Building Resilience in War-Torn Tourism Destinations Through Hot-War Tourism: The Case of Ukraine

Abstract

Tourism in active conflict zones constitutes a distinct and contentious form of dark tourism, wherein visitors engage with sites marked by death and tragedy that have significantly shaped public consciousness. This study investigates hot-war tourism as an emerging tourism product in places affected by ongoing conflict, highlighting its potential to foster resilience, support local communities, and enhance social awareness. Using Ukraine as a case study, the paper examines the underlying motivations that drive tourists to such destinations and explores how, under specific conditions, local stakeholders can design tourism offerings that represent both meaningful and responsible travel experiences. War-torn and conflict-affected destinations possess the capacity to transform adversity into opportunities for long-term recovery and sustainable development. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on reimagining tourism in the face of disruption, offering insights into how strategic planning and innovation can enable destinations to rebuild and adapt during times of crisis.