Archive
Today we live in a world where trying to predict technological change is more like science fiction, the pace of change is so fast that the blurring between technology and science fiction is in fact, reality.
The Future of Events and Festivals
Events are significant in today's society. They have links to religion, to culture, to sport, to community, to commerce, and to political, policy and microeconomic and macroeconomic influence or objectives. Events are becoming ever more important as they are seen to reap a great many of the elements that a society (served by a government) requires for its development...
Empowerment and choice are the watchwords of feminism. But has society turned its back on these words? While the opportunities available to women may have expanded, the ambitions of many young girls are in reality limited by a culture that sees women's sexual allure as their only passport to success. Sexism seems to be rife in society...
Can We Really Segment Future Tourists?
'I am taking a holiday weekend break in Vegas and an eco tourism vacation in South Africa this year,' said the tourist. Why? Tourists cannot be labelled according to their attitudes and beliefs – what they say and what they do, are two totally different things. This is why segmenting tomorrow's tourist is becoming a lot more difficult.
The Unlimited Potential of Knitting Tourism
I was in the gent's toilet the other day and I saw an advert for a Knitting Club over the urinals. Is this something odd or a representation of a new trend? Why the gent's toilet? Looking for an explanation I searched through a range of data bases to find an answer. So, what is the answer I found?
Augmented Reality and the World of Science Fiction
Are you a fan of James Bond and x-ray vision? Think this is science fiction? Think again, augmented reality (AR) places a virtual world in front of a physical object...
How will New Zealand win the World Cup in 2050?
Rugby Union is the No 1 sport in New Zealand and the All Blacks is the countries leading brand. We all know about the potential and talk about 2011, but what about beyond that date? By 2050 this could all be different as demography change will result in an aging population and a smaller cohort of young students entering the sport...
Futurist Dr Ian Yeoman talks about how the world economy has changed tourist identity and value patterns to something more simple which is accelerating the trend of inconspicuous consumption...
Logan's Run: California and Metropolis Los Angeles in 2050
Half of humanity lives in cities and by 2050 most regions of the world will be predominantly urban. Every day, 193,107 new city dwellers are added to the world's urban population, which translates to slightly more than two people every two seconds...
Would you have sex with a robot?
In the early 21st century the idea of sex with a robot is regarded by many people as outlandish, outrageous, and even perverted...
Children and 'tweens' are increasingly the target for a growing array of major holiday providers such as Walt Disney or TUI. Why are they important?
The Future is Four Legs not Two
The future of human tourism doesn't seem to be that good, with IATA forecasting global air travel will fall by 5.7% in 2009 including premium travel falling by 12%...
Why 100% Pure New Zealand brand is even more important for the future
While banks are crumbling and multinationals are laying off people faster than you can say 'downturn'...
Is I Robot – Fantasy or Reality?
Travel Futurologist Ian Yeoman explains how technology touches most aspects of our lives...
Single and the Forever Search for Love (and sex)
As people increasingly choose to marry later, we have observed a growing demographic group in New Zealand and the rest of the world...
Will 2009 be the Year of Transparency?
President elect Barack Obama talks about transparency in government as the bedrock of his administration and as tourists increasingly share information about experiences and holidays online, they will expect the same kind of openness from tourism organisations and businesses...
Much has been said about the consumer and climate change, but do they really care? While many trends have encouraged the growth of ethical consumption in recent years, there are some trends which have a negative or at least limiting influence...
Why Destinations Must Change Their Hair Styles Every Eighteen Months?
Today's tourist is both interested in a two week eco tourism vacation where they will undertake an authentic and sustainable experience but at the same time they will take a short break in Las Vegas, whether it is retail therapy, gambling or something more erotic. Why?
The US Grand Traveller – The Changing Roles of Families and Travel
In the United States, a noticeable trend is occurring. Fewer babies are being born and people are living longer...
Prospects for World Tourism – Economic Squeeze or Prosperity
With oil prices heading towards US $150 a barrel (July 2008) and will probably reach $200 by the end of the year, demand for air travel is faltering as consumer spending is squeezed and stagflation sets in...
The Future is not Economics but Happinomics
At a time when oil prices are $130 a barrel, house prices are falling, the economy is faltering, we are concerned about our jobs, a human pandemic is around the corner, there seems to be no end to the war in Iraq, taxes are rising, the planet is warming up and inflation is eroding our levels of disposal income. Doesn't this sound depressing...
The Health Tourist – Searching for the Fountain of Youth
An affluent and ageing society allows consumers to refine their approach to health because they now have the choice of striving for perfect health, as opposed to merely living disease–free...
The New Food Tourist – Gordon Ramsay Eat Your Heart Out!
By 2030, US men will be swapping the football for culinary skills as Gordon Ramsay becomes the new male icon. Why?
