Would you book a trip somewhere just to learn about science? That’s what the officials at the Big Island Visitors Bureau hope, and they’re putting some effort into a new campaign to attract visitors in a niche market.
Kristin McGrath of the Big Island Visitors Bureau (BIVB) explains, "The Big Island Visitors Bureau wants more people to know about all the science adventures and learning adventures on the Big Island, so we started a new marketing push to promote science tourism for the island. We believe we’re the first in the nation to specifically do an initiative on science tourism.”
What are the ways you can encounter science in Hawaii? There’s the new Imiloa Astronomy Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Volcanoes National Park, and more. "Visitors, children and families can experience science in a very fun way on the Big Island. There's renewable energy, marine biology, volcanoes, astronomy, also agriculture, aquaculture, so many aspects of science on the island that we don't hear about much."
The BIVB says this is perfectly tailored to grade schoolers. "We hope they're able to find new ways to come to the Big Island on school trips and learn what's available here within the state. We hope to see many more thousands of children come to the Big Island."
It hopes to win the support of Hawaii and West Coast travel agents to reach out past Hawaii’s shores. "The reaction we have from wholesalers and travel agents is, ‘This is really new. This is really a new way we can come and experience what Hawaii has to offer.’"
The pitch to vacationing parents would be, McGrath explains, "It's like multi tasking on vacation that, 'We're going to have fun and be together as a family but also to learn and enrich our kids lives while we're traveling.'"
The campaign is too new to know if it’s a success, but McGrath says, “We do hope this will increase our visitor numbers significantly.”
CELEBRITY SUITCASE
Mark Cunningham, top-ranked bodysurfer
52 year old Mark Cunningham is recognized globally as one of the best bodysurfers in the world. He’s also a retired City and County lifeguard who spent 29 years saving lives at the dangerous Ehukai Beach Park. He retired in 2005, with many memories and experiences. “Lifeguard and bodysurfing has taken me on a few trips. I’ve been able to travel to Australia, Europe, California, Hong Kong, Taiwan,” he reflects.
Mark’s must haves on a trip: “My fins, my Speedos, and Airborne immunity booster.”
What’s next on his travel agenda? “Anywhere in the world. Someplace to give me perspective.” Although, Cummingham says, sometimes when he gets to a foreign destination, he has a bit of buyers remorse. “I’ve got jetlag, I’ve spent an arm and a leg to get here, the food is junk. And there are parts of Kauai I’ve never seen in my life! What am I doing here?”
