The guided walk experience: what do visitors think?

Abstract

Researchers can unquestionably argue that interpretation as a visitor management tool is now well-established within the tourism industry, such that much of the current research now focuses specifically upon the evaluation of the various interpretive media adopted (Munro et al., 2008). This presentation is based upon a current PhD study exploring whether the overall range of on-site interpretive experiences and most notably guided walks meets the needs and interests of the visitors at two locations on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site, in Dorset. Specifically, the presentation will report on the attitudes of visitors towards their on-site guided walk experience and in so doing will conclude by summarising good practice in terms of the design of guided walks which could be used to support the successful enhancement of the visitor experience at designated natural areas and notably, natural World Heritage sites.