McGrath, G. 2006. Portals to Another Dimension: Myth, Magic & Myth in Tour Guiding. Paper at Cutting-Edge Research in Tourism: New Challenges, Directions & Applications. University of Surrey, Business School 06 - 08 Jun 2006 UniSdirect, University of Surrey.
| Title | Portals to Another Dimension: Myth, Magic & Myth in Tour Guiding |
|---|---|
| Authors | McGrath, G. |
| Type | Conference paper |
| Abstract | This paper gives an overview of the key challenges of tour guiding as an interpretative method. While guides can add value due to direct engagement with tourist groups, there are drawbacks linked to the live nature of the service. The paper offers a dissemination of the key findings from the author's doctoral thesis where she undertook research on visitor satisfaction with tourist guides in the Cusco area of Peru. The key challenges were notably, the over-reliance on the Inca heritage and archaeology, over-simplification of cultural rituals and routines, and a reluctance to embrace a plurality of meanings that could be drawn from key archaeological sites. Finally, the variable quality of the guide's skills in communicating a conservation message was also found to be an issue. |
| Keywords | tour guide skills |
| interpretation for conservation | |
| visitor satisfaction | |
| Inca archaeology and heritage | |
| Southern Peru | |
| Year | 2006 |
| Conference | Paper at Cutting-Edge Research in Tourism: New Challenges, Directions & Applications |
| Publisher | UniSdirect, University of Surrey |
| Publication dates | |
| Published | 2006 |