A conceptual understanding of dark tourism and thanatourism in Malaysia

Tourism industry is becoming the backbone of most countries' economy. It has also contributed to the GDP for most nations. With the challenges posed by the ever expanding tourism industry, there is a critical need for tourism destinations to diversify their tourism products and services. There are numerous types of tourism industry that focused on the fulfillment of different customer's need. Tourism industry trends always change. Nowadays, tourists are attracted to explore something adventurous and mysterious in unique locations and sites. Lately, there is an increasing demand for Dark Tourism or Thanatourism for special interest group who to experience historical and spirit accidence at destinations such as castles, disaster sites, prisons, battlefields, and concentration camps. Due to its unique concept, there has been significant amounts of research related to Dark Tourism and Thanatourism. Malaysia, in particular has yet to embrace the concept of Dark Tourism and Thanatourism in its full potential. There are several destinations that have potential to be commercialised such as Kellie's Castle, Mimaland, War Museum, Pasir Salak, and Highland Towers. Malaysia has the potentials to be promoted as Dark Tourism and Thanatourism destinations. Thus, it is recommended for future study to explore the perceptions of tourists and also tour operators regarding the potentials of Dark Tourism and Thanatourism in Malaysia.