Presentation & Interpretation of heritage

UNIT VI- PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION OF HERITAGE

It is important to emphasise that the themes and story lines are not a straitjacket, but must
be viewed as an assistance to bring cohesion into the tourist offer. It is important for
visitors to experience an integrated offer of provisions and experiences that make the
fragile and rare remains of the past both physically and intellectually accessible. There
are several ways in which the story lines can be communicated with the visitors.
Presentation
Presentation is;
 A performance, exhibition, or demonstration put on before an audience.
 Heritage demonstration to the visitors.
 Making objects ready for the heritage tourists.
Interpretation
Interpretation is;
 An explanation or establishment of the meaning or significance of something.
 The way in which an artistic work such as a play or piece of music is performed
in order to convey a specific understanding of the work to the guests.

Product development
Product development is;
 The practice of making a heritage product ready for the presentation and
interpretation.
 The experiences of the visitors that make the fragile and rare remains of the past
both physically and intellectually accessible.
Product development and “UNIQUE” Experience
A heritage product development has specific elements, which will go to the taste of the
tourists and is described in terms of market requirements.
“U”ncommon : The experience must be out of ordinary.
“N”ovelty: A feel of something special and new never experienced elsewhere.
“I”nspiring: An inner motivation or boosting by seeing the product.
“Q”uality: Maintain a quality in all elements involved

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“U”nderstanding: A perfect communication of theme.

“E”motion: A perfect demonstration, which has to give a three dimensional picture.

Interpretation Techniques
1. Information panels
On most sites are information panels available for visitors. The information is in most
cases very factual. If graphics are used, it is in most case for lay out plans and maps
instead of reconstruction drawings of impressions of the landscape in the past. Working
with themes and story lines greatly enhances this well tested method of information
transmission.
2. Reconstruction’s
Reconstruction’s provide great interpretation resources for visitors. The come in a wide
variety of forms. From simple reconstructions on the site to the theatrical display, the
historical theme park, to the use of modern technology. Holographic images are used in a
theatrical display.
3. Viewpoints
On many locations in the landscape it is possible to build viewpoints which enable the
visitors to have an overview of the terrain. It is technically not too difficult to install
telescopes, which instead of the actual image give an historical image of different periods
on demand, also in a 360° perspective.
4. Audio-visual aids
Film-, video-, en slide shows are powerful aids in an interpretation strategy. The major
challenge with these devices is to have a good script for the development of a program.
Too often that is left to the technicians who prepare the show, and the visitor ends up
with either beautiful pictures or an impressive technical achievement, but not necessarily
with an intelligent story that leads to better understanding. These visual shows also
provide a great opportunity to give the visitor a good sense of place by presenting the
show in an adequately themed environment.
5. Guiding systems

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Interpretation of heritage is also in many case people’s work in the form of guided tours,
presentations, demonstrations, living history, etc. Specialized guides in different
discipline will interpret about the objects on display.
6. Advance signboards and directional signs.
Important aids for visitors are adequate signposts. They can serve a dual purpose, at one
hand they provide information for visitors where to go or to find the interesting places. At
the other hand they guide the flow of visitors into a preferred direction, or lead them from
sensitive areas where their presence in high volumes is unwanted.
Signposting has to be:
 Adequate in number
 Well located
 Attractively designed
 Easy to read
 Conveying the required message
 Easy to follow

In particular the signs and notices about admission and facilities are important. They have
to be accurate, easy to read and appropriately positioned. Make sure the information they
contain is up-to-date and unambiguous.
7. Merchandise.
 Merchandise is an important direct or indirect source of income for heritage sites as
well as for local people who have the opportunity to sell souvenirs to visitors. In the
case the merchandise is within the realm and the responsibility if the site management
In developing countries the visitors to heritage sites provide an important additional
source of income for the local people. Site managers and museum staff can play an
important role in helping them to produce souvenirs and crafts that are well designed and
well made. They can play a vital role in the survival of local crafts and designs that would
otherwise probably disappear without the opportunity to sell to tourists.

Creating a quality visitor experience

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The foundation for developing a quality visitor experience is a thorough understanding of

the characteristics of heritage tourism market or visitors. Who are they? Where do they
come from? What are heir expectations? Needs and motivations? How do they want to be
informed? What else is important to them?
Developing quality visitor experience involves all aspects of business operation or
management of a heritage place. Heritage tourism not only involves entertaining
presentation methods but also provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about
heritage while contributing to its protection.
Effective interpretation requires the combination of information, education, entertainment
and inspiration. Its deals in stories, ideas and experiences which explain, guide, reveal,
arrange, question, share by guide walks, talks, display etc.
Principles of effective interpretation
The discussion is based on an Australian example of what learned from 100 years of
presenting heritage to visitors.
1. Provide variety in the interpretive experiences offered to visitors
A change in pace or style in an interpretive setting or activity can provide a positive
effect on an over all experience. A heritage package including tradition food of the pace
visiting. Interpretation with a traditional costume will create rather different and variety
experience to the visitors.
2. Provide a personal connection
It is clear that being able to find or make a personal link is a major factor influencing
visitor satisfaction with a tour experience Ways to make personal connection include:
 Using humor with everyday experience and interpretive content
 Giving visitors the opportunities to ask questions.
 Telling stories
 Giving visitors opportunity to interact participate and make choices about
their interpretive experiences
 Challenging visitors and giving then information about what they can do.
3. Practice participation
Providing opportunity to visitor participation or interaction in an interpretive experience
has many benefits. It is a way to personalize experience. This gives them a greater sense

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of participation and personal involvement, adding another layer of interest and meaning
to their experience.
It may be as simple as a guide encouraging them to be part of the interpretation program
in order to get a live and memorable experience.
4. Organize Orientation
Orientation is the process of presenting information so as to provide direction and
awareness. This issue can be important for theme park, exhibits and museums which need
to provide effective orientation for visitors around and through the site. People
participating in organized tours also often like to know where they are gong and what
they are going to see and what they are suppose to do there, the sensitivity of place and
importance. Providing a quality description can augment the overall quality of a product
and experience of the visitor.
5. Concentrate on the content
The content of any interpretation should be easy to follow. Interpreters should
concentrate on the connection between pieces of information when they are planning
their activities. Telling a story and using themes are a good method of interpretation.
Themes provide a single focus or core item to which all other information can be linked.
Historical informations always present chronologically; the time line becomes the thread
that links various parts of the interpretation.
6. Allow for diverse audiences
Providing for range of visitors is a major challenge for interpreters. What options are
there for dealing with different visitor markets? The first step is to develop a very good
understanding of the needs of different audiences you need or want to cater for. It is
possible to provide different layers or levels of information in an interpretive experience.