From National Geographic’s Geotourism Principles -

Interactive interpretation: Engage both visitors and hosts in learning about the place. Encourage residents to show off the natural and cultural heritage of their communities, so that tourists gain a richer experience and residents develop pride in their locales.

So just what is interpretation anyway?  Is it simply telling a story or conveying information?  The National Association of Interpretation defines it as “a mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the resource.”   In other words, it’s more than just spewing facts or rambling on, it’s about making lasting connections that lead to understanding, appreciation, and hopefully interest in returning and supporting stewardship of the destination.

I don’t know about you but I’ve heard good interpretation, bad interpretation, and sometimes it’s simply non-existent.  Good interpretation is the link between making information relevant and meaningful in a way that is going to allow a visitor to understand, embrace, and enjoy the natural, cultural, and heritage assets of a destination.  Easier said than done, right.  What I find upsetting is that many tour operators do very little to provide interpretive training to their guides even though they could at little or no cost.

Two weeks ago I visited Edisto Beach, SC and had an opportunity to experience two good examples of interpretation.  The first was on a kayak trip we took with Botany Bay Ecotours to view dolphins and learn more about coastal ecology.  Tours are run by a biologist born and raised in the community with years of experience and training in coastal ecology and interpretation.  She trains locals that share her passion and knowledge to guide tours.  They also donate a portion of their funds to local conservation efforts.  I left with a greater understanding and appreciation of the plants and animals that inhabit the coast and a sense of why it needs to be protected and preserved as an important part of the global ecosystem.

The second was when we had the opportunity to join Edisto Beach State Park and volunteers from the Edisto Beach Loggerhead Turtle Project on a loggerhead turtle nest inventory.  We were able to observe this remarkable occurrence, understand its significance, and learn how our actions can help preserve this species thanks to the interpretation provided by the staff and volunteers.

Back to the need for better trained interpretive guides.  I was a raft guide for 10 years.  I wasn’t taught interpretive techniques nor educated on the natural, cultural, or historic resources of the river or region we rafted through. Over time I learned this on my own because I cared, many of the people that rafted with me cared, and I cared about their experience.

I now live on the edge of the New River Gorge National River.  Numerous rafting companies offer guided trips through the whitewater rapids of the New River Gorge.  NRGNR staff offer interpretive hikes and activities throughout the year.  NRGNR staff have started to take their interpretive programs to the rafting companies in an effort to ensure that visitors to our region have the opportunity to understand and appreciate the natural, cultural, and historic resources that make this area unique.

Apart from assistance from State or National Park staff for no or low cost assistance look to your local university.  West Virginia University’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Resources offers undergraduate and graduate courses in interpretation as well as outreach and education to businesses and organizations throughout the state.  In fact, Dr. Dave Smaldone is offering a Principles of Interpretation workshop next weekend at the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia’s annual conference in Fairmont, WV.

Want to be a Certified Interpretive Guide?  Courses are available from the National Association of Interpretation.  When booking a trip have you ever asked if there are any Certified Interpretive Guides on staff?

If you travel to learn, understand, and appreciate the destinations you visit then you should seek out and demand quality intepretation.  When you find it, celebrate it, and let the destination know.  If you don’t find it, let the destination know and encourage them to improve because there are probably training opportunities at their disposal they could easily tap into.

Do you have more examples of quality interpretation?