Haunted Tourism: Is it Just a Hoax?
Have you ever been to a haunted attraction? Haunted attractions can be any number of things: a fundraiser haunted house around Halloween, a tour of an old hospital or prison, or even staying at a hotel or inn that is rumored to be haunted. Many of these attractions have achieved their “haunted” reputation from old stories, sometimes urban legends. Some tales are more believable than others, but that does not make the ill-convincing stories any less attractive for those looking for a quick scare.
There is an estimated 1,200 haunted attractions nationwide that charge for their services. An average attraction is visited by approximately 8,000 visitors per year, while the most popular attractions can expect anywhere between 40,000 and 60,000 guests in a given year. With figures like these, it is no surprise that haunted attractions are so plentiful! |
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Even though the attractions are so popular, what purpose do they serve? In other words, why have they become so popular? It is common knowledge that all the attractions aren't based off of true stories. In most cases, people create the stories so they can play it off as haunted. Considering this, are the attractions just a hoax?
Answering the question of whether all haunted attractions are just a hoax is difficult. Of course there are attractions that have been created purely for the financial gain of the creator, but there are also attractions that have a true story behind them. Due to this, I don't find it just to call all haunted attractions a hoax. Ultimately, perception and judgement lies in the eye of the beholder.
Although many of the attractions that are popular in today's industry are just a hoax, the people they entertain do not seem to mind. If being tricked into believing something that was intentionally created to do so is one way in which they can receive entertainment they can use to entertain their friends and family, then that is the price they are willing to pay.
Answering the question of whether all haunted attractions are just a hoax is difficult. Of course there are attractions that have been created purely for the financial gain of the creator, but there are also attractions that have a true story behind them. Due to this, I don't find it just to call all haunted attractions a hoax. Ultimately, perception and judgement lies in the eye of the beholder.
Although many of the attractions that are popular in today's industry are just a hoax, the people they entertain do not seem to mind. If being tricked into believing something that was intentionally created to do so is one way in which they can receive entertainment they can use to entertain their friends and family, then that is the price they are willing to pay.