A dark tourism proposal for Valletta

Abstract

Dark tourism in Malta is present although it may not be quite considered as so. The purpose of this research is to understand the term of Dark Tourism and what motivates people to visit the so-called dark sites. This study also aims to identify locations in Malta and more specifically, Valletta which belong to this niche tourism sector as well as creating a new dark touristic product. In order to carry out this research, apart from interviews and surveys, the author also took part in dark tourist activities in order to have a first-hand experience of what is offered as a supply product to those who participate in these type of events. Apart from that, the author could better understand what motivates the participants and what they expect to encounter in such events. The findings in this study revealed that dark tourism is becoming more popular since the various events which are organised for this niche always attract a good number of participants. Apart from that, sites that have been identified as dark, also attract a large number of tourists but it could be the case that they visit these sites not for the dark aspect of it but for other various aspects, like architecture or history. However, it was implicitly clear that events organised by various institutions in Malta, do organise dark tours and events and do market those as dark and all have agreed that attendance is high and mostly are fullybooked within just a few days. As a recommendation, the author has identified various sites and focused mainly on Valletta. A product has as well been planned and aimed be marketed to dark tourists, specifically those with interest in the Second World War in order to attract more participants to this niche market.