Some mistakes had disastrous consequences
In modern times, trips to active war zones are often sought by thrill-seekers looking for extreme experiences. These risky ventures are typically undertaken by individuals or small groups, and detailed information about such journeys remains scarce. While controversial, these excursions highlight a niche yet growing form of tourism fueled by curiosity and the allure of danger.
Traveling to active war zones comes with a hefty price due to the extensive preparation required, including training, international coordination, security measures, and insurance. Rick Sweeney, founder of Warzone Tours, shared in 2013 that a trip to Iraq, Syria, or Africa could cost about US$40,000.
Hinterland Travel, a British agency known for organizing tours to historical sites in Iraq and Afghanistan, temporarily halted its activities during the Covid-19 pandemic. The war in Ukraine further disrupted tourism, leading international operators to cancel trips to the region.
While information on trips to active military zones is scarce, during Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, some Ukrainian agencies offered tours to "hot spots." These packages, starting at US$60 per day, included bulletproof vests, armed guards, and transport in armored trucks! It was a stark example of how conflict tourism can emerge even in the most volatile situations.
Reviving tourism in war-torn regions is challenging. Destruction and loss make rebuilding difficult, while prolonged media coverage of tragedies often leaves tourists hesitant, perceiving such places as unsafe or unwelcoming for years. Overcoming these hurdles requires both reconstruction and reshaping perceptions.
Tourism income becomes crucial in the aftermath of military conflicts. Commemorative or post-war tourism plays a vital role in helping rebuild economies, as visitors to historic battle sites and memorials provide much-needed financial support to affected regions.
Following crises, governments often prioritize rebuilding infrastructure, agriculture, health, and education. In areas with profound destruction and tragedy, additional measures are crucial for reconstruction and supporting the population. Amid this, tourism emerges as a powerful recovery tool, offering essential revenue to help rebuild economies and communities.
South Africa, Rwanda, and Namibia stand out as leading post-war tourism destinations in Africa, where local communities actively support historical and cultural experiences. As Srianta Fernando notes in a study on Sri Lanka's post-war tourism, "war-torn destinations need to work twice as hard to rise above their competitors."
After the 1990s conflicts, Slovenia and Croatia invested heavily in rebuilding tourism and transport infrastructure. Croatia, however, went a step further, steering away from its military history to highlight its natural beauty, stunning shores, and Adriatic charm, while focusing on economic recovery to attract foreign investment.
Unlike Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina took a different route in reviving its tourism industry. The country leaned into its military past, drawing attention to commemorative and dark tourism. Sarajevo actively promoted the ruins, destruction, and compelling human stories through hired journalists.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s embrace of commemorative tourism has proven highly successful, making it a favored destination for military tourism. Among its most significant attractions is the annual Peace March, held to honor and remember the victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide.
Vietnam remains one of the most notable military tourism destinations, more than 45 years after the Vietnam War's conclusion. The country offers numerous memorials and museums, allowing visitors to reflect on and gain a deeper understanding of the war’s historical events and its enduring impact.
World War II continues to captivate tourists, with battle sites drawing millions annually. On December 7, 1941, Japan’s attack on the US military base triggered America’s entry into the Allied War. Today, Pearl Harbor has transformed into a memorial complex, featuring museums and monuments that preserve its historical significance and honor those who served.
Dunkirk, a coastal city in northern France, stands as a major World War II commemorative tourism destination. In June 1940, over 330,000 British and French soldiers found themselves encircled by Nazi forces, with evacuation by sea as their only hope. Today, Dunkirk draws visitors eager to honor this remarkable story of resilience and courage, immortalized in history and memory.
Libya and Socotra (technically part of Yemen) exemplify destinations affected by recent wars, yet visiting these regions isn’t as perilous as one might assume. While traces of conflict are visible, these locations captivate with their unique cultural and natural treasures, offering travelers an enriching experience beyond the shadows of their histories.
The most extreme form of war tourism involves individuals venturing directly to active frontlines in pursuit of danger. These thrill-seekers, often described as "journalists without the story," embody a niche category of adrenaline junkies who choose to immerse themselves in the chaos of conflict zones for the sheer experience of it.
Before the Russian-Ukrainian war, Chernobyl attracted tens of thousands of tourists annually, drawn to the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster. Today, despite the ongoing conflict, many Europeans and Americans still visit the area, paying between €150 and €250 (US$157 to $262) for tours of this historically significant region.
Veterans frequently return to former battlefields to reflect and honor those who served. This tradition, dating back to the 19th century, grew significantly after the First World War and remains a meaningful way for veterans to reconnect with their past.
In a nutshell, enthusiasts of military tourism seek experiences beyond what textbooks, films, or history books can offer. By visiting former battlefields and conflict zones, they aim to gain a more authentic, immersive understanding of the past and the unique emotions tied to these historic events.
For military tourism destinations, these visits provide vital economic support and aid in rebuilding. Beyond financial benefits, they serve as powerful reminders of the cost of war. The Belgian region of Poperinge, once part of the Western Front during World War I, encapsulates this sentiment with its motto, "Never again war," urging the world to strive for peace.
Sources: (Science Direct) (Young Pioneer Tours) (Bloomberg TV)
See also: The world's most dangerous countries to visit in 2025
Experts suggest that veteran visits to former battlefields stem from a need to reconcile with the past and manage the emotional weight of their memories. Many struggle with mental trauma tied to their experiences, and returning to these sites offers a path to answer unresolved questions and healing.
Believed to be history's first war correspondent, Dutch artist Willem van de Velde the Younger ventured to sea in 1653 to observe and sketch a naval battle between the Netherlands and England.
While his primary goal was documenting the event, his trip could also be seen as an early form of war tourism: traveling to gather information and capture the conflict from a unique perspective. His sketches not only chronicled history but also blurred the lines between art, journalism, and curiosity-driven exploration.
It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that war tourism became more organized. One of the pioneers, travel agency Thomas Cook & Son, arranged trips for British tourists to visit historic battlefields from the American Civil War.
During the Crimean War, the renowned Mark Twain led groups of curious visitors to witness the ruins of Sevastopol. These ventures marked the beginning of war tourism as an accessible, structured activity, blending curiosity with history on a global scale.
In 1854, Frances Duberley accompanied her husband, Captain Henry Duberley, to the Crimean War, defying the disapproval of other soldiers. She witnessed several planned attacks and documented her experiences in a book that offered a vivid, personal account of life amid war. Her remarkable journey left a lasting legacy as one of the first women to document military conflicts firsthand.
During World War II, following the German invasion of Paris, American journalist William Shirer observed soldiers behaving like "naive tourists," snapping photos and exploring the city.
Even Adolf Hitler couldn’t resist sightseeing! One of his first actions after Paris fell was touring its landmarks and posing for photos in front of the Eiffel Tower. This bizarre juxtaposition of war and tourism paints an unsettling picture of soldiers briefly treating occupied Paris as a vacation destination.
War tourism sounds intense, but it could be considered a unique blend of adventure and education. It spans from adrenaline-seekers visiting active conflict zones (though opportunities for such trips are understandably limited), to history buffs engaging in commemorative tourism. The latter involves trips to former battlefields or sites of past tragedies, blending somber reflection with curiosity. Beyond personal journeys, commemorative tourism also plays a vital role in helping post-conflict countries boost their economies and preserve history. It’s a thought-provoking way to see the world and history in a whole new light.
The phenomenon is gaining traction worldwide, but is it something that should be praised or condemned? Click on to find out.
What is war tourism?
Investigating the controversial phenomenon
TRAVEL Conflict
War tourism sounds intense, but it could be considered a unique blend of adventure and education. It spans from adrenaline-seekers visiting active conflict zones (though opportunities for such trips are understandably limited), to history buffs engaging in commemorative tourism. The latter involves trips to former battlefields or sites of past tragedies, blending somber reflection with curiosity. Beyond personal journeys, commemorative tourism also plays a vital role in helping post-conflict countries boost their economies and preserve history. It’s a thought-provoking way to see the world and history in a whole new light.
The phenomenon is gaining traction worldwide, but is it something that should be praised or condemned? Click on to find out.