Example tourism dissertation topic 10:

‘Death tourism’: Not just a one-way trip.

The popular perception that those wishing to die at assisted suicide facilities such as that of Dignitas, in Switzerland, make a single trip is false. At least three trips are required, and patients are usually accompanied by at least one family member. This paper investigates the growing market of death tourism, and considers the opportunities for ‘package deals’, whereby clients purchase in advance the three components of the travel process. Such packages may include specialised excursions, medical assistance or other amenities. The thesis also examines the legal risks involved in ‘death tourism’ and the possible prosecution of companies involved.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Akhilesh, P., Mangal, H.M., Hetal, K. and Sadik, H. (2009). ‘Death tourism (sterbetourism): Destination to heaven’, Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine, Vol. 31(3), pp. 274-276.
• Coggan, J. (2008). Assisting ‘death tourism’: Possible prosecution or pragmatic immunity? Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, Institute for Science, Ethics, and Innovation, School of Law, University of Manchester.
• Srinivas, R. (2009). ‘Exploring the potential for American death tourism’, Michigan State University Journal of Medicine and Law, Vol. 91(13), pp. 92-123.