The Haunting Magic Behind Ghost Tours
Seasons spookings everyone! Whether or not you believe in the afterlife, it is undeniable that ghost tours are ubiquitous no matter which city you decide to visit. There are several benefits to having ghost tours around in cities that often go unnoticed.
Several haunted tours around the world that contribute greatly to the culture and tourism of the city they are conducted in. Through the presence of ghost tours, even derelict buildings can become a heritage site with its use being amplified by visitors contributing to the local economy.
Additionally, ghost tours are an excellent way to educate tourists about the history of a place while making it interesting and engaging. Haunted tours don’t always have to be guided tours with large groups of people either. There are a plethora of self-guided walking tours available depending on the city you decide to visit which offer ways for tourists to engage with these haunting locations in their free time.
New Orleans is a great example of haunted tours being intertwined with the local culture. The ghost tours in New Orleans are world renowned, drawing in tourists from all over the world. French Quarter; New Orleans’s oldest neighborhood is the most prominent example of ghost tours promoting the local culture. Haunted spots such as the LaLaurie Mansion and areas deeply tied to voodoo explain aspects of the area’s history such as migration, religion, notable people and communities alongside the haunted aspects. These spots have cemented New Orleans’s at the top of America’s most haunted cities.
From an urban planning standpoint, ghost tours, especially after dark are great for cities and communities. Ghost tours foster walkability in order to make walking from site to site appealing to tourists. These areas are generally well-lit and prompt businesses such as gift shops to stay open longer.
Next time you decide to visit a new city, consider taking part in a ghost tour to experience a place’s history in a unique and fun way!
Written by GAPSS member Hussain Cochinwala (Photo courtesy of New Orleans Carriages)