Global trends in niche and historical tourism

Recent data indicates significant engagement with specialized tourism sectors. One trend involves ‘dark tourism’, where travelers visit sites associated with death, suffering, and historical tragedies. Notable examples include the Auschwitz museum in Poland, Alcatraz in the United States, and Hiroshima, Japan. Dr. Philip Stone of the Dark Tourism Research Institute describes this as honoring ‘our famous dead within the visitor economy’ while prompting reflection on historical legacies.

Parallel to this, there is a rising interest in paranormal and mystery-themed travel. A survey of over 28,000 travelers found that 65% expressed interest in paranormal experiences. In the United States, this includes excursions to former psychiatric hospitals and funeral homes. In Brazil, travelers are exploring locations tied to local legends and urban mysteries, such as Ouro Preto and São Paulo.

Newer data suggests these interests are intersecting with seasonal cultural trends. In the United Kingdom, Halloween is becoming increasingly popular among adults, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) noting a preference for horror media. Booking.com has identified ‘travel to the beyond’ as a rising trend for 2027, driven by the aforementioned interest in paranormal experiences. This cultural engagement is also reflected in media consumption; in Brazil, Samsung Ads reported over 20 million hours of horror and suspense content consumed on televisions over a six-month period.