecting and providing service to their residents. This study investigates the frequency of dark tourism being integrated into long-range urban planning document to manage, or possibly enhance, dark tourism in their community.