Re-enactment in Lighter Dark Tourism: An Exploration of Re-enactor Tour Guides and Their Perspectives on Creating Visitor Experiences

This study explores the perspectives of re-enactor tour guides (RTG) concerning their role and re-enactment of dark histories—an overlooked topic within dark tourism research. A conceptual model is proposed that reflects the role of RTGs and how they differ from re-enactors and non-acting tour guide...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of travel research Vol. 63; no. 2; pp. 496 - 516
Main Authors Wyatt, Brianna, Leask, Anna, Barron, Paul
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.02.2024
SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
Subjects
Historical reenactments
Tourism
lighter dark tourism
edutainment
visitor experience
tour guides
re-enactment
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Summary:This study explores the perspectives of re-enactor tour guides (RTG) concerning their role and re-enactment of dark histories—an overlooked topic within dark tourism research. A conceptual model is proposed that reflects the role of RTGs and how they differ from re-enactors and non-acting tour guides. The model was developed from data collected using rich picture building (RPB) during focus groups with RTGs at three lighter dark visitor attractions. The findings reveal RTGs are passionate about the history and committed to delivering memorable visitor experiences. They also reveal RTGs can offer attraction management constructive feedback and ideas to enhance the visitor experience. The study extends existing literature and provides important insights pertaining to RTGs and the re-enactment of dark histories within lighter dark tourism.
ISSN:0047-2875
1552-6763
DOI:10.1177/00472875221151074