Ghosts in Tourism and Economic Development

Halloween has changed a lot over the years.  Sure, kids, and sometimes teens and adults, still dress in costumes and go door-to-door seeking free candy or other giveaways. It’s not as safe as it used to be, but it is still a day that creates life-long memories.

One thing that has remained constant about Oct. 31 is the presence of ghosts.

In Arizona, we have a few legitimate ghost towns, including Jerome, Bisbee and Tombstone.  There are also a number of haunted buildings, including the Monte Vista Hotel and North Morton Dorm in Flagstaff, the Orpheum Theater and Hotel San Carlos in downtown Phoenix, as well as several others across the state.

These destinations help fuel Arizona’s number one industry, tourism.

When it comes to residential real estate, a recent Homeadvisor.com article posted by AZ Big Media reports that in Arizona, there is only an 8.2 percent chance you’ll buy a haunted house.

Economic developers have been hugely successful in attracting businesses to the state.  The business-friendly environment here is among the best in the country.  Our climate, secondary education options and many other factors make Arizona a great place to live and work, whether you are an employer or employee.

The article further states: “ghosts tend to steer clear of warmer weather,” so that shouldn’t be an issue for businesses relocating to the sunny Southwest.