06-06-2009, 05:36 AM
People come to the Big Island looking for--in a word--authenticity. We'd be very wise not to squander that with hokey hollywood style culture and fast food joints. Todays traveler is savvy and educated, and is seeking real experience. It would be a shame if we didn't recognize that.
There already is serious eco-tourism here. A lot of it in fact. I've personally had 10 visitors in 6 months who've contacted me personally through my websites looking to do just that and see things that they view as "authentic." This kind of tourism is probably not too visible, because none of these people are interested in the slightest in anything that smells the slightest bit contrived or commercial. Unfortunately, "tourism" has come to mean catering to middle class baby boomers, and that's a smaller and more broke demographic than ever, and older. They're staying home regardless of the economy.
There already is serious eco-tourism here. A lot of it in fact. I've personally had 10 visitors in 6 months who've contacted me personally through my websites looking to do just that and see things that they view as "authentic." This kind of tourism is probably not too visible, because none of these people are interested in the slightest in anything that smells the slightest bit contrived or commercial. Unfortunately, "tourism" has come to mean catering to middle class baby boomers, and that's a smaller and more broke demographic than ever, and older. They're staying home regardless of the economy.