PARANORMAL TOURISM STUDY OF ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC POLICY by EVERETT DRAKE HAYNES A REPORT submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MASTER OF REGIONAL AND COMMUNITY PLANNING Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional & Community Planning College of Architecture, Planning, & Design KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Manhattan, Kansas 2016 Approved by: Major Professor Dr. Katherine Nesse Copyright EVERETT DRAKE HAYNES 2016 Abstract Humanity’s belief in the paranormal has shaped cultures, folklore, religion, and influences the arts, customs, politics, and economics. In the modern era, paranormal belief continues to capture public interest, often fueled by popular entertainment and media. With belief in the paranormal on the rise, so are the social and economic implications. Literature and data also shows that paranormal niche tourism is becoming increasingly popular and have an effect on the tourism sector, yet it is poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to ask, “how does paranormal niche tourism affect and relate to local economics and public policy?” New Orleans serves as the subject city due to its rich paranormal history and folklore and thriving tourism economy. I divided data collection into two main phases: 1) surveying paranormal tourists and 2) surveying and interviewing paranormal-related businesses including tour companies, retail and services, and hotels. I distributed online surveys to paranormal tourists to collect data pertaining to demographics, education, employment, belief, belief influencers, travel habits, and costs. In addition, I conducted online surveys and personal interviews with businesses relating to paranormal tourism in regards to business model, marketing, revenue, employment, local community impact, and public policy impacts. A site visit provided further insight and immersion into paranormal tourism itself. Results indicate that paranormal tourism is positively impacting local communities and that public policy in New Orleans has both positively and negatively affected tourism. The results from this research provide insight in how other communities can accommodate paranormal tourism through policy and how businesses can also capitalize on this growing trend. Table of Contents Copyright..................................................................................................................................................................................... ii Abstract ...................................................................................................................................................................................... iii List of Figures ........................................................................................................................................................................... vi List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................................................ vii I. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Purpose and Connection to Planning ...................................................................................................................... 5 Parameters and Subject Sites ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Outcome Summary .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 II. Background ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Popular Culture and Background............................................................................................................................ 12 Audience & Demographics ......................................................................................................................................... 14 New Orleans Economy & Tourism ......................................................................................................................... 21 Paranormal Economics in New Orleans & Background ................................................................................ 25 Public Policy ..................................................................................................................................................................... 30 III. Methodology .................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Parameters & Methods ................................................................................................................................................ 33 Sources & Subjects ........................................................................................................................................................ 36 Data Collection ................................................................................................................................................................ 37 Data Analysis ................................................................................................................................................................... 41 IV. Results ................................................................................................................................................................................ 43 Tourist Survey ................................................................................................................................................................. 43 Business Survey ............................................................................................................................................................. 57 iv Site Visit ............................................................................................................................................................................. 87 V. Discussion ......................................................................................................................................................................... 95 Planning and Local Government Implications................................................................................................... 95 Businesses Implications ........................................................................................................................................... 104 VI. Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 108 VII. Appendices .................................................................................................................................................................... 112 Appendix 1: Interview Questions ........................................................................................................................ 112 Appendix 2.1: Contact Email & Consent Form ................................................................................................ 134 VIII. Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................ 139 v List of Figures Figure 1.1: New Orleans Metro Region ............................................................................................................................ 7 Figure 2.1: Percent of Belief in Paranormal Subjects ............................................................................................. 16 Figure 3.1: Methodology Process .................................................................................................................................... 38 Figure 4.1: Paranormal Tourist Age Cohorts ............................................................................................................. 45 Figure 4.2: Belief Influencers of Paranormal Tourists ........................................................................................... 46 Figure 4.3: Respondent Levels of Educational Attainment .................................................................................. 48 Figure 4.4: Employment Status ........................................................................................................................................ 49 Figure 4.5: Paranormal Vacation Length ..................................................................................................................... 51 Figure 4.6: Paranormal Vacation Site Discovery Factors ...................................................................................... 53 Figure 4.7: Paranormal-Related Trips Total Expenses .......................................................................................... 54 Figure 4.8: Paranormal-Related Activity Expenses Only ...................................................................................... 55 Figure 4.9: Business Influencers ..................................................................................................................................... 60 Figure 4.10: Paranormal Company