Interpretation

Interpretation in a tourism context is a form of communication between those responsible for managing a destination or attraction and those visiting them. This particular form of persuasive communication is focused on presenting and explaining one or more aspects of a destination to tourists (Moscardo and Ballantyne 2008). Interpretation includes activities such as guided tours, educational presentations, guide books, brochures and pamphlets, exhibits and displays, self-guiding programs, and educational signage. It is most often associated with cultural heritage settings such as historic precincts, museums and art galleries, zoos, wildlife parks and aquaria, and natural heritage attractions including national parks, forests, and protected areas. Interpretation can also be seen as a type of education where tourists are voluntary and temporary participants, and this distinguishes it from the more formal environmental education programs offered to student groups at many of these sites...