Scream Tourism: Why People Are Traveling to Haunted Destinations

Scream tourism, also known as horror tourism, is experiencing a surge in popularity across the United States. Travelers are eager to explore haunted destinations, and this trend isn't just a seasonal phenomenon. This newfound fascination with the macabre is attracting individuals seeking thrilling and unsettling experiences.

Why Scream Tourism Is Thriving

The rise of scream tourism can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it offers a unique and immersive experience that traditional travel destinations often lack. For many, visiting haunted locations provides a sense of adventure and a chance to confront their fears in a controlled environment. Additionally, the growing popularity of true crime and paranormal investigations has sparked a heightened interest in exploring places with a dark and mysterious past.

Rob DelliBovi, CEO of RDB Hospitality Group, highlights the evolution of Halloween from a family-friendly celebration to an adult-oriented pursuit of genuine fear. “This is a new trend created by Halloween enthusiasts, which has turned this holiday into a travel trend,” DelliBovi says. “It's no longer just family fun but more about adults who want a truly scary experience.”

The appeal of scream tourism lies in the opportunity to delve into unsettling histories and experience a level of adrenaline that everyday life often lacks. As DelliBovi explains, adults are actively seeking experiences that are beyond the ordinary, particularly if those locations are steeped in chilling narratives. Scream tourism caters to this desire, offering a chance to confront the unknown and step outside of comfort zones.

Popular Destinations for Scream Tourism

The surge in scream tourism has led to a diverse range of destinations catering to various interests. These locations offer a captivating blend of history, mystery, and thrilling experiences.

• Haunted Hotels: Hotels rumored to be haunted have always been a draw for travelers, offering a chance to encounter ghostly residents and witness unexplained phenomena.
• Murder Sites: Crime scene locations often attract true crime enthusiasts and ghost hunters, who are eager to explore the sites of notorious crimes and delve into the unsettling narratives surrounding them.
• Mystical Tours: Tours that take travelers to places with a rich mystical history, often featuring tales of folklore, ancient rituals, and legendary creatures, appeal to those fascinated by the supernatural and the unknown.
• Theme Park Horror Experiences: Theme parks like Universal Studios offer immersive and thrilling Halloween-themed events, providing a safe and controlled environment for individuals seeking a dose of adrenaline and a taste of the macabre.

Positive Impact on the Travel Industry

The increasing popularity of horror tourism is positive news for the travel industry, signaling a resurgence in travel following the pandemic. “This is good news because the travel trend has come back, and it signals that the pandemic (in terms of travel) is behind us,” DelliBovi says.

America Haunts, an organization that works with 20 haunted attraction owners across the US, also observes an increase in visitor numbers, further confirming the growing trend of scream tourism. “The jump in horror tourism is evident through increased air travel and ticket sales at some of our attractions,” says Ambert Arnett Bequeaith, the 'Ghost Queen' at America Haunts.

America Haunts has haunted houses in several states, including California, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah, contributing to the widespread appeal of scream tourism across the country.

Salem: A Mecca for Scream Tourists

For those truly passionate about horror tourism, Salem, Massachusetts, is a must-visit destination. Known for its witch trials, it's a captivating location for history buffs and ghost hunters, drawing visitors from across the globe to experience its chilling history and haunted atmosphere.

Salem's popularity as a scream tourism destination is evident in its record-breaking visitor numbers. In 2023, Salem recorded a record 1.2 million visitors in the five weeks leading up to Halloween, demonstrating the immense appeal of this historical and haunted location.

One popular attraction in Salem is the Borden House, Lizzie Borden's home in Fall River, Massachusetts, which now operates as a museum and bed and breakfast. Lizzie's father and stepmother were murdered in this house over 130 years ago, and Lizzie was accused of the crime but later acquitted. The Borden House offers visitors a glimpse into a chilling historical event and the enduring mystery surrounding it.

Summer and Halloween are typically the busiest times at Lizzie Borden House, with visitors eager to explore the house's history and potentially encounter unexplained phenomena. In October 2022, around 6,000 visitors came to the location, highlighting the enduring fascination with the Borden family tragedy and the potential for paranormal experiences.