“Disaster tourism,” sometimes called “dark tourism,” refers to the practice of visiting places recently affected by tragedy—natural disasters, wars, or major accidents, often while devastation still marks the landscape. It emerged as a phenomenon alongside globalization and social media, when travelers sought authentic or emotional experiences beyond typical sightseeing. Following events like Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, or the 2011 Fukushima disaster, organized tours began offering visitors close-up views of destruction and recovery efforts. This practice sits at the intersection of tourism, media culture, and morality. It raises questions about the commodification of suffering, the economic impact on affected communities, and the blurred line between education and exploitation. Politically, some governments have encouraged such visits to attract aid or highlight resilience, while others have restricted them out of respect for victims. The industry also reflects wider global inequalities: the same disaster that devastates one population becomes an “experience” for another. At its core, the debate explores whether learning from tragedy through firsthand exposure can foster empathy and awareness, or whether turning disaster zones into tourist attractions erodes dignity and trivializes human loss.