Prison Tourism: The Emotional Responses to Robben Island, South Africa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterScientificpeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the motivations and emotions of
Western visitors to Robben Island. The methodology used is a qualitative
research approach, with 25 participants conducting semi-structured inter-
views to acquire a better understanding of the visitors’ emotions and
motives. Visitors’ motivations are “historical interest,” “earning and
understanding,” “education,” “must-see,” “part of itinerary,” and “remem-
brance,” according to the findings. Furthermore, this study found that
“sadness” is the most frequently encountered emotion by visitors to Robben
Island. These insights can benefit a variety of tourism industry stakeholders,
including the Robben Island Museum. The data can be used by the Robben
Island Museum to improve the visitor experience. By understanding the
range of emotions experienced by visitors, what evokes these emotions, and
how emotions influence behavior, Robben Island Museum can focus on
more effectively evoking these emotions. This will enhance the customer
experience and create a greater impact and lasting impression.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDark tourism, theory, interpretation and attraction
EditorsAnukrati Sharma, Shruti Arora, Parag Shukla
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherEmerald Publishing
Chapter4
Pages41-59
ISBN (Electronic)9781837973361, 9781837973385
ISBN (Print)9781837973378
Publication statusPublished - 2024

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