Evaluating the effectiveness of guided versus non-guided interpretation in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Loading...
Authors
Roberts, Mark
Mearns, Kevin F.
Edwards, Victoria
Issue Date
2014-06-24
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Kruger National Park , guided interpretation , non-guided interpretation , Tourism
Alternative Title
Abstract
In the face of growing pressure placed on the natural environment, the study on which
this article is based considered the effectiveness of interpretive provision in mitigating the
harmful effects of tourism on the environment. The aim of this research was to determine
whether guided or non-guided interpretation is most effective in reaching the stated goals of interpretation. The four key goals of interpretation, namely visitor satisfaction, knowledge gain, attitude change and modification of behaviour intent, were used in the assessment of the relative effectiveness of guided and non-guided interpretation in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Through comparing responses to questionnaires from post-visit samples and observing both guided and non-guided interpretation, the research found that guided interpretation was only marginally more effective in reaching the four key goals of interpretation than the non-guided interpretive media. Guided interpretation was found to be more effective in terms of visitor satisfaction, whilst guided and non-guided interpretation had only marginal differences in effectiveness in relation to knowledge gain, attitude change and intent to modify behaviour.
Conservation implications: The necessity of implementing an appropriate interpretation
programme within protected areas cannot be overemphasised. The interpretation programme should be designed to include elements of both guided and non-guided interpretation in order to achieve a predetermined goal. The effectiveness of the programme should be evaluated periodically and amended where appropriate.
Description
Citation
http:// dx.doi.org/10.4102/koedoe. v56i2.1160
Publisher
Koedoe http://www.koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
0075-6458