Dark tourism, thematic routes and possibilities for innovation in the Slovak Republic

This research note describes an interconnection between touristic potential of localities impacted by the First and the Second World War, by focusing on a case study of cemeteries in the North-East of Slovakia. The case study proposes to create a Slovak part of the 'dark tourism thematic trail' through cemeteries from the First World War that could join the existing Polish part of the trail and thus gaining an international importance. The case study gives some directions for suitable touristic marking and marketing support by the official tourism bodies in respective localities, which can assist the necessary cross-border cooperation as well as the process of tourism innovation in the Slovak Republic. The conservation efforts to revalue sites and to promote thematic trail linking war heritage in the region have gained interest mainly from the non-profit organisation - Beskydy War History Club. A significant effort has been made to conserve and to exploit war heritage, however, site management and visitor interpretation for international tourists' needs seems to be neglected. Further dark tourism development is preconditioned by a cooperation of Beskydy War History Club and parties supported from public finance for marketing activities in tourism (DMOs).