The truth is out there: how Obama and Trump accidentally started a UFO tourism boom

The recent commotion surrounding alien discussions made me increasingly curious about the fascination with extraterrestrial life.

After all, former US president Barack Obama opened a Pandora’s box with his recent remarks in an interview with podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen.

He stated, “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them. They’re not being kept in Area 51. There’s no underground facility unless there’s this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the president of the United States.”

Unsurprisingly, it received a knee-jerk reaction from President Donald Trump, who is now pushing to declassify government data (clearly meriting greater attention than the Epstein files scandal – cough, not). The news has been enthusiastically embraced by UFO conspiracy theorists. 

Popular culture has consistently amplified public fascination with UFOs (unidentified flying objects)  and UAPs (unidentified anomalous phenomena), notably through television shows such as “The X-Files”, “Fringe”, “Dark Matter”, “Aquarius” and “Invasion.”

With talk of extraterrestrials now gaining political traction, it certainly made me wonder about the UFO tourism (yes, it’s a thing) hotspots.

Although numerous sites exist globally, including in South Africa, with documented historical sightings in the Karoo, Drakensberg, and Kalahari, the two most noteworthy ones are listed below:

Area 51 and Rachel, Nevada

The heavily-guarded military base known as Area 51 is situated to the south of the town of Rachel. While photography is permitted, visitors are strictly prohibited from touching the perimeter fence. The area is heavily monitored with numerous warning signs and motion sensors.

Founded in the 1970s, Rachel has become a popular destination for UFO enthusiasts, who use the town as a kind of “back gate” for potential sightings.

Roswell, New Mexico

The destination’s fame exploded after the globally recognised 1947 Roswell incident, when an alleged extraterrestrial spacecraft was recovered by the military.

Following the event, UFO conspiracy theories proliferated, driving the growth of alien-themed tourism in the city.

It is also home to the International UFO Museum & Research Center, and the city holds an annual UFO festival.

Interestingly, it is also the setting of the sci-fi drama, “Roswell” (1999 – 2002) and the reboot, “Roswell, New Mexico” (from 2019 to 2022).

Setting aside the debate about their existence, I must acknowledge the widespread fascination with Martians and the yearning to now explore places steeped in alien lore. 

UFO Tourism 101: Your essential trip checklist

• Cellular service is virtually non-existent around infamous spots like Area 51 and the Roswell outskirts, making offline maps a non-negotiable necessity. Be sure to download Google Maps for offline access before leaving your hotel.
• For optimal viewing and scouting, particularly at the “back gate” in Rachel or along the distant mountain ridges of the Extraterrestrial Highway (ET Highway), high-quality binoculars or powerful optics are essential.
• Given that the majority of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sightings happen after nightfall, a standard phone camera is ineffective in the stark desert darkness. Consequently, serious spotters must equip themselves with specialised night vision or infrared camera gear.
• When it comes to health and field safety, remember to ensure you hydrate, wear layered attire, and be mindful of restricted zones and warning signs. 

Finally, maintain an open mind, but keep a sceptical eye: remember, not every celestial light is an alien spacecraft.

That said, go forth and explore!