Useful Websites

The following websites provide further information on interpretation.

Association for Heritage Interpretation (AHI)

Association for Heritage Interpretation (AHI) is the key UK forum for anyone interested in interpretation. AHI aims to promote high standards in the provision of interpretation and to gain wider recognition of interpretation as a professional activity.

Ecotourism Association of Australia

Ecotourism Australia (EA) is the peak national body for the ecotourism industry. Formed in 1991 as a not-for-profit organisation, it has significantly contributed to long term environmental sustainability on a national and global level through its ground-breaking and world class ECO Certification program. EA has maintained a strong focus on the facilitation of environmental best practice, and a sustainable approach to tourism resulting in Australia gaining global recognition as a leading ecotourism destination. This achievement has been made with the strong support of our members and stakeholders, and specialist sustainable tourism partners throughout Australia. EA now administers four certification programs: ECO, Respecting Our Culture, Climate Action and EcoGuide.

Guiding Organisations Australia (GOA)

Guiding Organisations Australia (GOA) is the peak body for Tour Guides throughout Australia.

GOA strives to improve recognition of tour guides and promote professional development within the industry and launched a national tour guide accreditation called Guides of Australia in June 2006.

GOA’s website provides a wealth of information and endeavours to bring together knowledge from all sectors of the tourism industry and related fields for the benefit of all tour guides within Australia.

Interpretation Australia Association (IAA)

Interpretation Australia Association is a national membership-based organisation dedicated to the advancement of the profession of heritage interpretation. It currently serves more than 400 members in Australia, New Zealand and other countries. A large proportion of IAA members are employed by government agencies. Members who are consultants work in interpretation development, visitor research, writing, graphic design, multi-media and drama. They provide services to agencies to develop and produce interpretive plans, interpretive media, and guiding programs.

IAA Tasmania Representatives:

Jen Fry
TAS Parks & Wildlife Service
Ph: (03) 6233 3097
Email: Jen.Fry@parks.tas.gov.au

Andy Baird
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Ph: (03) 6211 4127
Email: andy.baird@tmag.tas.gov.au

Interpretation Network New Zealand (INNZ)

The Interpretation Network New Zealand (INNZ) is a network of guides, designers, contractors, writers, researchers, rangers, curators, volunteers, eco-tourism operators, students, teachers, trainers, and display and exhibit technicians. INNZ shares best practice and fosters professional standards in heritage interpretation.

Interpretation Canada (IC)

Interpretation Canada (IC) is a volunteer-run association of contributing members with a focus on professional development. IC’s mission is to inspire, inform, engage, and support those involved in the field of heritage interpretation in Canada and beyond through professional development and networking.

Monash University Tourism Research Unit

The Monash University Tourism Research Unit (TRU) consists of an experienced team of researchers contributing to the knowledge base of tourism. It’s primary objective to meet the research needs of industry in Victoria, nationally and internationally.

A selection of useful research publications as well as information on current and completed projects by the TRU can be found on the Unit’s website.

National Association of Interpretation (NAI)

The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is a professional organisation dedicated to advancing the profession of heritage interpretation, currently serving about 5000 members in the United States, Canada, and over thirty other nations. Individual members include those who work at parks, museums, nature centres, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, commercial tour companies, and theme parks. Commercial and institutional members include those who provide services to the heritage interpretation industry.

Sense of Place; An interpretive planning handbook, Carter J. (ed) 1997

This handbook was produced in Scotland and draws on local project examples presenting local heritage to visitors. However the case studies are relevant to projects anywhere in the world.

The handbook covers topics from an introduction to interpretation, interpretation planning through to designing and producing interpretation and evaluation.

Scottish Interpretation Network (SIN)

The Scottish Interpretation Network (SIN) is an informal network with the aims of encouraging discussion, sharing ideas and supporting contact between interpreters in Scotland. SIN focuses on cultural and natural heritage interpretation in Scotland.

Volunteering Australia (VA)

If your business operation relies on volunteer staff then Volunteering Australia may be able to assist you. Volunteering Australia is the national peak body working to advance volunteering in the Australian community. Its role is to represent the diverse views and needs of the volunteer sector while promoting the activity of volunteering as one of enduring social, cultural and economic value.

Visit Volunteering Australia's comprehensive website for all the information you need to build your knowledge base, extend your networks and stay in touch with the issues impacting the volunteering sector as they emerge.

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