This is the feel-good feature of the day, and it’s a ridiculous one. Ever since a cat named Tortoiseshell Tama was appointed the official stationmaster of the unmanned Kishi train station in western Japan in January 2007, it has attracted approximately 55,000 tourists, and generated an estimated $10.6 million.
Now that is a return for your money. Maybe if we put more animals in uniform, the credit crunch will end.
Cat owners will note that Tortoiseshell Tama pulls off the look of contempt that only cats can do perfectly.
$10.6 Million Uniformed Cats
Tortoiseshell Tama
Trend Themes
1. Animal Mascots - Appointing animals as official mascots to drive tourism and revenue.
2. Unmanned Services - Implementing unmanned operations for maximum efficiency.
3. Experiential Tourism - Creating unique, interactive experiences that drive tourism growth.
Industry Implications
1. Tourism - Incorporating animal mascots to drive tourism, revenue, and unique experiences.
2. Transportation - Implementing unmanned services to increase efficiency, cut costs, and enhance the customer experience.
3. Hospitality - Providing experiential/tourism opportunities that connect guests with animal mascots and other unique experiences.