The WW2 Podcast

219 - D-Day Tourism

14 snips
Mar 15, 2024
Paul Woodadge, a battlefield tour guide and host of WW2TV, discusses the evolution of D-Day tourism over the last 20 years. He highlights the rise of 'obligation tourism' and the emotional journeys of veterans revisiting battle sites. Paul also addresses the challenges of conveying authentic historical narratives in a commercial landscape. He emphasizes the importance of exploring lesser-known sites for a deeper connection to history and the transformative resilience of communities affected by WWII.
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INSIGHT

Growth of WWII Normandy Guides

  • Dedicated World War II battlefield guides in Normandy only emerged recently; it was rare 23 years ago.
  • Now over 150 full-time guides are based there, fueled by increased interest and anniversaries.
INSIGHT

Obligation Drives Normandy Tourism

  • Many Normandy tourists visit out of a sense of obligation rather than deep historical interest.
  • Normandy sites are often seen as must-see landmarks similar to the Eiffel Tower or Venice.
INSIGHT

Popular History Shapes Visitor Views

  • Many visitors still hold onto inaccurate popular histories shaped by media like 'Saving Private Ryan'.
  • Guides must balance between correcting myths and meeting tourists' expectations.
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