Here’s hoping fakecation industry takes off
Wonderful news! Midweek Kauai recently quoted a UPI release about a business called Fake a Vacation. For a mere $19.99, the company’s tech wizards will superimpose a customer’s photo onto a picture of some tourist destination like Las Vegas. The result is suitable for posting on social media. What a fine way to impress Facebook friends without the expense and hassle of actual travel!
And what an opportunity for some enterprising local entrepreneur(s). Fakecations Kauai, just think of the possibilities!
From the comfort of their own homes, people could order virtual records of themselves sunbathing at Poipu, paddling Napali, helicoptering over Waimea Canyon, or …. the limits are only those of the imagination and technology. No need to spend hours in the air, the airport, or on our ever-more-gridlocked roads. No worries about finding a hotel room or rental car. No centipedes, mosquitoes, sunburn or lepto. What’s not to like?
Seems to me that our visitors bureau should support the development of the fakecation industry. Instead of spending funds trying to lure ever-more tourists usward, why not use its advertising expertise and cash to encourage them to stay home and send the funds they save to our local vacation fakers.
Money might not be all that they could save. Since, if statistics are to be believed, visitors are about 10 times more likely than locals to drown on Kauai, fakecationing might prevent injuries and deaths. Our gallant lifeguards and other first responders would surely be thankful.
So might our residents who could once again enjoy uncrowded beaches and roads.
As to economic consequences, the industry could generate plenty of jobs, especially for young and tech-savvy folks who might otherwise have to leave home and seek employment on the mainland.
Sounds like a win-win idea to me!
H.M. Wyeth, Anahola
