Methods of Interpretation in Cultural and Heritage Tourism Sites

The assignment discusses the importance of proper methods in interpreting culture and heritage tourism sites, using two museums (British Museum and Natural History Museum) as examples. The report highlights the significance of information sources, sustainability, authenticity, inclusiveness, and technology in enhancing the cultural and heritage experience for tourists. It emphasizes the role of different media types, such as video, audio, exhibits, and printed materials, in providing rich information to tourists about the culture and heritage of a place. The assignment also touches on issues related to tourism development, conservation, and management.

Heritage

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Analyse the growth and development of heritage and cultural industry...............................3
1.2 Potential conflict in the conservation of heritage and the cultural resources........................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
2.1 The purpose of heritage and cultural attractions in meeting the needs of customers............7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Impact of different type of ownership on the management of culture and heritage sites .....9
3.2 Role and responsibilities of two UK heritage organizations...............................................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................11
4.1 Understand the role of methods of interpretation within the heritage and culture industry 11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCE .....................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Now days, certain part of the economy is generated from the travel and tourism industry
as people are focused on visiting the destinations which are very attractive. Heritage and cultural
environment is quite diversify from country to country. Cultural and heritage of each country are
very important as it comprises of various destinations and it has the greater influence in the
context to UK. In the present scenario, there is high rise in the demand for the cultural and
heritage which have been emerged at a greater extent. The present report discusses about the
culture and heritage of UK which is the main part for the growth and development of UK in
order to enhance the tourism industry. Further, it also discusses about the conflicts that are
related to the conservation of heritage resources in UK. Proper assessment is being done in order
to understand the purpose of heritage and culture industry as well as the roles, responsibilities
and ownership of the organization. At last, interpretation is done with the help of various media.
TASK 1
1.1 Analyse the growth and development of heritage and cultural industry
Heritage refers to the inheritance of physical arts, attractions and different abstract
attributes of the group which represent the culture of country. Culture and heritage are the
important elements of the tourism industry which help country like Tibert to grow and develop
as it encompasses the elements that attract tourists to a great extent. Culture and heritage are
considered as a lifeline for the economy of UK (Harrison and Hitchcock, 2005). It offers several
opportunities that help economy of UK to grow and develop over the long perspective.
Nevertheless, proper analysis is being done to make the industry grow and develop as it
contributes in the pride, honour and economic stability of UK. There are various heritage and
cultural places which are important and government helps to maintain the safety of these places
in order to preserve it for the future generations. There are different attractions such as Tower of
London, Big Ben, British Museum and many more that attract tourists and help in enhancing the
level of UK economy. Proper analysis is being done and roles and the responsibilities are
properly delegated to the different private and government bodies in order to develop different
attraction for the tourists. The viewpoint is to develop the heritage and cultural perspective of the
major attraction of UK that bring up new innovation and increase the volume of the tourist to
visit beautiful places.
4

In Tibert, there are many attractions which are related to nature and attract tourists who
develop the proper aspect to conserve the culture and heritage for the future generation (Butler
and Hinch, 2007). Different bodies are involved to take care the country’s culture and heritage as
they need the following perspective to sustain for the longer duration of time.
With the growth and development, Chinese government has developed various
opportunities to grow at a wider scale by building museums and other art galleries. All buildings
are the reflection of themed sites, sculpture and monument that are conserved in the form of
archaeological sites for the tourist which help to raise the economy of UK.
Culture is the important part which reflects different elements that are the part of
heritage. Travel and tourism is the important aspect that helps in shaping and increasing
sustainability by identifying different perspectives. Culture factors are expending at a greater
speed and people need to make proper efforts which will help them to deal with different aspects
to conserve resources. From several years, events are being organized to sustain and maintain the
cultural identity which reflects the regional and the national perspective. In the recent trends,
different events are conducted to make people for visiting country. Different events are
conducted which reflect historical importance of the country and help people to identify the
various cultural dimensions that are evolved in order to grow over the respective dimensions.
This also helps people not only at the country side but at over the global parameters as they
include the various songs, dance and folklore that make people close to their culture and help
them to enhance their cultural perspective with the help of the different events. Cultural events
and heritage of the country help to increase tourism and also attract tourist to visit the place again
and again.
It puts impact in a positive manner as it increases different dimensions over which people
across the globe come to visit the country and also help in introducing new trends which help to
focus on sustainability in the long run. Culture and heritage are the important dimensions that
help in the growth and development of UK by enhancing the number of tourists (Li, Wu and Cai,
2008). Culture factors are growing to a greater context which are helping UK to make proper
efforts from the several years as events are being organized to sustain and maintain the cultural
identity which reflect the regional and national perspective. This is attracting more and more
tourists towards the various attractions that are available in Tibert, Lhasa and it can be the most
5

beautiful tourist attractions for the people who are visiting Tibert for relaxing and knowing
culture that is evolved inside the environment of UK.
1.2 Potential conflict in the conservation of heritage and the cultural resources
Culture and heritage act as the vital elements which help in the proper development of
different perspective that will grow the flow of tourist in the country and help country to raise it
economy at a greater speed. There are various conflicts that are associated with the conservation
of heritage and culture of the particular country as they are the essential aspect that help to raise
the economic standard of country (Corsane, 2005). Different dimensions are involved which
affect the overall performance of UK in order to serve tourists who are visiting cultural and
heritage places such as Tower of London, Big Ben, British Museum and many more. Sculptures
and monuments that are the part of heritage and influence different aspects that rise the potential
conflict that present different cultural and heritage dimensions of UK.
Local and government bodies are involved to resolve conflict that arises in the way in
order to conserve culture and heritage of UK. There are different aspects that are being involved
in order to conserve resources which are expanding at a greater speed. Proper reforms are
developed to overcome the unknown effects that are affecting heritage and cultural resources of
UK. It is the essential aspect which has been discussed over a long period of time as heritage and
culture are the pillars that support the growth and development of different countries. There are
different aspects which are related to the reason which has been arisen due to different activities.
There are different elements for generating revenue by increasing the number of tourists to visit
country. In order to properly manage the adverse impact over the tourists, they require the proper
solution in order to meet the consequences that are raised due to issues that are related to the high
number of people visiting the attractions that are located in UK.
Large part of UK's economy is generated by the travellers and visitors in the country like
Tibert who come in order to visit the country and its attractions. Beside of this perspective,
historic places and cultural diversity play a crucial role in attracting travellers in Tibert, Lhasa.
On the basis of human history, art and culture, British museum is the centre of attracting many
tourists from different countries. Many tourists visit country on daily basis which generates
revenue and supports the economy of UK (Christou, 2005). Thus, travellers are important for the
purpose of increasing the level of heritage and culture industry in UK. There are various
individuals that are associated with the different dimensions of cultural and heritage of the
6

country and there are also different local communities and respective tourist agencies that help in
dealing with the perspective that is related to the culture and heritage of Tibert for the purpose to
conserve it for the long duration of time. In lieu of which Inter Continental Hotels group has
decided to open a new Resort for the tourist which will be going to be recognize as “Resort
Lhasa Paradise”.
The case study states about the different dimensions that are involved in order to
commodification the heritage of the different countries such as Tibet and other countries whose
major revenue is generated out from tourists that visit their country in order to seek different
attractions. Tibert is country which is known as one of the best destination place in the world. It
offers variety of fabulous monasteries, unique intangible culture and breath-taking high-altitude.
Tibert is also know for its home of religious temple, Dalai Lama and unique hospitality to the
people of Tibertian. Major conflict that is reflected with the help of this case study is related to
rules and the regulations which are imbibed over the worldwide tourism of the different
destinations that are visited by people over time frame. There were many conflicts that were
associated with the cultural and heritage resources of country. major conflict that was arisen was
related to the boycotting the launching campaign which was to boycott the Intercontinental hotel
group as they ignore the projects that need to be developed in order to serve tourist that were
visiting Tibet (Dallen J. Timothy ed., 2007). These hotels bride the edge that is influencing the
overall perspective which is revolting people and conflicts are arisen. Despite of the similar
perspective, there are various different issues that are related to the overall resolution of the
conflicts that are arisen in countries that are operating in order to properly evaluate various
dimensions and build up the renovation of different segments so that conflict is meet up in a
proper manner.
TASK 2
2.1 The purpose of heritage and cultural attractions in meeting the needs of customers
UK is full of historic memorials, royal palaces and world's top museums. Heritage and
cultural attraction in UK play a significant role in shaping and sustaining the culture of country.
In this context, purposes of two famous church of London i.e. British Museum and Natural
History Museum are described below:
British Museum
7

There are several purposes of British museum and same is discussed underneath: Students: Heritage and cultural attraction in UK are essential for the education purpose
of students. The British museum and the natural history museum helps students to know
the history of their country. The British museum is dedicated to provide information
about human history, art and culture of the UK (Larkham, 2012). This museum has 8
million works and structures of the history which help students to learn about the past
culture and lives. Also, it provides the sense of place and identity to the students in order
to learn from the past to go forward in the future. Some students are passionate about the
study of history and cultural attraction of the various countries. Thereby, colleges and
schools involve subjects related to history and culture. Research: The British museum has huge opportunity for learning and development for
the researchers and scientists as well. With its 8 million monuments and structures, it
provides huge data to scientists for the research purpose. Scientists can do research of the
historic value of the monuments and relate with the current and future living standards.
The British museum is full of cultural art objects and antiquities which enable searchers
to study the past culture and produce data for people in order to study the history. Travellers: Large part of UK's economy is generated by the travellers and visitors in the
country. Hence, historic places and cultural diversity play an important role in attracting
travellers in UK. On the basis of human history, art and culture, British museum is the
centre of attraction of many tourists from different countries. Many tourists visit country
on daily basis which generates revenue and supports economy of UK. Thus, travellers are
important for the purpose of heritage and culture in UK.
Natural History Museum
It is one of the most prestigious museums of London that holds information within the
context of natural history. In this, main attraction is about life and earth science with 80 million
items. It aids in sharing information with regards to the nature and its development from the
science age. This museum meets the needs and wants of different customers. Some of the
prominent customers to this museum are researcher, scientist, scholars, students, travellers and
local society (Bunten, 2008).
8

Scientist from across the world visit here to gain information with regards to the past in order to
complete their study or experiments. There are different books and articles that help scientist in
their work.
Moreover, science researcher and scholars also visit here for gaining varied set of information.
This helps them in their work from which they are able to complete their study in a desired
manner. Due to this scenario, museum is developed as the world renowned centre for research
that helps varied individuals.
In addition to it, primary and secondary school level students visit here to gain basic information
about the earth and other related mechanism. Also, they gain information with regards to the
specimen.
Comparison between visitors that visit in British museum and national history museum
1. Students visit the British museum in order to gain various information about the human
history, art and culture related to the UK whereas on the other hand students visit
National history museum in order to collect variety of information about the earth and its
related mechanism.
2. Researchers arrive to the British museum in order to collect large amount of data about
the large number of historical monuments. They collect this information and than relate
the same with the current and future standard of living. Thus, on the other hand
researcher arrive the National Historical museum in order collect various information
that proves to be helpful for them in order to complete there studies in a manner they
want.
In addition to it, mentioned museum aids in meeting the needs of local society as well.
With the increase in inbound tourism, local society witnesses more revenue due to certain rise in
the number of travellers. This certainly enhances the profit for local business and offers an option
to expand business as well. Further, employment opportunities are even attained with the rise in
culture and heritage industry at UK. This helps in minimizing the level of unemployment in the
country and aids in boosting the level of economy (Salazar, 2005). However, it is even evident
that employment from cited industry is seasonal which affects the economic growth of UK. But,
it eventually aids in opening new sources of revenue for the local society from which overall
development is attained. Hence, local society is able to fulfil its needs in terms of increasing
income through heritage and cultural tourism.
9

TASK 3
3.1 Impact of different type of ownership on the management of culture and heritage sites
Culture heritage management is the line of work and practice for managing culture heritage.
Culture heritage management is the branch of culture resources management. It draws a practice
of culture conservation, archaeology, history, architecture, restoration and archaeology.
There are two different types of ownership for the management of culture and heritage
sites (i.e. public private partnership ownership and public ownership). Public ownership is also
known as state ownership that refers to the ownership and control of all the assets of enterprise at
each and every level (i.e. national, regional, local and municipal level). The type of ownership
adopted in the management of culture and heritage sites may have their impact on other tourism
sites in terms of management and responsibility. Difference between types of ownership can be
observed by considering the key challenges faced by the management for the different type of
ownership (McKercher and du Cros, 2005). Thus, some of them would have high requirement of
funding, creativity, lack of entrepreneurial spirit, level of responsibility and role assignment.
Public ownership sites are facing various problems related to the subsidy which has
become one of the biggest problems for these type of organizations. Therefore, in order to
overcome these problems, public private partnership arrangement is quite useful. Funding can be
managed by obtaining several sources which in turn will aid the culture and heritage sites well
and can enhance income generation program. Through developing public private partnership,
creativity and entrepreneurial spirit can be enhanced to manage the empty space properly and at
the same time, revenue improvement can be done by using effective ways.
It has been observed that secularization, changing demographic pattern and development
of various new tourism sites have badly affected the charm of culture and heritage tourism sites.
Structure of public private partnership will prove to be one of the important measures to
overcome the problems that are faced by such organizations. Further, it could be said that public
organizations have lost trust with the local communities and development of these sites that
would lead to the overhaul of the mutual trust and understanding.
Example of public ownership can be taken as English Heritage and Nature England.
Similarly example of public private partnership ownership can be taken as Woodland Trust. In
10

addition to it, mentioned museum aids in meeting the needs of local society as well (Timothy,
2011). With the increase in inbound tourism, local society witnesses more revenue due to certain
rise in the number of travellers. This certainly enhances the profit for local business and offers an
option to expand business as well.
Voluntary ownership is the type of ownership in which an organization works no t for
earning profit and or non- governmental. This type of ownership does not take place in public
and private sector firms. This type of ownership take place in third sector. Third sector is like
charitable, civic or social sectors. For example- a non profit organisation which works for the
betterment of the society. In non profit organisation voluntary ownership take place.
3.2 Role and responsibilities of two UK heritage organizations
Department of culture, media and sports aims to make Britain the world's most creative
and exciting place to live, visit and do business. This department aims to protect and promote the
culture and artistic heritage. At the same time, it helps businesses and communities to grow by
investing and bringing innovation along with highlighting Britain as a fantastic place to life and
visit. Role and responsibilities of department of culture, media and sports are as follows:-
 One of the main roles is to render sponsorship to the ongoing national and international
campaigns that are focused on promoting UK tourism (Abu, R. and et.al. 2012).
 Another role is to help out the next generation of mobile communication in order to
transform the UK broadband network.
 Its role is to create a fairer and equal society including open marriage for the same sex
couples.
 It’s another role is to provide a lasting legacy for the London Olympic and Paralympic
games.
 It is one of the important roles that is related to support vibrant and sustainable arts as
well as culture.
 This department has make easier for everyone to enjoy the different national culture, play
sport and access online communication.
 It is responsible for making telecoms, media, tourism and creative industry to grow by
removing various restrictions while protecting the interest of citizens (Acton, A., 2013).
 It has started to protect free access to culture institutions and arts along with broadcasting
the challenges and funding future elite athletes.
11

 Another responsibility is to promote British art and history at the time of contributing to
the culture diplomacy. The Government Art Collection places the art in the British
government building and residences across the world.
Woodland trust is the public private partnership arrangement and a charitable trust whose major
objective is to work for the natural habitats of organizations. Funds are arranged by using various
sources like donation, membership, appeals and charitable trust. Woodland is the popular brand
which aims at influencing individual to contribute to the Woodland trust. Main aim of this brand
is to influence the government agencies, land owners and likeminded organizations. Roles and
responsibilities of woodland trust (Jokilehto, 2005.).
For the organizational plank of heritage organization, voluntary ownership is one of the
crucial compositions which includes the establishment of organization especially the charitable
organization which is based on the management process of heritage sites. This organization can
be implemented by using funds that are raised from public donations. These kind of charitable
organizations develop with an intention of administering a scrupulous heritage reserves in lieu of
public welfare.
TASK 4
4.1 Understand the role of methods of interpretation within the heritage and culture industry
Interpretation of the heritage and culture tourism sites is important in order to provide various
key information that are pertaining to the following sites. Interpretation of these sites help
individual to remember and understand the facts, stories and ideas that are related to these sites.
Methods used in the interpretation of culture and heritage tourism sites are very important.
Because the methods used will aid tourist to understand the value of the culture and heritage
sites. It also would help them to learn and understand the meaning and importance of the sites
and places. Key principle of governing the method of interpretation for the culture and heritage
tourism industry in United Kingdom would include the development of information sources,
sustainability, authenticity, inclusiveness and many more. In order to appreciate these sites,
suitable methods are used by heritage and culture industry (Ciampi, 2009). Rich information
sources and evidence gathering must be related with the methods of interpretation used in
heritage and culture tourism activities. In this, two Museum were selected (i.e. British Museum
and Natural History Museum) in order to collect various information. These information are
12

necessary to be presented in front of tourists so that they are able to know about the importance
of the sites.
The method of interpretation is used in two museums in such a way that it provides
simplicity of interpretation in the mind of tourists so that they can understand the importance and
usefulness of the culture and heritage of these two museum. Both the museums are considered
different methods of interpretation by undertaking several media types so that rich information
can be provided to the tourists regarding the culture and heritage sites. Thus, there are some of
media types which were identified in the British and Natural history Museum in order to attract
tourists to visit these places again and again (Edgell, 2009). It includes video and audio, exhibits,
videotapes, manual and websites etc. Printed media included in the museum includes books,
brochure, guides, leaflets and advertisement.
In order to impart information to the tourists about the culture and heritage sites, longer
distance online resources are developed. Technology has also played an important role in
promoting and interpreting various information about the sites to the tourists. Thus, method of
interpretation used in the British and Natural history Museum plays an important in enhancing
culture sites. Interpretation method will enhance the culture sites in the following ways. By using
this methods knowledge of the tourists will be increase and at the same time actual value and
importance of the culture sites are concluded. This in turn will protect the heritage and culture
sites from the damage that can be caused by the visitors. Another aim of using these methods is
to improve and enhance the experience of the visitors by helping them to understand the
importance of the place they are visiting. Websites and online tool are also important in
providing information to the tourist located at the far distance. It is a source of marketing about
the sites at low cost and to attract long distance people (Negi and Manoher, 2009). Similarly,
print media used in interpretation has a significance of providing rich information to the tourists
about the sites. Likewise, use of modern tools and techniques such as audio and display systems
will enhance the interest level of tourists about the sites.
4.1 Understand the role of methods of interpretation within the heritage and culture industry
Interpretation of the heritage and culture tourism sites is important in order to provide various
key information that are pertaining to the following sites. Interpretation of these sites help
13

individual to remember and understand the facts, stories and ideas that are related to these sites.
Methods used in the interpretation of culture and heritage tourism sites are of immense important
as it would help the tourist them to learn and understand the meaning and importance of the sites
and places. Key principle of governing the method of interpretation for the culture and heritage
tourism industry in United Kingdom would include the development of information sources,
sustainability, authenticity, inclusiveness and many more. In order to appreciate these sites,
suitable methods are used by heritage and culture industry (Ciampi, 2009). Rich information
sources and evidence gathering must be related with the methods of interpretation used in
heritage and culture tourism activities. In this, two Museum were selected (i.e. British Museum
and Natural History Museum) in order to collect various information. These information are
necessary to be presented in front of tourists so that they are able to know about the importance
of the sites.
The method of interpretation is used in two museums in such a way that it provides
simplicity of interpretation in the mind of tourists so that they can understand the importance and
usefulness of the culture and heritage of these two museum. Both the museums are considered
different methods of interpretation by undertaking several media types so that rich information
can be provided to the tourists regarding the culture and heritage sites. Thus, there are some of
media types which were identified in the British and Natural history Museum in order to attract
tourists to visit these places again and again (Edgell, 2009). It includes video and audio, exhibits,
videotapes, manual and websites etc. Printed media included in the museum includes books,
brochure, guides, leaflets and advertisement.
In order to impart information to the tourists about the culture and heritage sites, longer
distance online resources are developed. Technology has also played an important role in
promoting and interpreting various information about the sites to the tourists. Thus, it can be said
that each and every method of interpretation used in the British and Natural history Museum
plays an important and different roles in order to enhance the culture sites. Websites and online
tool are also important in providing information to the tourist located at the far distance. It is a
source of marketing about the sites at low cost and to attract long distance people (Negi and
Manoher, 2009). Similarly, print media used in interpretation has a significance of providing rich
information to the tourists about the sites. Likewise, use of modern tools and techniques such as
audio and display systems will enhance the interest level of tourists about the sites.
14

CONCLUSION
From this report, it can be concluded that cultural and heritage are the important
resources which help country like UK to generate good revenues and help to raise the economy
of country. Further, different perspectives are interpreted which are related to the heritage and
culture tourism sites and these are important to provide various key information that are
pertaining to the following sites. Proper methods are being used to help countries in the
interpretation of culture and heritage tourism sites are of immensely important as it would help
tourists to learn and understand the meaning and importance of these sites and places. This also
makes people to aware about the different cultural perspectives that are involved over the
different dimensions. In addition to it, mentioned museum aids in meeting the needs of local
society as well. With the increase in inbound tourism, local society can gain more revenue due to
certain rise in the number of travellers.
15

REFERENCE
Abu, R. and et. al., 2012. Hospitality and Tourism. CRC Press.
Acton, A., 2013. Issues in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism. Scholarly Editions.
Bunten, A.C., 2008. Sharing culture or selling out? Developing the commodified persona in the
heritage industry. American Ethnologist. 35(3). pp.380-395.
Butler, R. and Hinch, T., 2007. Tourism and indigenous peoples: Issues and implications.
Routledge.
Christou, 2005. Heritage and cultural tourism: A marketing-focused approach. International
cultural tourism: Management, implications and cases. pp.3-16.
Ciampi, F., 2009. Emerging Issues and Challenges in Business & Economics: Selected
Contributions from the 8th Global Conference. Firenze.
Corsane, G., 2005. Heritage, museums and galleries: An introductory reader. Psychology Press.
Dallen J. Timothy ed., 2007. Managing heritage and cultural tourism resources (Vol. 1).
Ashgate Publishing Company.
Edgell, D., 2009. Tourism Policy and Planning: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Routledge.
Harrison, D. and Hitchcock, M. eds., 2005. The politics of world heritage: Negotiating tourism
and conservation. Channel View Publications.
Larkham, P.J. ed., 2012. Building A New Heritage. Routledge.
Li, Wu and Cai, 2008. Tourism development of World Heritage Sites in China: A geographic
perspective. Tourism Management. 29(2). pp.308-319.
McKercher, B., Ho, P.S. and du Cros, H., 2005. Relationship between tourism and cultural
heritage management: evidence from Hong Kong. Tourism management. 26(4). pp.539-
548.
Morosan, C., 2013. An analysis of the relationship between travel preferences and intentions to
use registered traveller biometric systems in air travel. Journal of Hospitality and
Tourism Technology. 4(1). pp.23 – 39.
Negi, J. and Manoher, G., 2009. Hospitality Management. Laxmi Publications, Ltd.
Rodgers, J., 2001. Avce Travel and Tourism Advanced. Heinemann.
Salazar, N.B., 2005. Tourism and glocalization “local” tour guiding. Annals of Tourism
Research. 32(3). pp.628-646.
16

Son, A., 2012. International tourists' image of Zhangjiajie, China: content analysis of travel
blogs. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research. 5(3). pp.306
– 315.
Timothy, D.J., 2011. Cultural heritage and tourism. Channel View Publications.
Williams, A. J. J. and Uysal, M., 2003. Current Issues and Development in Hospitality and
Tourism Satisfaction. Routledge.
Online
Jokilehto, J., 2005. Definition of culture hertiage. Available
through:<http://cif.icomos.org/pdf_docs/Documents%20on%20line/Heritage
%20definitions.pdf> [Assessed on 28th December 2015].
17

INTRODUCTION
1