Presentation Schedule
Storytelling for Visitors: How Interpretation Enriches Visitor Experience in Tourism and Recreation for Sustainability (105401)
Session Chair: Naoko Yamada
Thursday, 26 March 2026 10:15
Session: Session 1
Room: Room 703 (7F)
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Heritage interpretation involves communicating with visitors at natural and cultural heritage sites, including national parks, museums, nature reserves, historical ruins, and cultural buildings. Despite its importance, relatively little research has examined the role of storytelling in heritage interpretation. Specifically, how storytelling can enrich interpretation and foster deeper visitor engagement remains underexplored. This session addresses this gap by examining the concept, structure, and psychological mechanisms of storytelling, its influence on affect, cognition, and behavior, and its practical application in heritage interpretation. It seeks to answer two key questions: Why should interpretation prioritize storytelling over the mere presentation of facts? And how can storytelling be effectively integrated into heritage interpretation practices? Drawing on a review of relevant literature, the session highlights several approaches to incorporating storytelling in heritage interpretation, including techniques for emotional engagement, narrative transportation, and visitor-centered meaning-making. The session also explores how storytelling can enhance visitor experience, encourage pro-environmental or pro-cultural behaviors, and contribute to sustainable tourism development. By linking theoretical insights with practical applications, this session aims to provide heritage professionals and researchers with actionable strategies to design engaging, meaningful, and memorable interpretive experiences.
Authors:
Naoko Yamada, Kanazawa University, Japan
About the Presenter(s)
Dr Naoko Yamada is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Kanazawa University in Japan
See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule
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