Demography is the most important external factor that will shape the future of tourism. In many developed nations this discussion has centred on the rapidly ageing populations and the impact of this phenomena.

I was in the gent's toilet the other day and I saw an advert for a Knitting Club over the urinals. Is this something odd or a representation of a new trend? Why the gent's toilet? Looking for an explanation I searched through a range of data bases to find an answer.

Are you a fan of James Bond and x ray vision? Think this is science fiction? Think again, augmented reality (AR) places a virtual world in front of a physical object. AR is a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are merged with (or augmented by) virtual computer-generated imagery - creating a mixed reality.

Futurist Dr Ian Yeoman talks about how the world economy has changed tourist identity and value patterns to something more simple which is accelerating the trend of inconspicuous consumption. During an economic slowdown, tourists tend to travel less, stay nearer home and seek simplicity such as www.

In 2050, California is a place with a dystopian society and the consumption of resources is managed and maintained in equilibrium by the simple expedient of demanding the death of everyone upon reaching the age of 30, thus avoiding the issue of overpopulation.

I recently attended a lecture given by Elisa Backer of Ballarat University presenting on VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) travel as part of Victoria University of Wellington Tourism Futures Series.

It has being the widely accepted view amongst governments and health agencies that it was only a matter of time before another flu pandemic. The world has faced similar situations in 1919, 1954 and 1968 so another one is due soon.

This is the proposition that David Levy puts forward in his new book Love + Sex with Robots. In the early 21st century the idea of sex with a robot is regarded by many people as outlandish, outrageous, and even perverted but attitudes are changing making the idea interesting.

Opinions differ on culture of consumption and children, whether they should be viewed as competent or as victim. Some would argue that due to their early exposure on advertising they are already marketing savvy and thus easily developing their own coping strategies.

The future of human tourism doesn't seem to be that good, with IATA forecasting global air travel will fall by 5.7% in 2009 including premium travel falling by 12%. The IMF has warned that the UK economy will shrink by 3.