Adding meaning to the Visitor Experience

Adding Meaning to the Visitor Experience Interpretation and Ecotourism

Chuck Lennox

Interpretation and Meaning What is interpretation?

Interpretation is a communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the resource.

National Association for Interpretation

Š 2008 Cascade Interpretive Consulting

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008

Interpretation and Meaning What is interpretation?

Interpretation is: • • • •

communication process emotional and intellectual connections interests of the audience meanings inherent in the resource National Association for Interpretation

© 2008 Cascade Interpretive Consulting

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008

Interpretation and Meaning Helping visitors make meaning gives them an opportunity to develop a sense of stewardship ‌.and encourages loyalty to your business or operation

Š 2008 Cascade Interpretive Consulting

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008

Interpretation and Meaning Factors supporting the interpretive process include: Leisure setting Openness to new experiences Power of group learning

© 2008 Cascade Interpretive Consulting

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008

Interpretation and Meaning Weave, Immerse, Infuse Marketing Events Activities

Š 2008 Cascade Interpretive Consulting

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008

Interpretation and Meaning Interpretation must take into account

Basic visitor needs Visitor expectations Learning styles Setting

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

© 2008 Cascade Interpretive Consulting

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008

Interpretation and Meaning Getting Results – Invest in Employees

Plan for Success Hiring Process Staff Training Work Culture Internal Champion

© 2008 Cascade Interpretive Consulting

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008

Interpretation and Meaning Staff Training

Š 2008 Cascade Interpretive Consulting

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008

Interpretation and Meaning Emphasize the Visitor Experience and the Interpretive Moment

Š 2008 Cascade Interpretive Consulting

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008

Interpretation and Meaning

Interpretation is a seed not a tree ‌.plant it and watch it grow!

Š 2008 Cascade Interpretive Consulting

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008

Chuck Lennox

Seattle, Washington www.interpconsulting.com

Š 2008 Cascade Interpretive Consulting

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008