County embraces dark tourism to boost local economy

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the potential for expanding dark tourism in the county, inspired by successful models from other regions. A notable example highlighted was a facility in Oneida, which operates tours and overnight stays in a historic jail, generating $65,000 in revenue last year. This facility has become a popular attraction, offering both daytime museum tours and nighttime experiences, complete with legal safeguards for participants.

The county officials expressed interest in collaborating with local historical sites to develop similar initiatives. Plans are underway to present these ideas at the next historic site meeting, aiming to leverage the county's rich history and existing attractions, such as the Gallatin cemetery tour.

Participants in the meeting shared positive experiences from their own communities, where dark tourism has been embraced without significant backlash. One official recounted how a proposal for a similar initiative was met with unanimous support from a local church board, highlighting the community's openness to innovative tourism strategies.

The discussion underscored a growing trend in tourism that focuses on historical and sometimes macabre themes, suggesting that such ventures could enhance local economies while providing educational experiences. The officials are optimistic about the potential for dark tourism to attract visitors and stimulate interest in the county's historical offerings.