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Enhance public awareness and visitor experience through sensitive interpretation and presentation of cultural heritage
Interpretation provide education and lifelong learning. It raises awareness and appreciation of culture and heritage, fostering intercultural tolerance and dialogue, and enhancing capacities within host communities.
Responsible tourism and cultural heritage management must provide accurate and respectful interpretation, presentation, dissemination and communication. It must offer opportunities for host communities to present their cultural heritage first hand. It must also provide a worthwhile visitor experience and opportunities for discovery, inclusive enjoyment and learning. Heritage presentation and promotion should interpret and communicate the diversity and interconnections of tangible and intangible cultural values in order to enhance the appreciation and understanding of their significance.
The authenticity, values and significance of places are often complex, contested and multifaceted, and every effort should be taken to be inclusive when considering the interpretation and presentation of information. Interpretation methods should not detract from the authenticity of the place. It can use appropriate, stimulating and contemporary forms of education and training, using networks and social media. There are significant opportunities for the use of technology, including augmented reality and virtual reconstructions based on scientific research. Communication at destinations and heritage places must address conservation and community rights, issues and challenges, so that visitors and tourism operators are made aware that they must be respectful and responsible when visiting and promoting heritage.
Interpretation and presentation enhance visitor experiences of heritage places and should be accessible to all, including people with disabilities. Remote interpretation tools must be used in circumstances where visitor access may threaten heritage fabric and its integrity. It can also be used where universal access cannot be achieved, using multiple languages where feasible.
Heritage practitioners and professionals, site managers and communities share the responsibility to interpret and communicate heritage. The interpretation and presentation of cultural heritage must be representative and acknowledge challenging aspects of the history and memory of the place. It should be based on interdisciplinary research, including the most up-to-date science and the knowledge of local peoples and communities. It should be conducted professionally within an appropriate certification framework. Efforts should be made to improve regulation of heritage presentation, interpretation, dissemination and communication. The knowledge represented and generated in relevant disciplines for cultural heritage (i.e., art history, history, archaeology, anthropology or architecture) must inform and ensure the quality of interpretation and presentation of heritage places.
Case 1
Case 1
Coming
Case 2
Case 2
Coming
Case 3
Case 3
Coming
Webinar on principle 3
Webinar on principle 3
Recording of webinar on principle 3 organised 22 April 2026
Resources
Resources
Implementation
Implementation
To ensure accurate, respectful and inclusive interpretation and communication of cultural heritage with the participation of host communities, the following steps can be taken:
Actively involve host communities in the design and implementation of interpretation and communication projects, so that their own voices and perspectives play a leading role in the presentation of cultural heritage. Facilitate dialogue and co-creation between local communities, cultural actors and professionals.
Consider the use of modern communication technologies (such as AR) and virtual reconstructions to create engaging and educational experiences, but carefully assess whether such technologies undermine the authenticity of the site or the rights of the local community.
Ensure that communication reflects the diversity of tangible and intangible cultural values and includes complex, multifaceted and possibly controversial aspects of the site's history and culture.
Facilitate universal accessibility so that people with disabilities and multilingual visitors have equal opportunities to experience and learn about cultural heritage; this includes accessible physical infrastructure, different languages and adapted communication methods.
Base communication on interdisciplinary research combined with local knowledge to ensure high professional quality and credibility. Professional responsibility must be balanced with respect and recognition of local cultural understanding.
Reflection questions
Reflection questions
The following reflection questions can help develop practices, measures and projects that both safeguard the rights of the local population and convey the diversity and complexity of cultural heritage in an authentic way:
Involvement of host communities
How do we ensure that the voice of the host community plays a leading role in the design and implementation of the project?
What measures can strengthen dialogue and co-creation between local communities, professionals and cultural actors?
How can we manage the balance of power so that no groups dominate or are marginalised in the process?
How does interpretation shape or mediate the realization of the fundamental right to culture, particularly in terms of whose narratives are made visible, accessible, and legitimate within cultural heritage contexts?
Modern communication technologies
How do we assess whether AR and virtual reconstructions preserve the authenticity of the site and the rights of the local population?
In what ways can these technologies improve accessibility and engagement without replacing important traditional forms of communication?
How can the host community be involved in the selection and development of these technologies?
Diversity in cultural values
How do we ensure that communication encompasses the entire spectrum of tangible and intangible cultural values, including complex and controversial topics?
How do we deal with disagreements and sensitive aspects of the site's history in a respectful manner?
How can we promote diversity and multilingualism as a strength in communication?
Universal accessibility
How is the initiative adapted to people with disabilities, both physically and in terms of communication?
How can we ensure that multilingual visitors have equal opportunities for experience and learning?
How do we continuously evaluate and improve accessibility for all user groups?
Interdisciplinary research and local knowledge
How do we balance professional responsibility and local cultural understanding in our communication?
What methods are used to integrate traditional knowledge and local practices into research-based communication?
How can we maintain a respectful and continuous dialogue between researchers and local communities?
In what ways does the professionalization of interpretation influence its credibility, inclusivity, and public trust, and how can practitioners balance formal recognition with community-based knowledge and participation?
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