This course will cover:
- The aims and scope of heritage interpretation
- The nature of informal learning in a leisure setting and the ways that interpretation can facilitate such learning.
- The use of interpretation to manage visitor flows and movement
- Some key principles for the design of interpretive messages
- Principles for effective writing of interpretive materials
Many visitors to tourism attractions and destinations are open to learning and discovery. Although only a minority of visitors will actively seek learning as part of their leisure/holiday experience, many more visitors will be interested in developing a better understanding and appreciation of what (or where) they are visiting. This is a specific type of ‘informal’ learning that is voluntary, non-coercive, takes place during leisure time, and is shared with family and friends.
The activity which facilitates such informal learning is known as ‘heritage interpretation’. This is all about telling stories about places, attractions and destinations in order to bring them alive for their visitors. Heritage interpretation uses a wide range of media to help visitors to understand and ‘connect’ with the places they visit. Whilst its primary role is to enhance the experience of visitors, interpretation can also be used to manage the movement of visitors around an attraction or destination.
Delivered by
Dr Duncan Light is a Senior Academic in the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at Bournemouth University. A human geographer by background, his postgraduate research focused on the ways that visitors to castles in Wales interacted with interpretive media. He has taught heritage interpretation to undergraduate and postgraduate students for over 20 years. He is a long-standing member of the Association for Heritage Interpretation.
Half-day course fees: £70
Discounts apply for multiple course bookings:
- Two half-day courses on the same day: £130
- One week of half-day courses: £595
- All half-day courses: £995
- All masterclasses & half-day courses: £1295