Heritage interpretation as a catalyst for sustainable ecotourism in protected areas: A systematic literature review

Abstract

This paper adopts a systematic review approach to explore heritage interpretation as a catalyst for sustainable ecotourism in protected areas. Premised on the importance of protected areas as a strategy for the conservation of the natural environment, the study seeks to unpack the nature, breadth and trends that predominate contemporary scholarly discourse on the concept of heritage interpretation in protected areas. Based on an in-depth exploration of notable scientific databases (Sabinet, Scopus, Emerald, ProQuest, Taylor & Francis Online, and journals’ websites) 129 scholarly publications were extracted and screened, with 57 publications meeting the ‘relevance’ criteria. The data analysis followed a characterisation, content analysis and thematic extraction. Key outcomes highlighted most of the studies emanating from the Global North, with themes reflecting the role of interpretation in protected areas, interpretation planning, management and evaluation, environmental interpretation, cultural interpretation, the influence of interpretation on visitors’ perceptions, behaviour and satisfaction, interpretation preferences, interpreters’ experiences, creativity in heritage interpretation and heritage interpretation for sustainable development. Based on the geographical classification data, suggestions are proffered for future research pathways.