Halloween is here! And with it, economic impacts galore. But what about the mysterious creatures known as Cryptids driving economic impacts through tourism year-round? In this month’s episode of the F.R.E. Lunch Podcast, we delve into the world of sasquatch, aliens, and lake-dwelling monsters to learn more about how they can drive cryptid tourism and serve as the central figure in creative marketing campaigns.
What is a Cryptid?
Cryptids are a category of living creature whose existence is often up for debate. Some come from folklore, while others are purported to be animals that were known to exist once but do not anymore. Some, such as the Mothman or Loch Ness Monster, have become well-known fixtures of popular culture.
Cryptid Tourism
For those who believe, and perhaps even those who do not, these supernatural creatures and the events celebrating them can be a huge draw, incentivizing people to travel to an area for the chance to sight a creature, learn more about them, or network with fellow cryptid enthusiasts. Just take a look at Bigfoot – one of the more well-known cryptids to become part of popular culture.
Bigfoot reportedly generates more than $140 million a year for the American economy, according to the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine.
In Ocala, about 2,000 Sasquatch searchers were reported to have attended the Great Florida Bigfoot Conference this year in June.
South Florida in particular is known for its own unique sasquatch resident – the Skunk Ape! A cousin of Bigfoot perhaps, this hairy creature is alleged to make its home in the swamps of the Everglades
Located in Ochopee, FL, the Official Skunk Ape Research Headquarters has even become a national tourist destination – earning the #2 ranking amongst USA Today’s must-see roadside attractions.
In October of last year, Charlotte County’s land management team got in on the fun using a Skunk Ape Scavenger Hunt to encourage visitors to visit their local parks.
The SASC-Watch
These cryptid creatures can also make for a compelling marketing campaign. In this episode, Alex Avelino and Rae Riiska, the marketing and communications team for UF Smathers Libraries, join us on the podcast to discuss how their social media video series featuring the SASC-watch has taken off, driving student awareness and interest in the Special Area Studies Collection (SASC).
Want to Learn More?
To learn more about the UF Smather’s Libraries sasquatch themed social media marketing campaign, how cryptid tourism can generate revenue for local economies and more, listen to the latest episode of FRE Lunch, available now on your favorite listening platforms.
Tune in here: https://fred.ifas.ufl.edu/fre-lunch-podcast
F.R.E. Lunch is the official podcast of the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, showcasing how economics can help us understand and address the complex issues facing agricultural and natural resource industries. Each month, a short 15—to 20-minute episode features FRE faculty and student research presented in a bite-sized, easily digestible format that will surely bring you back for seconds.
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