An Assessment of the Outcomes of a Chinese-Language Interpretive Tour Experience at a Heritage Tourism Attraction

Abstract

Accepted on 07/10/2008 for Tourism Analysis (volume and issue TBD) AcknowledgementsThe authors wish to thank Dr Xin Yu and Andrea Zhang for assistance with translation and back-translation of the instrument. Andrea was also the main research assistant for data collection and her dedication and good humour were crucial in gaining a high rate of response from visitors. We also thank Leah Stamm for her help with data entry and analysis and Annita Based on results from 285 self-completed surveys, the instrument reliably assessed that visitors" perceptions of their interpretive experience were average to very good on cognitive, affective and behavioral constructs. Notwithstanding the fact that work still needs to continue in refining one of the ten indicators, the instrument provides practitioners and researchers with a reliable and valid tool for assessing the outcomes of heritage interpretation in two very different cultural contexts.

Effective environmental interpretation at Chinese natural attractions: the need for an aesthetic approach

“…Such outcome measures, it could be argued, are essential in determining the success of the interpretive experience (Van Dijk & Weiler, 2009). There is great potential to draw on Chinese ways of thinking, religious teachings and cultural heritage to promote a more harmonious relationship with nature, and to suggest ways of living that respect these ancient values.…”

“…Interpretation can be used by park administrators to inform visitors about park regulations, policies, plans and other management information. Good interpretation can foster positive attitudes towards conservation (Van Dijk & Weiler, 2009). In addition, interpretation plays a key role in developing tourists' appreciation of the natural environment, and facilitating their adoption of pro-environmental attitudes and environmentally responsible actions in protected areas Ballantyne, Packer, & Falk, 2011;Ballantyne, Packer, & Sutherland, 2011;Chen, Hwang, & Lee, 2006;Hwang, Lee, & Chen, 2005).…”

Effects of Interpretive Guiding Outcomes on Tourist Satisfaction and Behavioral Intention

“…Its particular focus is the impact of the great 19th-century gold discoveries on the growth of Ballarat, a then small pastoral settlement in 1851. During the gold-rush era, Ballarat attracted approximately 9,000 gold diggers and miners from southern China (van Dijk and Weiler, 2009). Sovereign Hill attracts about 450,000 visitors each year as a living museum with working machinery and exhibits, costumed interpretations, and visitor participation.…”

Structural Relationships among Antecedents to Perceived Value of Ecotourism for Sichuan Giant Pandas in China

“…Studies on tourists [23,31,[33][34][35] show that interpretation programs for visitors convey not only environmental knowledge and information but also the importance of natural resources and tourists' behavior codes on the natural environment, which in turn enhances understanding and awareness of the environment on the part of tourists and leads to changes in tourists' cognition and attitudes toward nature. Moscardo [23] reviews the features of an interpretive encounter and considers how interpretation programs influence visitor knowledge, enjoyment, and attitudes for the conservation of the ecosystem.…”