The board and management of The Whale AS will embark on a study trip aimed at learning from success stories, building networks, and gaining insights into the latest trends in the experience industry.
“Our goal with this study trip is clear: We want to learn from the best in the industry to strengthen The Whale’s position as a leading attraction,” says Benn Eidissen, Chairman of The Whale AS.
The trip will take place in San Francisco and New York from February 12 to 16, 2024.
“We’ve planned some busy days with a packed program. The goal is to gather as much professional knowledge, advice, and inspiration as we can to bring back home. The Whale is going to be an iconic building with world-class experiences, and it’s important for us to see how others have succeeded at this level,” says Eidissen.
World-class ocean communication
The first stop on the trip is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a world-renowned aquarium known for its high-quality presentations and commitment to ocean conservation.
“Monterey Bay Aquarium and The Whale share a similar mission – both aim to contribute to ocean conservation. Monterey has successfully turned this mission into a business model and marketing strategy. We will meet with leaders in communication, research, and marketing to discuss with them what modern visitors expect from experiences – that it should be more than just entertainment,” says Eidissen.
Building relationships for future collaboration
“Beyond learning from best practices, it’s also our intention to build networks and exchange knowledge with leading actors in our industry,” says Eidissen.
The collaboration with Monterey Bay Aquarium began last year in connection with The Whale’s youth conference Oceans of Hope, where the founder and director of the aquarium, Julie Packard, gave an inspiring lecture to youth from Andøy and Nordland.
“It’s important for us to continue this collaboration, and it’s also worth noting that The Whale is a relevant and interesting partner for many actors in the industry,” says Eidissen.
The latest in digital experiences
After two days in San Francisco, the trip will conclude with a stop in New York on the way home. The main purpose there is to visit the new Gilder Center at the American Museum of Natural History.
“The Gilder Center represents both iconic architecture and cutting-edge digital experiences. Developed with the latest technology and digital tools, this is highly relevant for us. We’ll be welcomed by the designer and gain insights into how they’ve worked to develop the experiences,” says Eidissen.
In New York, participants will also meet with representatives from Innovation Norway to gain insight into the U.S. tourism market.
“This trip will be a crucial investment in The Whale’s future,” concludes Eidissen.
