AN OVERVIEW OF INTERPRETATION IN TOURISM AND ITS ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Nowadays, becoming environmentally sustainable has become crucial to developing tourism. The task of directing tourism activities towards the ideal of sustainability can also be served through the use of interpretation. The aim of this study is to conduct a literature review in the field of interpretation in tourism in order to highlight its role in the destination management equation and its contribution to sustainable tourism development. The literature highlights the critical role of interpretation in improving knowledge and raising awareness of the importance of environmental protection by tourists in the destination visited. Many studies have also highlighted the different impact that verbal and non-verbal interpretation can have on the degree of involvement of tourists in environmental protection activities in the destination. From a managerial point of view, tourism decision-makers should consider including interpretation activities in the marketing strategy of the tourist destination, with the aim of increasing tourists' involvement in environmental protection activities, which has a significant impact on the tourist experience, but also on tourists' satisfaction and behavioral intentions.