Master of Regional and Community Planning / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Katherine Nesse / 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.

The aim of this essay is to map, categorize and analyze ghost walks in Swedenduring year 2018-2020. The ghost walks that has been chosen are arranged bycompanies that specializes in ghost walks alone and companies where ghostwalks are one of the products that are offered. To answer the studys purpose andquestions a quantitative method has been used. A chart have been created tocategorize the various ghost walks in Sweden with variables as: Name, year,theme, authenticity and nuance along with three maps. The maps and the chartare the basis of this study created to answer the questions about the diffusion ofghost walks in Sweden, what nuances they have according to Stones (2006) Adark tourism spectrum and the authenticity of the Swedish ghost walks. Theresult is divided into three parts where the questions are answered with the helpof the maps and the chart created for this study. The result of this study revealsthat ghost walks are a relatively wide spread phenomenon in Sweden. 41 ghostwalks were found during this study from the very north of Sweden to the south.At the same time as there are ghost walks in Sweden 70% of them are forentertainment purposes only. This also means that they are on the very brightestpart of the spectrum. 30% were considered to be on the darker part of thespectrum. Along with the mapping and categorizing of the ghost walks togetherwith their nuances the authenticity of the walks were also mapped andcategorized. Based on the results from this study it is clear that ghost walks existin many forms all around Sweden. It is not based on any template which makesthem all unique in their own way. The location of the ghost walk can determinethe theme, but it can just as well not be. This creates a fascinating dark touristphenomenon that can vary in nuances, locations, authenticity and theme.