Dark tourism and thanatourism: Distinct tourism typologies or simple analytical tools?

Sa？etak Auschwitz-Birkenau is the main example provided by researchers whenever dark tourism and thanatourism are used as principal analytical concepts. Theoretically, this example is considered one of the darkest tourism sites. Focusing on this kind of places, as well as on other places with different degrees of authenticity, macabre, emotions and tourism motivation, this study aims to research whether dark tourism and thanatourism are a distinct type of tourism or they only represent analytical tools. Starting with a quick look at the history of the concept that leads to some theoretical aspects (terminology, definitions, classification, spectrums and controversies), conceptual research meant to explain the typology/instrument dilemma has been done. The results of the research reveal that this domain is still very new, with many theoretical controversies and obstacles, and dark tourism and thanatourism are only analytical tools which help us understand the evolution of the current patrimonial and cultural tourism. Moreover, our data shows that dark tourism includes thanatourism, but it does not create a distinct, clearly defined form of tourism. The usefulness of this analytical tool is not the ultimate assertion of a distinct form of tourism, but to adapt existing and future sites to the needs and motivations of tourists