Interpretation in Tourism

Hillary Jenkins, Otago Polytechnic 2008

What is it?

Interpretation is the means by which tour

guides turn factual information into something

more meaningful for a visitor

Definition

• interpretation is…an explanation of the natural, cultural

or historic values attached to places. It enables visitors

to gain insights and understanding about the reasons

for conservation and ongoing protection of heritage.

New Zealand Department of Conservation

Interpretation

• What is the difference between information and interpretation?

– A sound knowledge of factual information is required for interpretation but…it is more than just facts.

• Interpretation gives facts, context, elaborates on them and weaves them into stories.

Example

Information

– The Southern Alps have formed along a

tectonic plate boundary and are eroded by

weather. The erosion rate and the uplift

rate are very similar.

Example

Interpretation

Colliding plates on the earth’s surface created the

Southern Alps. Just as when you push two pieces of

paper together they buckle, fold and rise, so does the

earth. Weather is working to slow the rise of the

mountains, by tearing away at them with wind, rain and

snow. As much as the Southern Alps get pushed up each

year, the weather wears them back down again so they

stay a fairly constant height.

Your turn

• Here are some facts (information) turn them into an

interpretation

• Have a look at the website for further information

• You have 15 minutes.

Activity One

• Information

– The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust’s 20th anniversary

conference to be held in October

– Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor and Dunedin Mayor

Peter Chin will open it

– Focus – economic impact of wildlife and eco-tourism on

Otago Peninsula

– Also covers natural history and development of peninsula

http://www.yellow-eyedpenguin.org.nz/news/2007conference.html

Interpretation

A key focus of the October Yellow eyed Penguin Trust’s 20th

anniversary conference, will be the economic impact of wildlife

and eco-tourism on Otago Peninsula. Tourism Minister Damien

O’Connor and Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin will be opening the

conference which will also be looking at …

Benefits of interpretation

Interpretation

Environment

OperatorsVisitors

Tourism Industry

Benefits for a visitor

• Interpretation enhances visitor experiences by:

– Being relevant and interactive

– Fulfilling their curiosity

– Creating meaning

– Entertaining

– Provoking thought

Benefits for operators

• Interpretation may enhance experiences, which

leads to more satisfied customers who are

more likely to:

Benefits for operators

• Promote your business through word of mouth

• Create repeat business

• Purchase something as a memory of the place

• Stay longer

Benefits for operators

Tours based on an interpretive approach can also help:

– Attract higher customer numbers

– Distinguish your operation as offering something different

– Encourage actions to protect the environment your business is based on

– Gain more job satisfaction

Environment

• Interpretation helps build a relationship between the visitor and the environment

– Evokes curiosity about the environment

– Raises awareness of our unique flora, fauna and cultural history

– Educates about looking after those values

Through interpretation, understanding;

through understanding, appreciation;

through appreciation, protection

Tilden (1977, Interpreting our heritage)

Activity

Go to the blog and complete the following exercise:

Describing a location