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