Improving engagement between tourists and staff at natural and cultural heritage tourism sites: exploring the concept of interpretive conversations

ABSTRACT

Natural and cultural heritage tourism organisations offering informal learning environments such as museums, national parks and zoos engage with tourists through a range of techniques including interpretation. This conceptual paper explores the idea of interpretive conversations that is largely unexplored and untapped particularly at nature-based tourism sites. The potential benefits for initiating, encouraging and engaging in interpretive conversations between tourists and staff are discussed. Interpretive conversations have the potential to result in individualised learning experiences, and enhanced connections between tourists, staff and the site, as well as between tourists and the relevant organisations. Examples are drawn from a range of natural and cultural heritage tourism organisations that encourage and support interpretive conversations between tourists and staff and the results of their efforts. Three key strategies to implement interpretive conversations are presented and how they need to be supported by organisational culture and management.

KEYWORDS:

• Interpretation
• interpretive conversation
• staff
• tourist

Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge the significant and valuable contribution of Willow Curthoys to this paper and the constructive feedback and comments from Paul Born, Brent Cuthbertson, Gil Field, Jacquie Gilson, Mirella Stroink and Greg Stroud.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Rosemary Black is Associate Professor in Interpretation and Ecotourism. She teaches and conducts research in sustainable tourism, tour guiding, heritage interpretation, sustainable behaviours and adventure tourism. Prior to academia she worked in protected area management, adventure travel and community conservation. She has published 6 books and more than 50 refereed publications. Rosemary undertakes applied research with industry partners including protected area management and tourism agencies, and community-based organisations.