KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — From untouched natural beauty to modern infrastructure, Malaysia is blessed with many unique attractions to make it a preferred destination for tourists worldwide. However, a new global trend among thrill-seekers called “dark tourism” has led Tourism Malaysia to re-work its strategy to attract a different segment of travellers looking for niche experiences. For the uninitiated, dark tourism is described as a journey into shadows of history involving sites associated with death, tragedy or dark events from the past.
According to Tourism Malaysia director-general Manoharan Periasamy, dark tourism is now a burgeoning trend that attracts not only a more adventurous cohort of travellers but also contributes significantly to the preservation of Malaysia’s history and heritage. “We are steadfastly committed to further cultivating this sector and establishing Malaysia as a leading destination for dark tourism,” he said when contacted by Malay Mail recently. He added that dark tourism in Malaysia offers a journey through time, allowing visitors to explore periods of struggle, resilience and transformation.
“It’s not just about the allure of the macabre, but rather an opportunity to delve into the depths of Malaysia’s rich history. “At Tourism Malaysia, we recognise the substantial potential that dark tourism holds within our nation,” he said. Manoharan said dark tourism serves as an educational platform, drawing visitors eager to delve into.