HERITAGE INTERPRETATION

Heritage Interpretation - Interpretation Methods

Heritage Interpretation - Interpretation Methods

Introduction

The purpose of the field notes that were taken was primarily to learn about the heritage of the tourists' locations visited, as it facilitates effective learning and subsequently heritage interpretation would also be carried out so as to gain meaningful tourist experience. Field notes are considered as primary source of authentic information related to the field of tourism and hospitality management as it reflects first-hand experience of tourists or heritage visitors, and so it usually is shared and hence available publicly to be reviewed by those who are interested. Libraries now have archives of field notes which not only contribute to the overall knowledge base of the readers by significant degree but through these field notes, tourists highlight to other fellow tourist/ heritage visitors of the difficulties and challenges that may lie ahead with respect to the tourist trail or spot under consideration. This is basically the assumption on which my field notes were based, however being a novice in the arena, the field notes that are prepared by me does not draw on all the aspects that are used by professionals to sketch the picture of any tourist spot. Thus the heritage interpretation might not be as insightful as the one done by professional tourists who maintain field notes yet it is the stripped down version with all the bare essentials, required by those who refer and review field notes so as to learn and determine their next tourist spot as well. The notes are basically evolved around heritage interpretations which form a major part of tourist experiences or that of heritage visitors, however since the field notes to the major part will be dependent and reflecting upon heritage experiences, it is imperative to reflect upon the interpretation methods experienced and used throughout the visits critically.

Discussion

Heritage tourism is an important area under the field of hospitality and tourism management, the integral part of which is considered to be heritage interpretation. This is obvious considering the fact that heritage tourism is nothing but insignificant until and unless is comes equipped with strong heritage interpretation, which not only adds to the knowledge base but also promotes the heritage values that comes attached with any tourist site or location. The importance of heritage interpretation could not be emphasized any further considering that it facilitates the absolute appreciation of historic buildings among general public, primarily through drawing on the meaning and values of the heritage site which is the main component of heritage interpretation. Public awareness is also evolved as general public starts to realize the resilience that is bolstered by the historic locations and subsequently importance and protection of national heritage among the locals' increases. Not only do the local citizens start to respect their national heritage more but it also helps creating awareness on an international forum as a result of which historic buildings, arts and artefacts begin to receive the importance that was long ...