Jonestown Site Opens: Tourism & The 1978 Massacre
- The former Jonestown settlement in Guyana, the site of the 1978 Peoples Temple massacre, is now open for guided tours.
- The Jonestown massacre saw more than 900 people die by murder or suicide under the direction of cult leader Jim Jones.
- Rose Sewcharran, director of Wanderlust Adventures, defended the decision to offer the tours, citing examples of "dark, morbid tourism" around the world, such as auschwitz and the Holocaust...
The Jonestown site, forever marked by the 1978 massacre, now hosts guided tours, sparking heated debate. Wanderlust Adventures’ decision to offer Jonestown tours ignites controversy, as some question the ethics of dark tourism and the site’s role. This new venture follows decades of the settlement’s abandonment and includes a journey to the remaining site within Guyana.Rep. Jackie Speier, a survivor of the attack, voices strong disapproval, while the tour organizers defend exploring themes of manipulation and authority. news directory 3 reports on this complex issue, examining the tour’s aims and the broader implications of memorializing tragedy through tourism.Discover what’s next as the ethical considerations surrounding Jonestown continue to evolve.
Jonestown Site Opens for Guided tours, Sparking Controversy Over Dark Tourism Role
The former Jonestown settlement in Guyana, the site of the 1978 Peoples Temple massacre, is now open for guided tours. Wanderlust Adventures, a private tourism company, is offering the tours after decades of abandonment, a move that has generated significant controversy.
The Jonestown massacre saw more than 900 people die by murder or suicide under the direction of cult leader Jim Jones. The new Jonestown Memorial Tour includes flights to georgetown, Guyana’s capital, followed by an hour-long van ride to what remains of the settlement.
Rose Sewcharran, director of Wanderlust Adventures, defended the decision to offer the tours, citing examples of ”dark, morbid tourism” around the world, such as auschwitz and the Holocaust museum. The Guyanese government approved the tours.
However, not everyone agrees with the decision to turn Jonestown into a tourist destination. Rep.Jackie Speier, who survived the 1978 attack, voiced strong opposition. Speier was shot multiple times while serving as an aide to U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan, who was killed during his investigation of the Peoples Temple.
“I was horrified because it doesn’t deserve to be a tourist attraction,” Speier said in December 2024. “And for a company to think this is adventure tourism is missing the mark.”
The inaugural tour included Sewcharran’s relatives, journalists, and tourists. Sewcharran stated the tour aims to explore ”the dangers of manipulation, unchecked authority and the circumstances that led to this devastating event,” rather than sensationalizing the tragedy.
What’s next
Wanderlust Adventures plans to continue offering the Jonestown Memorial Tour, navigating the ethical considerations surrounding dark tourism and the role such sites play in remembrance and education.