International tourism is considered one of the most prominent cultural and economic phenomena of our current era. It is a journey that is committed by an individual or group that takes them from one country to another to learn, discover, entertain, and enjoy. Tourism is considered a source of rest to relieve psychological tension and may also reveal shocking facts. In this context, a special type of tourism appears, known as black tourism, and so one may find that many tourists prefer to spend their vacations in places that witnessed the worst events in the history of humanity from the mass killing fields of Cambodia to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan is headed by tourists to visit these places to learn about these tragic events. Black tourism has also gone beyond the limits of strange curiosity to become a well-known world phenomenon that leads local governments to make decisions and implement sanctions to suppress terrorist groups in the world because of its significance. For this reason, its importance has come and it is being studied to clarify the concept of black tourism and determine the motives for its practice. This study also seeks to provide a clear image of the existence of this type of tourism on the ground and its importance in the international tourism sector. Moreover, from a practical point of view, the study seeks to present the scope of its existence in the world and its status in the field of tourism in general, as well as whether it requires encouraging this type of tourism and its promotion. The study is divided into four sections in addition to the introduction. Finally, the study concludes with the most important results and recommendations that it is organized by the researcher using the most essential sources and references in writing it.

Methodological Framework of the Study 

Problems of the Study: Studies related to the importance of black tourism in activating the international tourism sector may face problems in several aspects. Among those problems is the lack of academic sources and references available on this topic, which makes it difficult for researchers to obtain reliable and comprehensive information. There may also be difficulty in defining and identifying the concept and scope of black tourism due to the variety of definitions and classifications used in scientific literature. Thus, researchers may face challenges in collecting data due to the obscure and limited activity nature of the locations and information related to tourists' experiences and opinions about back tourism and the places associated with it. As such, one may find it difficult to accurately and concretely assess the impact of black tourism on the international tourism sector. So, the results depend on assessing tourism participation and spending and estimating the economic, social, and cultural impacts of this type of black tourism and activating the tourism sector. Finally, due to the sensitive nature of the places and events associated with black tourism, one may delve into the scope of this study to determine the international level and the extent of the relationship between black tourism and its impact on revitalizing the international tourism sector through the main questions of the study as the following:   

• What is the role of black tourism in stimulating the international tourism sector in Iraq

• Is there any relationship between the dimensions of black tourism and the development of the international tourism sector in Iraq

Significance of the Study

• The significance of black tourism in activating the international tourism sector is a recent topic                                                                                                                                             

• The study aims to shed light on black tourism as a new type of tourism objectively

• The study interests in clarifying and understanding black tourism as a new tourism style

• Understand the importance of black tourism in activating the international tourism sector

Objectives of the Study 

There are many objectives such as:

• The study aims to evaluate the possibility of enhancing international tourism in Iraq due to the role of black tourism

• It aims to explore and analyze the pattern of black tourism in Iraq and understand its main dimensions, driven by the desire to write and delve into deep points in the field of tourism science                                                                                                                                 

• Study and analyze the ethical aspects of developing and presenting black tourism places for tourist consumption to ensure appropriate ethical practices in this field                       

• Determine the importance of black tourism in Iraq and study its role in increasing humanitarian awareness among tourists and local communities                                         

Hypotheses of the Study

Through the main questions of the study, the researcher inferred the following hypotheses, which are:                                                                                                                 

• The responses of the study sample do not follow a normal distribution

• the responses of the study follow the natural distribution of the tourists’ places

• There is no relationship between the dimensions of black tourism and the stimulation of international tourism in Iraq from the study sample’s point of view                             

• There is a relationship between the dimensions of black tourism and the stimulation of international tourism in Iraq from the study sample’s point of view                                 

• There are no statistically significant differences in the averages of the tourism dimensions in stimulating international tourism in Iraq from its relative importance                               

• There are statistically significant differences in the averages of the dimensions of black tourism in stimulating international tourism in Iraq through its relative importance

Methodology of the Study

From a theoretical point of view, the researcher focused on the descriptive-analytical method, thesis, and dissertations to collect information and data. On the other side and from a practical point of view, the researcher depends on the questionnaire form. 

Statistical Methods of the Study

The following statistical tools (arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and relative importance) were used to give a statistical description, in general, of the study sample’s responses to the items related to each variable.                                                                                                 

Aims of the Study

The main aim of the study is to: 

• Explain this type of tourism

• Knowing the main reasons why some people visit black places

Sample of the Study 

(50) University professors specializing in tourism sciences and with different academic degrees were selected for such a proposal. They are a community for the study sample because of their influence in sustaining, continuing, and revitalizing the international tourism sector, and knowing the dimensions of the black tourism market and its importance in contributing to the development of the national economy.                                                         

International Tourism, Definitions, Types, and Goals                 

International Tourism 

Its definitions have varied: 

• Briefly, Prof. Hans Kerr defined tourism as the temporary residence of a foreign person in a place without it being a permanent residence. It should not be linked to an activity that generates profit for the foreign person [1]                                                           

• As for the German Goer Freuler, he sees tourism as a natural phenomenon in the modern era whose goal is to obtain recreation, change the atmosphere, gain cultural awareness, and enjoy the beauty of natural scenes.  [2] 

• Tourism is a phenomenon linked to developments and changes taking place in the world, both regarding living conditions and availability of financial capabilities and free time, or the desire to explore the customs and traditions of other peoples and technological progress, including the development of transportation means. [3]

• Tourism is the activity of people who travel from their normal places of residence and reside in other places for a period not exceeding one continuous year, whether for vacation, work, or other purposes. [4]   

Historical Overview of Tourism                                                                                     

Tourism history goes back to early periods, where it was considered a means of exploration, trade, and worship in the Middle Ages. Tourism used to revolve around pilgrimages and visiting sacred religious places. At the same time, the modern era has witnessed tremendous developments in the field of tourism as a result of the advancement of transportation and improved living conditions through advanced means of transportation such as cruises, railways, and aviation that made it easy to move between countries and bridge distances. Yet, in the twentieth century, the tourism industry increased significantly as famous cities such as Paris, Rome, and New York have become tourist destinations on the beaches. As such, the oceans attract tourists from all over the world, and tourism has been affected by technological developments and means of communication, making it easy to access information about tourist destinations and book trips online. In the modern era it has become easier. Tourism is an important economic sector, as many countries seek to develop it as a main source of revenue, in addition to providing job opportunities. Tourism contributes to enhancing cultural exchange and understanding between different cultures. However, tourism faces challenges. On the other hand, the potential environmental and social impacts on tourist destinations and the need to achieve a balance between economic growth and sustainability [5].

Political and Cultural Aims                                                                                                     

Tourism plays an essential role in promoting understanding and communication between different cultures around the world and represents an opportunity for cultural exchange and learning about cultural diversity. Tourism is considered an effective tool for improving political relations between countries enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding through official visits, bilateral contacts, and international forums. Moreover, tourism contributes to achieving internal and external stability by strengthening the local economy and providing job opportunities which leads to improving the level of employment, livelihood and well-being for local communities. At the same time, tourism promotes peace and stability by promoting understanding of international and joint cooperation.                 

• Regarding internal stability: Tourism contributes to enhancing security and protection for areas at risk through the establishment of projects in tourism and resettlement of residents, which works to restore vitality and provide essential life needs                       

• As for external stability: tourism exchange contributes to breaking tensions and improving relations between countries where it establishes bonds of sympathy between people. This sympathy is respected by conflicting governments and contributes to strengthening political stability between countries   

Social Aims

Since the tourism sector is considered the third most productive sector after industry and agriculture, it achieves:   

• Labor employment: Tourism relies heavily on the human element, as it creates regular and free job opportunities, and this helps in reducing deviations and crimes associated with unemployment and emptiness                                                                                                   

• Population redistribution: Tourism contributes to population redistribution and urban resettlement through the establishment of hotels and facilities necessary in new areas, and this transformation leads to a change in the geographical map and population arrangement around the developed areas

Economic Aims

• Tourism contributes to enhancing public treasury revenues and increasing national and individual income                                                                                                                 

• Tourism contributes to improving the balance of payments and promoting economic development                                                                                                                       

• Tourism contributes to stimulating other sectors, increasing employment opportunities, and reducing unemployment rates                                                                                         

• Tourism contributes to expanding investment returns by strengthening the tourism industry and increasing economic returns   

Concepts of Black Tourism

• It is a product based on death, disasters, and atrocities. It is a combination of modern factors and political circumstances such as the social, economic, sociological, and technological aspects that made these locations and events a production for Black Tourism [7]                                                                                                               

• 2 The first to adopt the term black tourism were Lemon and Foley in their article published in 1996, which stated, expanding, and enhancing it in a book they published in 2000. They defined a new type of tourist destination that differs from traditional tourism based on leisure and they provided illustrative examples of this type of location                         

• Formerly, Seaton defined it in 1996 when he wrote an article dealing with tourism related to wars and battles, which represents a personal interest for him and tourists in general. In this article, he linked tourism to locations associated with death. He used (Thanatourism) to describe the actual or symbolic interaction with death or the embodiment of death                                                                                                                             

• It is stated that black tourism has existed since the beginnings of tourism and that the demand for black tourism has grown in parallel expansion of the tourism industry in the middle of the last century                                                                                                   

• Black tourism is a specific type of tourism that includes traveling to places that witnessed tragic or horrific events [8]                                                               

• 6-Black tourism is defined as a phenomenon that includes exploring and visiting locations that witnessed events like a tragedy or real disasters. Historically, these places have a high tourist value, as they provide opportunities for learning and contemplation and contribute to the strength of the state indirectly. Visiting black tourism locations not only contributes to gaining knowledge but also contributes to enhancing emotional and spiritual well-being [9]. Furthermore, the researcher believes that black tourism is visiting locations and regions that witnessed wars or disasters in the past carrying effects and remnants that caused great damage to humanity that lead people to their end

History of Black Tourism

The idea of black tourism appeared in academic research about 25 years ago and had a great impact at that time and in the past. Tourism was viewed as a recreational and enjoyable activity and a means of understanding and peace between societies and cultures. The idea that there were black sides to tourism was considered fantastical and surprising at the time and the first recorded case of tourism. It was black in 1653 when a tourist observed the naval war between the Dutch and the English. In 1800, a group organized by Thomas Cook took train trips to see hangings in England and a guided tour to watch the execution of murderers in England was recorded in 1838 during the Crimean War (1853-1856). Mark Twain then led tourists to visit the ruined city of Sevastopol which is one of the fighting and violent locations that have become among the most famous and interesting areas in the tourism industry and is called black tourism. It is internally divided into sub-sections, including tourism of battle spots and battlefields, tourism of disasters and calamities, war tourism, and military tourism. It is considered a twentieth-century style of black tourism which involves visiting historical locations associated with wars, military leaders, and famous figures, in addition to places associated with death, violence, and disasters. It also includes celebrations held to honor those who died for their ideas or causes, and throwing flowers on the graves of the victims. This pattern goes back a long time when people used to visit sites associated with death and suffering from violence and disasters [10].         

Classifications of Black Tourism [11]

Based on the attractiveness of locations and exploiting them to satisfy visitors’ interest, and thus four degrees of black tourism: 

• Pale tourism: Black or Dark tourism is defined as traveling and visiting places related to death. Suffering and disasters such as military cemeteries, historical battle spots, concentration camps and natural disaster locations, and even museums and galleries that focus on black themes                                                                                                               

• Gray demand tourism: Gray demand tourism (gray tourism) targets the elderly and includes travel to places with historical and cultural value and places for relaxation such as spas and peaceful natural areas. This tourism meets the needs and interests of elderly travelers and reflects the increased interest in travel in this age group 

• Gray supply tourism: The gray display indicates that the elderly travel to participate in activities and entertainment programs directed at them. Aiming to provide experiences, and enjoyable tourism and enhance their well-being and participation in tourism activities 

• Black tourism: Tourists’ attraction towards death and tragedies emerges from the nature of the places designated to satisfy this desire, including studying black tourism, and analyzing the feelings and emotions of tourists towards these places and events. So, black tourism can be classified according to the degree of blackness of the tourism product, however, it is difficult to determine several factors such as time, place, politics, and ideology. Classifying emotions objectively varies from one person to another and depends on the personal connection and impact on the event and location. Therefore, these multiple factors should be taken into account to arrive at a specific and objective classification of black tourism on the intensity of gloom and blackness or according to negativity

Types of Black Tourism [10]

• Catastrophic and disaster tourism: means visiting locations that witnessed natural or resulting environmental disasters about ma                                                                         

• Grief tourism: expresses the actions of individuals who travel to offer respect and sympathy to the victims of tragedy and disasters even if they are strangers to them                 

• Fear (horror) tourism: refers to the desire of tourists to enjoy a frightening experience in a tourist destination with a history of evil events                                                                       

• Slavery or racial tourism: Slave trade tourism refers to visits that include encountering and experiencing difficulties and hardship human struggle in different situations including deaths and elements associated with death in those locations                                                 

• Slavery: A state or situation in which some or all property rights are exercised over a person. As for

• slaves: they include all the actions involved in capturing a person or giving him up to someone else to turn him into a slave and all the actions that involve the enslavement to sell or exchange him 

Figure1: Dimensions of Black Tourism

Dimensions of Black Tourism [10]

Black tourism involves a set of basic dimensions and issues which can be identified as follows: 

• Ethical and moral dimensions: how are ethics taken into account in the development and marketing of black tourism places where sadness is marketed? The tragedy of people and the loss of their loved ones as a tourism product through black tourism requires consideration and attention to important ethical aspects 

• Media and promotional dimensions: many black tourist places become tourist places as a result of various reasons, such as the glorification of certain people who are interested in events that occurred in them, or their bad reputation strengthens companies and business organizations' tourism activity in such areas through marketing and promotional activities. Generally, the media plays an important role in enhancing places of darkness and blackness     

• Interpretive and political dimensions: the process of interpreting black tourism locations involves multiple problems regarding style and the provided information that produces additional dimensions and greater importance. So, one should take care in interpreting these locations to avoid dissonance and the lack of harmony in presenting and communicating historical information from both sides                                                             

• Administrative and governmental dimensions: black tourism places can be defined as locations that are associated with death regardless of the way of death and the management of these locations requires understanding and respect for the victim and the integrity of the location                                                                          

• Cultural and social dimensions and the logic of death science: black tourism places are various and active in several cultural and social contexts. Thus, black tourism plays a vital role in enhancing secular awareness in society, especially about the ability of individuals in both ways individually and collectively. So, one can deal with grief and psychological trauma and then think and contemplate death and the end

Table 1: Shows the Reliability and Validity of the Questionnaire (Prepared By the Researcher)

Cited in [10]

The Division of Black Tourism

Global Black Tourism 

• Black tourism in Germany: After Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941, special security forces and police units who were active as regular killing forces began killing operations targeting entire Jewish communities. In the fall of 1941 special security forces incorporated mobile killing vehicles, those vehicles equipped with stress tubes that had been reconfigured to pump poisonous carbon monoxide into enclosed spaces, killing those trapped inside, and complementing them with shooting operations.  Four weeks after the invasion of the Soviet Union on June 7, 1941, Hitler assigned the commander of the special security force (Heinrich Himmler) responsibility for all security affairs in the occupied Soviet territories                                                                                                                                 

• Black Tourism in Darfur: since 2003, militias supported by the Sudanese government have carried out large-scale genocide, rape, and displacement in the Darfur region of Western Sudan. The victims have reached (400,000) people and nearly three million have forcibly left the country. Darfur or in Chad, to which they immigrated, and the position of the international community was a failed and frustrating position, despite many countries describing the actions of the Sudanese government as genocide, and issuing an arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir, but none of this was implemented and did not see the light in the first place. And back to the beginning, and as a result of the crystallization of international interests in the face of the threat of genocide, practical steps were taken by a coalition that called itself the Alliance for Permanent Justice). He took upon himself the implementation of important steps, namely                                                                             

• Enabling the international community to take practical steps to improve response to the next genocide that may occur in the future.     

Table 2: Correlation Coefficients for Questions of the First Dimension (Ethical Dimension) (Prepared By the Researcher)

Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed). * Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). **

Black Tourism in Iraq 

It is divided into two parts: 

Black Tourism Before 2003 

Anfal Massacre

The Anfal massacre is known as a genocide carried out by the former regime against the Kurds in northern Iraq. The campaign continued for six years in which Kurdish villages were destroyed and many innocent people were killed. The Swedish Parliament acknowledged in 2012 that these operations were genocide against the Iraqi Kurds.                               

Halabja Massacre

On March 16, 1988, the town of Halabja in northern Iraq was attacked with chemical weapons. The attack continued for five hours and resulted in the killing of between 3,000 and 5,000 people and the injury of between 7,000 and 10,000 others, most of whom were civilian casualties. This was the most disastrous attack at the time as chemical weapons were used, leading to cancer outbreaks and long-suffering for survivors to this day.

Black Tourism After 2003

Badoush Prison Massacre and Spiker Crime

In June 2014, the Islamic State (ISIS) occupied Badush prison near Mosul in northern Iraq, and the terrorists executed about 600 male prisoners, and the crimes were not limited to that, as the Spiker massacre occurred the next day. ISIS carried out a campaign of physical liquidation against Iraqi soldiers in the city of Tikrit, 225 kilometers south of Badoush. Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights has announced the outcome of the number of missing persons in the massacres of Camp Spiker and Badoush prison, according to electronic forms available on the ministry’s website, which were filled out by families of missing persons from all governorates of Iraq, amounted to 2147 missing persons. These mass field executions are considered criminal offenses and genocide under the national laws of an international investigative body that was formed to investigate the crime committed in Camp Spiker. Thus, the Spiker massacre and the Badoush massacre are two crimes of genocide according to activists of international organizations and human rights institutions.                             

Table 3: Correlation coefficients for questions of the second dimension (media dimension) (prepared by the researcher)

Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). **

Genocide of Yezidi Community

The Yazidis were subjected to a series of genocides by the terrorist organization ISIS, and these are new genocides for this sect. Yazidi women were targeted and raped by ISIS members through captivity for ethnic cleansing and to achieve greater aims than individual attacks. Women were used in war to intimidate and humiliate the religious minority and insult their dignity. In addition to affecting its distinctive ethnic composition, this act is considered part of the eradication of a series of targeting intended to change their faith and deviate them from their ethnic belief. 

Table 4: Correlation coefficients for the questions of the third dimension (political dimension) (prepared by the researcher)

Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed). * Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). **

Analysis of the Questionnaire Elements and Testing of Hypotheses Statement of the Validity and Reliability of the Questionnaire

To demonstrate the validity and reliability of the study tool questionnaire, the researcher used (Cronbach’s alpha) equation. This is to ensure the stability and validity of the study tool (the questionnaire) on an experimental sample of (50) who were excluded from the total sample.   

It is clear from the table above that the questionnaire’s general validity and reliability coefficient for the study’s axes is high and reached 0.922 for the total items. It also ranged between 0.847 as a maximum and 0.717 as a minimum. The stability of the questionnaire’s axes ranged between 23. This indicates that the questionnaire can be relied upon because it has a high degree of reliability according to the Nunley scale that was adopted. 0.70 as a minimum stability.                                                                                 

Table 5: Correlation Coefficients for Questions of the Fourth Dimension (Administrative Dimension) (Prepared By The Researcher)

Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed). _* Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). _**

The Validity of the Items Consisting of the Questionnaire’s Axes 

The validity of the questionnaire’s axis items was verified by calculating the Pearson coefficient between the scores of each of the dimensions’ items that are (5) items by using the statistical program (SPSS) and the following tables show the correlation coefficients between each item of all dimensions of the questionnaire. 

The results of the previous table show all the Pearson correlation coefficients between the items of the dimension mentioned above, as well as the total score of the dimension statistically significant (0.01 and 0.05), and also the minimum correlation coefficients were at a significant level 0.325, in contrast, the upper limit was 0.896 . We conclude from the above diagram that all items of the first dimension have an internal link with the dimension to which they belong and also indicate the validity and stability of the items of the dimension mentioned above.  

Table 6: Correlation Coefficients for the Fifth Dimension Questions (Cultural and Social Dimension) (Prepared By the Researcher)

Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed). * Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). **

The results of the previous table show all Pearson correlation coefficients between the items of the dimension mentioned above, as well as the overall score of the dimension statistically (0.01). Also, the minimum correlation coefficients are 0,538 while the upper limit is 0.869. We conclude that all items of the first dimension have an internal link with the dimension to which they belong and also indicate the validity and stability of the dimension mentioned above.

The results of the previous table show all Pearson correlation coefficients among paragraphs of the aforementioned dimension, as well as the total score of the dimension statistically significant at a significant level 0.01 and 0.05. Also, the minimum correlation coefficient is 0,357, while the upper limit is 0.749. One concludes that all items of the third dimension have an internal connection with the dimension to which they belong and also indicate the validity and stability of the items of the dimension mentioned above.

Table 7: Estimated Scale According To the Five-Point Likert Scale, Showing Its Conversion into Periods

 The results of the previous table show all the Pearson correlation coefficients between the items of the dimension mentioned above, as well as the total score of the dimension. Statistically significant and significant 0.01 and 0.05 and also the minimum correlation coefficients were at the level 0.636, in contrast, the upper limit was 0.790. We conclude that all items of the fourth dimension have an internal correlation and indicate the validity and reliability of the items of the dimension mentioned above. 

Table 8: The Study's Probable Averages and Standard Deviations of Academics' Responses of Tourism Sciences of Phrases That Make the First Dimension “Ethical Dimension" {Prepared By the Researcher}

The results of the previous table show all Pearson correlation coefficients between the items of the dimension mentioned above, as well as the overall score of the dimension statistically, 0.01 and 0.05, were the minimum correlation coefficients at a significant level, and also 0.521 was the limit. We conclude that all items of the fifth dimension have an internal correlation with the dimension to which they belong, and also the highest is 0.916. It indicates the validity and reliability of the items of the dimension mentioned above.           

As a result of the previous axes items, it becomes obvious that the stability of the study’s tool (Questionnaire) is to a high degree which makes it possible to apply to the study sample.                                                                                                                                     

Probable averages and standard deviations for the study axes and variables.

According to the above table, it will be possible to use the probable average of the study sample’s answers to the questionnaire questions. Using a five-point Likert scale the responses were five options to know the direction of the respondents’ opinions.

According to the above table, the responses of the study sample to the statements that make the first dimension, “the ethical dimension,” were close in their average values, as they were in the first place are the items that state as follows: “closing or banning any places related to black tourism may harm the memory of the victims.” or exploiting their suffering) (the existence of guiding regulations and monitoring of tourism issues and tourists as well by governments and relevant bodies) with an arithmetic average (4.3, 4.12) and standard deviation (0.799 0.678) which corresponds to the trend “agree and absolutely agree” in the rating scale for the scale Likert as shown in Table No. (6). It is also clear from Table No. (7) that the partisan average of the probability for the first dimension (ethical dimension) reached a value 3.98 with a standard deviation of 1.12, which corresponds to a high level as shown in Table No. (7). In conclusion, the ethical dimension of black tourism in Iraq is considered to be at a high level according to the study sample’s responses to the phrases of the dimension above.  

Table 9: Probable Average And Standard Deviations Of Tourism Science Academics’ Responses To The Statements Formed The Items

Component: The Second Dimension “The Media Dimension” {Prepared By the Researcher}

According to the above table, the responses of the study sample to the statements that make the second dimension, “the media dimension,” were close to their average values. Thus, the items that were in the first scale state the following: (There is interest from the Iraqi media in photographing black tourism destinations in the country (scheduling black locations in the tourist guide of many tourism companies) with an arithmetic average of  4.14, 4.34 and a standard deviation of (1.23, 0.95) which corresponds to the direction “Agree, Absolutely Agree” in the Likert scale rating as shown in Table No. (7). It is also clear from Table No. (11) that the probable average for the the second dimension (the media dimension) reached a value of 4.05 with a standard deviation of 1.21 This corresponds to a high level as shown in Table No. (7). We conclude from this that the media dimension of black tourism concerning Iraq is considered to have a high level according to the study sample’s responses to the dimension phrases above. 

Table 10: Probable Average And Standard Deviations Of Academics' Responses Of Tourism Sciences Of Phrases That Formed The Third Dimension "Political Dimension’’

It is clear from the table above that the responses of tourism science academics to the statements that make the third dimension,   “the   political   dimension,” were close in their average values and state its items as follows (Political factors can affect black tourism in the country) (Taking into account the political importance of black tourism places by Iraqi governments) with an arithmetic average of (4.12 4.24) and a standard deviation of (0.27, (1.03,0.27) which corresponds to the direction “agree and absolutely agree” in the rating scale of Likert as shown in Table No. (7).

Figure 2: Shows Relative Importance of Black Tourism Dimensions

Table 11: Probable Average and Standard Deviations Of Tourism Science Academics’ Responses To The Statements Composed The Fourth Dimension, “The Administrative Dimension” {Prepared By The Researcher}

It is also clear from Table No. (12) that the probable average for the third dimension (the political dimension) reached a value of (3.79) with a standard deviation of (1.79) This corresponds to a high level as shown in Table No. (7). We conclude that the political dimension of gloom or black tourism in Iraq is considered to have a high level according to the study sample’s responses to the dimension phrases above.

It is clear from the table above that the responses of tourism science academics to the statements that make the third dimension, “the political dimension,” were close in their average values and state its items as follows (Political factors can affect black tourism in the country) (Taking into account the political importance of black tourism places by Iraqi governments) with an arithmetic average of (4.12 4.24) and a standard deviation of (0.27, (1.03,0.27) which corresponds to the direction “agree and absolutely agree” in the rating scale of Likert as shown in Table No. (7). 

It is also clear from Table No. (12) that the probable average for the third dimension (the political dimension) reached a value of (3.79) with a standard deviation of (1.79) This corresponds to a high level as shown in Table No. (7). We conclude that the political dimension of gloom or black tourism in Iraq is considered to have a high level according to the study sample’s responses to the dimension phrases above.

According to the above table, the responses of the study sample to the statements that make the fourth dimension, “Economic Influences,” were close in their average values, as in the first items that stated as follows (the possibility of administrative work in Iraq to ensure the safety of tourists in Iraq) (The effective form of managing black tourist destinations by protecting their natural and cultural resources) with an arithmetic average of (4.08.42) and a deviation standard (14, 1.34) which corresponds to the direction “agree and absolutely agree” in the rating scale of Likert as shown in Table No. (7).       

Table 12: Probable Average and Standard Deviations of Tourism Science Academics’ Responses to the Phrases That Are Formed the Fifth Dimension, “The Cultural and Social Dimension” {Prepared By the Researcher}

According to Table  No. (11), the probable average of the fourth dimension (administrative dimension) reached a value of (3.98) with a standard deviation of (1.32) This corresponds to a high level as shown in Table No. (7). This sample concludes that the administrative dimension of black tourism in Iraq is considered to have a high level according to the study sample’s responses 

It is clear from the table above that the responses of the research sample to the phrases that formed the fifth dimension, “the cultural and social dimension,” were close to their average values. Items are stated the following (cultural and social factors play an important role in shaping tourist motivations) For black tourism (Black tourism in Iraq helps enhance and maintain cultural understandings) with an arithmetic average of (3.96, 4.06) and a standard deviation (0.96, 0.88), which corresponds to the “agree” in the rating scale for Likert scale, as shown in Table No. (7).

Table 13: Probable Average and Standard Deviations of the Research Sample’s Responses to the Dimensions of Black Tourism with Relative Importance {Prepared by the Researcher}

It is clear from Table No. (12) that the probable average for the fifth dimension (the cultural and social dimension) reached a value of (3.81) with a standard deviation (1.08), which corresponds to a high level as shown in Table No. (7). One can conclude that the cultural and social dimensions of black tourism in Iraq are considered to be of a high level according to the research sample’s responses to the dimension phrases above. Thus, one can conclude from the results of the probable averages and standard deviations for the research axes and variables that there is a level of satisfaction. It was highly rated by academics of tourism sciences regarding the role of black tourism in Iraq in stimulating international tourism as it is represented by the five dimensions mentioned aboveTable No. (13) and Figure No. (2) shows that the arithmetic average value for the media dimension was (4.05), with a standard deviation of (1.21) and relative importance (97%), which indicates the agreement of most members of the study sample because of the excellent promotion and media in knowing the areas and the places of black tourism in Iraq. So, the table and figure mentioned above extract the value of the arithmetic average for the administrative and ethical dimensions of (3.98) and their standard deviation of (1.12) and (1.32) and relative importance. They have (96%) thus confirming the agreement of most of the study sample members on the presence of a high level of workers in those areas in terms of management and high ethics that are excellent. In contrast, Table No. (13) and Figure (2) show the average arithmetic value of the political dimension and the cultural and social dimension amounts to (3.79) and (3.81) and their standard deviation amounts to (1.17) and (1.08) and the relative importance of each of them reached (91%), thus confirming that more than three-quarters of the research sample individuals agreed on the existence of political, cultural, and social importance by the Iraqi government and society in practicing the black tourism pattern and receiving tourists for the residents of the regions of these places where this important type of tourism exists.

• The results showed in testing and studying the averages of the study sample’s responses to the five basic dimensions of black tourism, which are (the moral dimension, the media dimension, the political dimension, the administrative dimension, the cultural and social dimension (according to the Likert scale). The quintet scored high, as their averages reached each other in a row (3.98, 4.05 3.79, 3.98 3.81), and with standard deviations of (1.12, 1.21, 1.17, 1.32 1.08), This result is attributed to the fact that black tourism, including its five dimensions, exists in Iraq and has a role in stimulating international tourism by attracting tourists to the country concerning the study sample’s responses to the study questions according to a statistically controlled questionnaire they are specialized                                           

• The dimensions (media dimension, ethical dimension, administrative dimension) ranked first according to their relative importance, which ranged between (97%-96%) for the study sample of tourism science academics                                                                                       

• The dimensions (the political dimension, the cultural, and the social dimension) were ranked according to the relative importance of each (91%) for the study sample from academics of tourism sciences                                                                                                 

• Black tourism is a new type of tourism that must be paid attention to by the relevant authorities                                                                                                                             

• The relevant authorities must shed light on this type of tourism, which has a significant impact in explaining many issues as the material and moral resources that fall under this type of tourism                                                                                                                                     

• Black tourism can have economic returns if governments work to support this tourism

• The lack of tourism marketing for black tourism locations is one of the main reasons that affected their popularity                                                                                                           

• The lack of a comprehensive revitalization strategy to revitalize black tourism in Iraq in general                                                                                                                                     

• There is no plan by the Commission for Tourism and Antiquities to include all black tourist places in Iraq                                                                                                                   

• The lack of activating community awareness about what black tourism is sufficiently in terms of its concept, importance, and the nature of its visitors and their characteristics and motives 

Recommendations

• Work to keep pace with developments in the process of developing the style of black tourism and its quality in the tourism market to reach the competition stage                     

• The possibility of officials listening to the views of those working on developing the pattern of black tourism to revitalize it and attract foreign tourists through it                         

• The possibility of introducing residents of black tourism areas in Iraq to specific courses on how to deal with those places as cultural and civilizational heritage and embodying it through them as progressive and ethical practices                                                                 

• Working to expand the scope of the study by collecting appropriate data and expanding on new hypotheses to work on finding solutions to new issues in the field of black tourism to revitalize international tourism by attracting foreign tourists to the country                       

• Benefiting from the information obtained by this study which could contribute to general knowledge about the pattern of black tourism, represented by its five dimensions and its role in stimulating international tourism                                                                                           

• Preparing multiple studies for this type of tourism and highlighting them through various means                                                                                                                                 

• Invitation by researchers to study crimes and their impact on the human race                 

• It is necessary to hold seminars, festivals, and scientific conferences on activating black tourism                                                                                                                                 

• Encouraging this tourism, as it is considered a means of preserving the historical, cultural, and civilizational heritage of the community and considered it as an archive of collective memory                                                                                                                     

• Promote travel agencies and tour operators with the necessary knowledge regarding locations associated with death, suffering, and violence                                               

• It is possible to achieve a financial benefit that contributes to the development of such a sector                                                                                                                                     

• Through this study, it became clear that there is no interest in such a pattern, so there is hope that those in charge of this sector will pay attention to the style of this tourism

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