Bermuda's rich history could pay off in big dividends for the Island if it goes for a foothold in the "learning tourism'' market.

Business "futurists'' Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia of Herman Associates Inc.

-- a management consultancy firm based in North Carolina -- suggested the move during a visit to the Island last week.

"I believe that in order to facilitate the potential tourism boom Bermuda could have, you need to add to value to coming here,'' said Ms Gioia.

"And a way to do that is to allow people to learn when they come here,'' she added.

Mr. Herman explained that trends showed people had come to value "life-long learning''.

"They are not into superficial leisure vacations or `vegging-out' anymore.

"People are tired of the same old thing. They want new and different types of experiences.'' Bermuda offers a rich history featuring an exemplary mix of cultures which could be used to expand on the Island's pleasant weather and scenery, he continued.

But the trick is to share knowledge and offer visitors insights into "the real Bermuda'', added Ms Gioia.

Instead of simple snorkelling trips, for example, where visitors "splash around in the water'', explain what type of fish and coral they are looking at.

"Tell people about the history of the Island and what they are looking at,'' said Ms Gioia. "Visitors now like that kind of thing and that's what they are looking for.'' "Why do you think safaris are so popular?'' asked Mr. Herman.

"Yes, people like to see the animals but they are also looking for that experimental aspect -- peo ple want to experience more on the physical plane.'' The pair -- who are also certified in public speaking and management consultancy -- analyse different trends which will affect the way people do business in the future and share them through writing, consulting and public speaking.

Mr. Herman specialises in optimising the performance of employers and employees while Ms Gioia focuses on external and internal marketing.

"We share information which we hope will inspire people, challenge them and help them grow,'' said Mr. Herman.

They were in Bermuda with about 600 other active members of the National Speakers' Association (NSA) for one of its three yearly conferences. It ended Monday.

The NSA is primarily a US organisation although it has some international members who help make up its 36,000-strong total.

Mr. Herman told The Royal Gazette there were global trends being seen which pointed to a move toward a more exciting era where demand for value was increasing.

"It's doing the usual thing in an unusual way that captures the attention of the world.'' ADVUCE: Joyce Gioia and Roger Herman.