This paper examines the tourist’s experience and emotional responses to encountering dark tourism destinations in Tana Toraja, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Employing qualitative methods and a phenomenological approach, the study highlights the dual nature of dark tourism in creating both positive and negative emotions for tourists.
The negative emotions in Torajan death and burial traditions are transformed into positive motivations. Tourists often leave with a deeper cultural understanding and a renewed commitment to good deeds. Storytelling skills and experience of tour guides in conveying the rituals’ religious and cultural philosophies are key to shaping tourists’ emotions and transformative journeys.
This research examines the transformative emotional experiences of tourists in Tana Toraja’s dark tourism context, emphasising how negative emotions are transformed into positive motivations and inspire good deeds. Research Implications: This research advocates for ethical tourism management strategies that respect local communities while promoting economic growth and cultural preservation.
Puteri, D. N. M. M., Safira, F. and Sari, R. (2025): Dark Tourism, Beyond Fear and Sadness: Development of Contemporary Tourism Management in Indonesia. W World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development (WJEMSD), Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 285-301.
