METHODS OF INTERPRETATION IN THE NATURE-BASED TOURISM - A QUALITATIVE SURVEY

Interpretation of cultural and natural heritage is a current direction of research in the sector of tourism, derived from the present-day broader concerns regarding the identification of appropriate ways to contribute to the objectives of developing a sustainable tourism that uses more rationally the cultural and natural resources that it is based on and takes into account the needs and interests of all stakeholders involved in its development. The methods of interpretation used by specialists are either personal or non-personal and concern the effective ways of performing it. The present paper analyzes, through a qualitative approach, the main methods of interpreting the natural heritage, reflected in the literature. It is noted that managers use personal and non-personal interpretation methods adapted to the visited site, the effective involvement of tourists and staff being essential in achieving the objectives related to visitor satisfaction, their attitude and behavior towards the impacts generated by tourism. At its turn, the use of new technologies in interpretation is both a concern and a way to achieve these goals.