Heritage Interpretation Research Articles

Engaging stakeholders in cultural tourism Living Labs: A pathway to innovation, sustainability, and resilience

This study explores the motivations and benefits driving stakeholder engagement in Living Labs (LLs) for sustainable cultural tourism, with a focus on a case study in Split, Croatia. LLs, which foster innovation through collaboration between stakeholders, are increasingly recognized as essential for addressing sustainability challenges in tourism. Using a combination of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA/CFA), we identify key motivations for stakeholder participation, including the desire to shift attitudes toward tourism development, enhance educational initiatives, and improve heritage interpretation. The results reveal that stakeholder engagement not only enriches tourism offerings—such as joint marketing efforts and innovative visitor experiences—but also strengthens resilience in heritage destinations. Our findings emphasize the critical role of ambidextrous management, which balances innovation and resource efficiency, in enhancing stakeholder collaboration. The study provides practical recommendations for smart governance and advocates for stakeholder-centric, bottom-up approaches in the design and management of LLs. These insights contribute to both the theoretical framework and practical implementation of sustainable cultural tourism, offering actionable strategies for policymakers and practitioners to foster local ownership and co-creation in heritage tourism development.

The Framework of Modeling Buddhist Head in 3D with Semantic Information

Abstract. Buddhist statues hold profound spiritual and cultural significance, yet their comprehensive analysis and identification remain largely reliant on manual annotation and expert scrutiny. Despite advancements in 3D modeling, the nuanced representation of these statues, essential for automated analysis, remains elusive. Integrating semantic information such as symbolic and cultural elements poses a further challenge. There currently exists no standardized method for modeling Buddhist heads in 3D with semantic information. This paper proposes a framework for the component-based analysis of Buddhist statues, particularly focusing on their heads, to bridge this gap. Drawing from diverse disciplines including archaeology, art history, and conservation, the framework leverages advancements in 3D reconstruction to provide a detailed depiction of intricate features. Building upon existing research outcomes, the framework facilitates the seamless integration of semantic information, capturing not only the physical attributes but also the cultural, historical, and spiritual dimensions of these sculptures. This approach aids in overcoming challenges in automated analysis and virtual restoration, providing a dynamic tool for exploration, preservation, and interpretation of cultural heritage. By enabling interdisciplinary synergy, the framework emerges as a dynamic tool for exploring, preserving, and interpreting the profound heritage of Buddhist art with unprecedented depth and clarity.

Interpretation of geological heritage on nature trails and geotrails in Geopark Banská Štiavnica and their online information availability

The inherent link between the mining history and culture in the region of Banská Štiavnica (Slovakia) and the unique geological and morphological heritage offers significant potential for the development of geotourism and educational trails, thus presenting the heritage to a wide spectrum of visitors. In recent years, online availability of information about such trails has become very important for the digital society that uses the internet and social networks daily. This article focuses on the development and online information availability of geotrails located in the territory of the first Slovak geopark, Banská Štiavnica Geopark. Results show that there are very few geoscience-based trails with limited online information available. By investing in effective on-site heritage interpretation and proper online promotion, the territory can become a premier geotourism destination.

Integrating Jun Porcelain Culture into Modern Information Management Systems: A Study on Expanding Cultural Diplomacy Through Innovative Symbol Reconstruction and Digital Communication Techniques

This study explores the relationships between Jun porcelain cultural heritage, modern information management systems, and cultural diplomacy in the digital age. The purpose is to understand how these variables intersect and influence contemporary cultural dynamics, shedding light on the complexities of tradition, innovation, and technology in shaping cultural practices and identities. Through qualitative interviews with 13 experts from cultural institutions, information management professions, and diplomatic spheres, and a comprehensive literature review encompassing databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, this research seeks to elucidate how these variables intersect and influence contemporary cultural dynamics. The choice of qualitative interviews and literature review was made to provide a nuanced understanding of Jun porcelain cultural heritage, information management systems, and cultural diplomacy, leveraging the strengths of qualitative inquiry in capturing rich insights and contextual nuances. These methods offer advantages in uncovering the multifaceted nature of cultural practices, identifying key themes and patterns, and providing new insights into the dynamics of cultural heritage preservation, communication, and diplomatic exchange. The qualitative interviews and literature review revealed several key insights into the relationships between Jun porcelain cultural heritage, modern information management systems, and cultural diplomacy. Themes such as democratization of cultural access, digital inequalities, and cross-cultural dialogue emerged from the analysis, shedding light on the complex dynamics at play. The study builds upon existing research by offering nuanced perspectives on the intersections between tradition, innovation, and technology in shaping cultural practices and identities in the digital age. This research provides recommendations for cultural institutions, policymakers, and information professionals, including developing ethical frameworks for digital preservation, promoting inclusive cultural access, and fostering cross-cultural dialogue through digital diplomacy. Future studies should explore social media's impact on cultural diplomacy, the role of digital archives in preserving intangible cultural heritage, and emerging technologies' implications on cultural heritage interpretation. These efforts will advance understanding in cultural heritage preservation and information management in the digital age.

EXPRESS: The role of heritage interpretation and mindfulness in dark tourism experiences

EXPRESS: The role of heritage interpretation and mindfulness in dark tourism experiences

Community Engagement and Sustainable Heritage Tourism: Mediating Role of Archaeological Heritage Interpretation

ABSTRACT This article aims to explore the role of archaeological heritage interpretation in promoting sustainable heritage tourism and community engagement. Antandros heritage site in Türkiye is selected as the research case. The study employs qualitative analysis methods, to examine the archaeological heritage interpretation practices implemented by the Altinoluk Association for Recovery Conservation and Sustention of Antandros Ancient City, a local NGO in Altınoluk, Türkiye. The findings highlight the significance of archaeological heritage interpretation in sense-making and creating awareness among visitors about the value of heritage in guiding the preservation, presentation, and promotion of heritage, and engaging communities through a multi-stakeholder approach where a local NGO has a prominent position in incorporating heritage interpretation into sustainable development plans.

The value of technology and interactive systems in cultural heritage interpretation: a study based on existing empirical research

ABSTRACT The role of Technology and Interactive Systems in advancing cultural heritage interpretation holds significant value, which lacks a clear and systematic analysis. This study, grounded in the visitor perspective and based on a review of past empirical research findings, argues that Technology and Interactive Systems possess intellectual and experiential value in the context of cultural heritage interpretation. In terms of intelligence and knowledge, Technology and Interactive Systems can expand the scope of information in cultural heritage interpretation, enhance the effectiveness of information delivery, thereby optimizing the visitor's cognitive level regarding cultural heritage. Regarding experience, Technology and Interactive Systems cultivate and intensify visitor situational interest, establishing and strengthening emotional connections between the visitor and cultural heritage. Additionally, the study highlights value divergences and questions regarding the use of Technology and Interactive Systems in cultural heritage interpretation and proposes optimization strategies.

Unearthing Identity: the Role of Archaeology in Shaping English National Identity and Heritage Interpretation

ABSTRACT This study examines the significant impact of archaeology on English national identity and heritage interpretation, focusing on key sites like Stonehenge, Sutton Hoo, and Hadrian’s Wall. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we analyze how archaeological discoveries shape national narratives, emphasizing continuity, rootedness, and cultural uniqueness. Through qualitative methods, including interviews and focus groups, we find that public perceptions of these sites highlight themes of engagement, inclusivity, and the need for more comprehensive interpretations. Our results reveal that archaeological interpretations evolve with societal values and political agendas, often reinforcing or challenging notions of national identity. This study underscores the dynamic relationship between archaeology, nationalism, and cultural memory, advocating for a more inclusive and nuanced approach to heritage management and public engagement.

Soviet museum ethnography at the VII International Congress of Anthropological and Ethnographic Sciences: restoration and conservation of disciplinary heritage under the “gaze” of the West

(1964) is considered in the article as a discussion space within which ethnographers and museum workers presented and debated different views on the past and present of their discipline. Archival materials are explored through the concepts of restoration and conservation – rhetorical strategies that involve different forms of interpretation of disciplinary heritage and projects for action. Projects for the “revival” of the Museum of the Peoples of the USSR in Moscow and “Materials on Ethnography’s” edition in Leningrad mostly referred to the ethnography of the 1920s, which was suppressed and criticized during the transition to Marxist methodology in the 1930s. The restoration strategy led to the recognition of the unspoken lag behind Western anthropology and museum affairs. The reconstruction of fragments of the past was proposed as a solution to the problem. The conservation strategy, on the contrary, saw Soviet museum ethnography as ahead of foreign ones. The legacy of the “marxization” of the 1930s, according to this rhetoric, was the key to victories in the past and present, and its criticism and rejection deprived Soviet ethnography of its advantages. Museum practices of research and representation of the culture and life of collective farmers and workers, and the active use of mannequins and life-size dioramas to show social relations were recognized as such a positive legacy.

Heritage Interpretation System Construction and Pluralistic Heritage Cognition Research from the Perspective of Landscape Anthropology: A Case Study of Suzhou Gardens

Heritage Interpretation System Construction and Pluralistic Heritage Cognition Research from the Perspective of Landscape Anthropology: A Case Study of Suzhou Gardens

Guides’ Interpretive Techniques in Cocreation Combined with the Experience Broker Theory

In tourism, cocreation is a bilateral relationship between tourists and tourism providers to enhance tourists’ experiences. In this sense, tour guides as tourism providers cocreate experiences and play an essential role in tourists’ encounters through heritage interpretation. Among tourism providers, tour guides, through guided tours, can be considered a facilitator and a mediator of cocreative experiences. Therefore, this study explores ways to offer cocreative heritage tourism experiences through interpretation, highlighting their function as brokers within the framework of Weiler and Black’s Experience Broker Theory. The methodology employed combined in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 tour guides, and direct observation of 10 guided tours at the Royal Mosque of Isfahan. The study underscores the role of tour guides in creating a profound spiritual experience for tourists. This research demonstrates the importance of tailored interpretive strategies in enhancing tourists’ cognitive and emotional experiences, reinforcing the guides’ role as empathy brokers within the cocreation paradigm. Tour guides progressed through stages of brokering, from accommodating cultural backgrounds to explaining rituals and mystical concepts, culminating in a profound empathetic experience during the call to prayer. This process allowed tourists to deeply connect with the cultural and spiritual elements of the tour.

Youth beyond time: solidarities at play in living history museums

ABSTRACT In living history museums, where young people work and volunteer as historically dressed interpreters, participate in field trips, and attend summer camps, young people can simultaneously represent the past, the present and the future. In these spaces, they also shape the past through their questions, their retellings, and their reimaginings based on what matters to them in the present. The paper examines interviews with teen, young adult, and adult heritage interpreters in light of active solidarity and explores how teens and young adults are working to diversify historical narratives, create community, and find joy in these spaces.

Interpretation of cultural heritage: approaches and methods of excursion work

The article deals with the problem of interpreting cultural heritage in the context of modern society, which faces numerous challenges, including globalisation, technological changes and the need to preserve cultural values. Cultural heritage, which encompasses both tangible and intangible elements, is an important aspect of a nation's identity and history. However, in today's environment, traditional approaches to sightseeing do not always meet the needs of the audience, particularly young people who seek interactive and emotionally charged experiences. The article offers an analysis of the main approaches to the interpretation of cultural heritage, including scientific, educational, aesthetic and socio-cultural. The scientific approach focuses on the objective study of heritage sites, while the educational approach involves engaging a wide audience through interactive elements and new technologies. The aesthetic approach focuses on the emotional perception of heritage, while the socio-cultural approach takes into account the context of cultural values and involves local communities in the process of their interpretation. The article also analyses the methods of excursion work, such as thematic and interactive excursions, excursions using new technologies, as well as specialised programmes for specialists. The latest research by Ukrainian scholars is considered, which emphasises the importance of innovative approaches in this area. Thus, the article concludes that an integrated approach to the interpretation of cultural heritage is needed to ensure its preservation and active use, as well as the formation of respect for cultural values in society. It is also important to involve local communities in the processes of preserving and promoting cultural heritage, which will increase their activity and awareness in this area.

Gamifying cultural heritage: Exploring the potential of immersive virtual exhibitions

This paper reviews the potential of gamified cultural heritage in immersive virtual exhibitions. A systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines identified 78 relevant papers from ACM and IEEE databases. Gamification and immersive technologies can provide interactive experiences to engage visitors and enhance their understanding of exhibits’ historical and cultural significance. Theoretical frameworks, including gamification theory, heritage interpretation theory, participatory heritage, immersive experience theory, and pedagogy, guide designing compelling experiences. Case studies like “Rome Reborn”, “Sutton House Stories”, and “Assassin’s Creed: Origins” demonstrate the efficacy of gamification in disseminating heritage. Key strategies include integrating augmented/virtual reality, multimodal data and 3D reconstruction, interactive narratives and gameplay, personalized experiences, advanced interfaces, balancing education and entertainment, and ensuring cultural sensitivity. Future work can explore AI-adaptive experiences, AR/VR integration, remote collaboration, educational game elements, and digital creativity models. Gamification and immersion provide innovative preservation and inheritance of cultural heritage. This review promotes digitalization and identifies literature gaps, supporting reflection on engagement’s past, present, and future. It aims to enable a broader appreciation of cultural heritage through technology.

Digital 3D models for medieval heritage: diachronic analysis and documentation of its architecture and paintings

In this paper, we discuss the requirements and technical challenges within the EHEM project, Enhancement of Heritage Experiences: The Middle Ages, an ongoing research program for the acquisition, analysis, documentation, interpretation, digital restoration, and communication of medieval artistic heritage. The project involves multidisciplinary teams comprising art historians and visual computing experts. Despite the vast literature on digital 3D models in support of Cultural Heritage, the field is so rich and diverse that specific projects often imply distinct, unique requirements which often challenge the computational technologies and suggest new research opportunities. As good representatives of such diversity, we describe the three monuments that serve as test cases for the project, all of them with a rich history of architecture and paintings. We discuss the art historians’ view of how digital models can support their research, the expertise and technological solutions adopted so far, as well as the technical challenges in multiple areas spanning geometry and appearance acquisition, color analysis and digital restitution, as well as the representation of the profound transformations due to the alterations suffered over the centuries.

Fighting erasure and dispossession in the San Francisco Bay Area: putting archaeology to work for the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe

The Muwekma Ohlone Tribe has long been involved in the archaeology and stewardship of their ancestral homelands, both through their own cultural resource management (CRM) firm and though collaborations with academic and CRM archaeologists. In this article, we build on the past 40 years of archaeological collaborations in the southern San Francisco Bay region and offer examples of how archaeologists can support tribal heritage and environmental stewardship by using the traditional purview of material culture in combination with a broader array of evidence and concerns. As presented in our brief case studies, the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe and scholars are working together to reclaim tribal heritage and promote Native stewardship in a cultural landscape that has been marred by more than 250 years of dispossession. We examine this work in the context of the renaming of ancestral sites, the public interpretation of Native heritage associated with Mission Santa Clara de Asís, archival research into the history of Indigenous resistance, as well as collaborative efforts to awaken traditional ecological knowledge in service of the Tribe's stewardship and land management goals.

Influence of Cultural Heritage Preservation on Tourism Development in Egypt

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of cultural heritage preservation on tourism development in Egypt. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The preservation of cultural heritage significantly influences tourism development by attracting visitors interested in experiencing historical and cultural landmarks. This preservation fosters a deeper appreciation of local traditions and histories, enriching the tourism experience and distinguishing destinations from others. Investment in cultural heritage not only safeguards historical sites and practices but also boosts local economies through increased tourist expenditure. By maintaining and promoting cultural heritage, communities can offer unique and authentic experiences, which are highly valued by tourists. This, in turn, can lead to sustainable tourism growth, as it encourages repeat visits and word-of-mouth promotion. Additionally, cultural heritage preservation often leads to improved infrastructure and facilities, further enhancing the overall appeal of a destination. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Cultural conservation theory, heritage interpretation theory and tourism destination management theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the influence of cultural heritage preservation on tourism development in Egypt. Promote best practices in heritage conservation and tourism management that prioritize authenticity, community involvement, and sustainable development. Advocate for integrated policy frameworks that align heritage preservation goals with tourism development objectives.

Diving into a Heritage Metaverse: Learning from End User-driven Experiences and Perspectives to Enhance Virtual Heritage Interpretation

This study aims to explore the potential of the metaverse to determine if it can be an effective medium for realizing an end-user-driven heritage interpretation platform. To this end, we conducted an in-depth user-study using a combination of qualitative experimental methods (cultural probes and a focus group interview) to obtain data on the thought processes, experiences, and responses of end-users within the metaverse called the Peaceful Hill, a heritage metaverse created by the National Museum of Korea and hosted on Zepeto, a metaverse platform. The twelve participants in their 20s were recruited for a five-day experiment. Through an inductive thematic study, four themes related to the end-user experience in the process of virtual heritage interpretation were identified, as follows: structural components as virtual wider settings, interactive components as life-logging experience, mediating components as an actor, and heritage interpretation components. Then, based on the visual network analysis, we further explored the multiple connections and reciprocal influences of the above themes to uncover differences and similarities in user-perceived experiences in the metaverse compared to existing virtual environments. In addition, we offered insights and design considerations for establishing a participatory heritage interpretation experience in the metaverse.

Evolution of Mechanization and Automation in Dairy Farming

The paper shows the development of technologies and tools of mechanization and automation in livestock farming for the period from 1930 to the present. (Research purpose) Given the cyclical nature of processes and the nuanced interpretations of scientific heritage, it is necessary to investigate the historical experience and contributions of scientists to the development and practical implementation of mechanization and automation tools in livestock farming. (Methods and materials) The paper examines the primary stages of mechanization and automation in cow milking, starting with the development of the first Soviet three-stroke milking machine DA-3. It considers the contributions made by specialized institutes of the All-Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences and individual scientists in formulating testing methodologies for milking machines. Additionally, it explores the development and adoption of novel electromechanical tools for dairy farms. (Results and discussion) Considered in this paper are the pioneering efforts in the creation of the first milking parlors. These include the stationary herringbone type machines with a parallel-pass design, spearheaded by V.S. Krasnov, V.F. Korolev, V.P. Larin, V.P. Pokhvalensky, and A.N. Dormidontov, and the development of mobile carousel parlors of the «rotating herringbone» type, engineered by the design bureau of the Siberian Research Institute of Agriculture under the supervision of I.I. Teslenko, N.V. Krasnoshchekov, K.S. Shapovalov, N.K. Vazenmiller, A.V. Goldenfang. (Conclusions) The paper notes the significance of adopting a systematic approach to the developing of machinery for livestock farming mechanization. This approach was actively pursued by N.M. Morozov, the member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. A significant milestone in the advancement of the theory and practice of animal husbandry processes was the pioneering work in developing and implementing technology for flow-conveyor animal service, headed by Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences L.P. Kormanovsky. The paper reveals the necessity of conducting a historical practices from previous generations. This approach helps to develop modern models of machinery and equipment and avoid mere replication of foreign designs. It also facilitates independent research and development efforts, incorporating insights from the accumulated experience of utilizing equipment and technologies in Russia.

Serial properties and heritage interpretation. Lessons from the Israeli Biblical Tels inscription

ABSTRACT World Heritage serial properties are groupings of several heritage component parts that share common themes and values. This paper examines how these serial properties, as well as their individual component parts, are influenced by serial interpretive dynamic, and how this dynamic affects on-site interpretation. We demonstrate these issues through the Israeli serial property inscription of the Biblical Tels – Megiddo, Hazor, Beer-Sheba (2005). We chart the revisions along the inscription process to point out the presence of an interpretive dynamic. We describe interpretive dynamic as the effect of the justifications of the nomination over heritage significance and interpretation, both within the realm of World Heritage and in each heritage property locally. This paper concludes that interpretive dynamic is an inevitable part of the serial process. We argue that the dynamic represents a gap between the frequent use of series as an inscription catalyst and their essence as value-oriented constructs. Considering this, we criticise the overuse of serial inscriptions and call for a revised definition that re-addresses the important place of interpretation in this process.