Research Project


Chicago. 
Brazil. 
Paris. 
Kenya.
Japan. 
Mexico City. 
India.

The list of "must-see" locales for global travelers is virtually endless. And yet, beyond the traditional travel locations, the planet offers so much more than the typical tourist might be aware of. Practically every corner of the globe presents visitors with something unique—but they have to find those places first. And competition for tourists' attention (and dollars), especially from bigger locales can be fierce. So, it's easy for "hidden gems" to fall off of travelers' radars. 

As always, discoverability is everything. So, for your research project, you will create a three-part “promotional package” for a lesser-known country/city/region consisting of 1) a promotional website 2) a travel poster aimed at boasting tourism, and 3) a brief essay explaining your method and rationale.

Part 1-
This will be a detailed promotional website (created using Adobe Express) touting the virtues of your locale for would-be Gen Z or Millennial visitors. Your “pitch” can include information on its history, infrastructure (including lodging and transportation), as well as attractions. But because your locale is seeking a younger clientele, keeping your target audience in mind is key. For instance, it’s important you understand what more youthful travelers seek as compared to older ones. Those preferences might shape the content and design of your website—all of which, again, should persuade younger travelers to visit. Finally, your site should include relevant travel information, such as official tourist board contacts and social media links. 

Adobe Express, Adobe’s creative suite is free to you as an SJSU student. Using your university credentials, you can register HERE. (Note: verification isn't immediate and can take several hours.) Also, sample travel sites can be found HERE and HERE and HERE.

Points to consider: 

  • How easy is it to reach your destination?
  • When is the best time to visit?
  • What is the “vibe” of your destination? Is this an adventurers’ playground? Is it perfect for a romantic getaway? Is it family-friendly? Is it a good place to chill?
  • How expensive is it? What’s the current exchange rate?
  • What are lodging and amenities like? 
  • What are some sample itineraries?
  • What’s unique about your destination? What does your locale offer that offsets a visit to a more popular place?
  • Is your destination safe for travelers? What about specific groups, such as families, women, solo, and LGBTQ travelers?
  • What language is spoken there? What cultural details should prospective visitors be aware of?
  • What distinctive attractions, such as landmarks, parks, and festivals, does your destination offer?

Part 2- 
Inspired by vintage travel posters, this part challenges you to design a unique and compelling poster aimed at attracting newer and younger travelers. Your poster should be anchored by an advertisement-like slogan—a short, memorable phrase used to capture the essence of your place—that invites, or intrigues, potential Gen Z or Millennial visitors. (See Oregon's, Michigan's, and British Columbia's travel slogans.)

Examples of vintage travels posters can be found HERE and HERE and HERE. As with the website, this poster must also be created utilizing Adobe Express.

Guidelines: 

  • What about your destination is most visually unique? What should be the “face” of locale? (Think of how the Eiffel Tower is the “face” of Paris or Mt. Fuji is the “face” of Japan.) The unique characteristics of your locale should inform your infographic’s design and style.
  • As your target audience is very visually driven, what design will best draw their attention?
  • What is the appropriate amount of words to use? Do the visuals do all the work, or is more explanation required? how do you leave the viewer wanting to know more?
  • If a potential visitor sees ONLY this, does the poster convey enough of the necessary information? 

Part 3-

In a 250-500-word essay, explain the "architecture" of your promotional package. 

Include:

  • Rationale: Why did you go in this particular direction? What were you hoping to achieve?
  • Persuasion: What is it about your website and poster, including their design and content, that will persuade new, particularly young, travelers? 
  • Highlights: What are some details in your website and/or poster that deserve special attention? For instance, maybe your poster's font or color scheme is a nod to the local indigenous culture.

Choose only ONE locale from lists below to center your infographic on—choose ONE, not one from each.

The Locations-

Countries:

  1. Albania
  2. Bhutan
  3. Laos
  4. Madagascar
  5. Namibia

Cities/Towns:

  1. Dresden, Germany 
  2. Kalimpong, India
  3. Kansas City, USA
  4. Recife, Brazil
  5. Tbilisi, Georgia (Euoprean/Asian country, not US state)

Regions:

  1. The Burin Peninsula, Canada
  2. Costalegre, Mexico
  3. Guimaras, The Phillipines
  4. The Lost Coast, USA
  5. Wairarapa, New Zealand 

Technical Requirements:

  • Eight outside source, listed in an MLA Style Works cited attached to your essay

Due: Mon 12.8 (via Canvas) [Updated]

 

Comments

Post a Comment