Thursday 5 June 2014

Meeting Audience needs

Meeting audience needs:

Importance of establishing audience needs
Importance of establishing audience needs for effective interpretation.

What they provide for Children
Urquhart Castle - Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart remains includes a tower house that commands splendid views. The visitor centre contains retail, interpretation area, audio-visual presentation and tearoom and toilets.
Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition - The exhibition bases itself on 'Edutainment' and much of the content is based on the national curriculum. There are free pre and post work packs to download from the site. See and touch many real research exhibits and perhaps meet Adrian Shine, leader of the project.
Nessie land - is a great place to see Nessie and learn a bit about Loch Ness and the famous Loch Ness monster.
Abriachan Trails - excellent woodland and moorland walk using trails laid out by the Abriachan Forest Community Trust. Good views and a great many interesting things to see for the kids.

What they provide for adults: 


What they provide for the elderly:

For the elderly they provide a senior citizens outing. This is provided by Jacob bite cruises, Loch ness.
By Chloe

Language levels
To make the attraction enjoyable for non-English speakers, Tower of London provides its services in various languages.
The website of the attraction is available in the most widely spoken languages: in German, Spanish, Italian and Brazilian.
Multimedia guides are available to explore five different tours in the Tower of London. Audio guides include stories about the Normans and before, the Medieval Palace and about life inside a Royal Fortress. Guides also introduce imprisonment and executions inside the Tower.
Multimedia guides are available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (Mandarin) languages. It meets the demand of the main visitors to London: visitors from USA, France, Germany, Italy and Spain (International Passenger Survey, 2012).
However, I think it does not meet the needs of all visitors. Visitors who do not speak English may choose another language but those who do not understand any of the 11 listed languages will not be able to enjoy the stories of the exhibition. As it may be unrealistic to make these services available in every language in the world, I think the languages of visitors arriving in large number should be also available (for example, Polish and Indian) to make the attraction enjoyable for everyone.
By Adrienn

Combination of interpretative media to achieve appropriate effects

Media for interpretation

Media for interpretation

Media for example published material

Media for interpretation for example published material for Tower of London:
    Fact-sheets
     Guidebooks for palace,
     Press kits,
      Fact sheets,
      Online photographic library,
      Newsletters,

     Groups and travel trade manuals.

By Melissa and Oksana


Evaluate methods and media used for interpretation within heritage and cultural industry for tourists.

Media for interpretation: media for example published material
Thanks to a partnership there has been a contribution more than £17000 by VisitScotland to promote Loch Ness as the perfect place to take a short break.
To attract tourists from England and Central Scotland, Destination Loch Ness (organization) uses a part of the grant to develop its online activity with social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.
The £34,600 marketing campaign includes a £17,300 contribution from the VisitScotland Growth Fund.

 The Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing intends to position Scotland as a first class destination for both business and leisure tourism.
Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most appreciated and globally recognised attractions. It is a good point because Destinations Loch Ness is a not for profit organisation and its aim is to capitalise the natural beauty, culture heritage face up to the area's tourism, local businesses and communities.

With the VisitScotland Growth Fund some organisations like Destination Loch Ness increase their tourism revenue by attracting new target markets, increasing visitor’s numbers and developing more activities along with visitors can do more to spend and stay longer.

In 2006 the Executive Director of Destination Loch Ness said with the success' monster in our tourism industry the area has much to offer a landscape, wildlife and heritage as rich and deep as anywhere else in Scotland and many activities.
The funding of VisitScotland will help to use social media to bring more visitors and enjoy a short break by the company.
http://www.visitscotland.org/media_centre/loch_ness_growth_fund.aspx

By Melisa


Audio-visual
Audio-visual- is discovering five different tours which you can choose the Normans and before and the Medieval place. For families it tells us that three famous tower ravens guide families with blood curdling stories of prisoners and torture which where it has also been told that polar bears and leopards used to live there or that someone almost stole the Crown jewels with them tales of daring escapes, grisly execution and the disappearance of the princes which is an interactive audio tour which is suitable for children and grown-ups too. They also provide different languages for people who does not understand English or where English might not be there their first language they provide multimedia guides with a lot of different languages such as English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (Mandarin) and lots more.
By TJ

Interactive technology

Audio Sensory By Ashley
http://www.lochness.com/ 

Drama and role play
What is a Role Play?
To act out a certain problem or event either in the future or in the past.  The Tower of London employees carry out ‘Historical Re-enactments’ there are 4 main re-enactments that take place throughout the year at the Tower of London. These include;

Fortress Tower:
Recruiting of the soldiers and knights of the tower.
‘Have you got what it takes to be of one the soldier who guard the tower, or one of the knights who commands them’?

A Knights Tale:
Geoffrey Chaucer, 1390, tells his story of Chivalry, Knighthood and Romance.

Knight School:
What it took to become a knight in 1390. Be prepared for an attack on the tower!

Tudors at the Tower family festival:
Bringing the court of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII to life, and preparing for her coronation.  

Historical Royal Palaces . (2014). Tudors at the Tower family festival .Available: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/tudorsatthetower.
 Last accessed 22.05.2014.
Historical Royal Palaces. (2014). Historical Re-enactment. Available: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/Historicalre-enactments.
Last accessed 22.05.2014.
By Robyn

Interpretation

Importance of interpretation to the visitor experience

Everyone has a different way to interpret culture and heritage. One influence to this would be media. The way media demonstrates culture and heritage could be different to what and how it actually it is. It is important to capture the true essence of the heritage and culture of a place/destination because other may get the wrong idea or sense of how it should really be.
For example in Egypt with the civil war going on, the media has made seem the Egyptian culture to be violent, because that is how they are shown in the media, this makes visitors interpret the Egyptian culture and  discourages tourists to visit Egypt.
This is a bad point because the consequences of this to Egypt is that their tourist numbers will decrease and people/visitors around the world will interpret the Egyptians wrong and judge them wrongly.

Visitors should go and experience the culture and heritage from themselves, also it is important that local Egyptian tourist board is in charge that they should have locals giving information of the place of culture and heritage they should have a strong background knowledge of the ‘real’ sense if the culture and heritage of the destination.
By Kamila and Liz 

Loch Ness - Customers


The customers
Highlands: 70% from UK and 30% from overseas
Male 49%
Female 51%
Age
%
16-24
11.00%
25-34
24.00%
35-44
21.00%
45-54
20.00%
55-64
17.00%
+65
7.00%


Motivations
%
Particular interest in scenery
57.00%
Particular interest in history of
this area
23.00%
Recommendation
22.00%
Particular attraction
20.00%
Area I know well
20.00%
Specific activities available
18.00%
Undertake a particular activity
15.00%
Accommodation deal
10.00%
Tourist Board brochure
8.00%
 Family connections
7.00%
Particular accommodation
4.00%
Special occasion
2.00%
A book featuring this area
6.00%
A movie/film featuring the
area
6.00%

Predominately scenery (57%).
History of area (23%), recommendations
(22%), know the area (20%)
Particular attractions included Loch Ness and the whisky distilleries




 By Melisa

Loch Ness - Purpose of Heritage and Culture

Loch Ness

Education


Urquhart castle is one of the largest castles of Scotland and includes a tower house that commands splendid views of the famous loch and Great Glen. The castle has known conflict during 500 years (medieval) and from the 13th to 17th centuries a bloody conflict.
It is very educational because this castle has an enriching story because after the independence of Scotland in the 14th century Robert the Bruce became King of Scots. Different nobles’ families such as Durward, MacDonald and Grant have lived in this castle.
Thanks to the exhibition and the audio-visual display pupils and student live through again the History. The Centre has an exceptional range of medieval artefact found at the castle.

Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition
This Exhibition is very instructive to all children because it is the loch context there is also expeditions and while others can create monsters.
Thanks to this very latest multi-media system, original research equipment and authentic underwater films.
With a highly effective mix of lasers, digital projection and special effects Loch Ness charts the history of the monster by exploring Scotland's geological past, its legend and the various research projects carried out on the loch. Visitors can see discoveries of some researches including environmental fingerprints left in the loch’s layers by both nature and mankind. By discovering this exhibition children will get an informative experience.

Nessieland is an exciting new scientific exhibition on Loch Ness also has an exciting new exhibition that is both informative and funny for families and children. Nessieland presents all the facts and well documented evidence with displays and an educational and entertaining 30 minute film in several languages.
The film explains the underwater searches which have explored the depths of the Loch Ness since 1970s.
After learning the story of Nessie children can have fun with the Nessieland Adventure Playground which offers many activities such climbing frames, chutes, swings etc.
ihttp://www.nessieland.co.uk/castle.html
By Melisa



Research 
There is more water in Loch Ness than all the other lakes in England, Scotland and Wales put together.

Geology
Loch Ness lies along the Great Glen Fault, which forms a line of weakness in the rocks which has been excavated by glacial erosion, forming the Great Glen and the basins of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness.

Fish species

Anguilla anguilla
Esox lucius
Acipenser transmontanus
Gasterosteus aculeatus
Lampetra planeri
Phoxinus phoxinus
Salmo salar
Salmo trutta
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus alpinus
By Chloe

Recreation 
Lochness
Further information about the value of the Lochness: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2612305/Value-Loch-Ness-monster-tourism-industry-assessed-Scottish-seminar.htm
Loch Ness & Inverness Scotland
Loch Ness, close to the Highland city of Inverness is one of the most popular UK holiday destinations. We offer a wide selection of quality accommodation from both city and country – cottages, hotels, bed and breakfast, camping as well as lots of things to see and do for a great family holiday – castles, golf, fishing, hiking and activity holidays all in one fabulous destination. Where else can you find city lights and dark skies so close to each other? Inverness is a city oasis surrounded by the most magnificent Highland countryside of Lochs, heather moors and hills.
The central location of Loch Ness makes it the perfect destination for holidays in the Scottish Highlands. At the loch itself, of course, there’s always a chance to glimpse ‘Nessie’, the world-famous Loch Ness Monster. Inverness too is enviously served with first class air, road and rail links from the rest of Scotland, the UK and the continent making it an ideal destination for corporate functions and business conferences too!
No holiday in Scotland is complete without a visit to Loch Ness, just 8 miles from Inverness. Over 20 miles long, a mile wide and 700 feet at its deepest, it is the largest lake in Scotland by volume. The surrounding area is filled with historic attractions, natural wonders, cosy places to stay, and superb eateries. The Loch Ness Monster is just one of the many myths and legends to be discovered in this particularly beautiful part of Scotland. See our interactive map, click and print walks around Loch Ness, heritage sites, visitor attractions and much more…


















https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zitp5fNczYc (accessed on 25/05/14)

Have a look at the video to understand why people choose to travel to Inverness/Scotland.
With depths reaching 700 feet and a length of more than 20 miles, Loch Ness provides plenty of hiding places for its legendary monster. Should you tire of searching for Nessie, this scenic section of the Scottish Highlands also has charming villages like Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus, open-air Shakespearean productions, multiple golf courses and medieval Urquhart Castle. Wildlife of the non-mythological variety and ancient Caledonian pine forests can be found in the Glen Affric nature reserve.
South Loch Ness Tourist Group
Our area has been referred to as the Scottish “Lake District” so numerous are the Lochs in this part of the Highlands. An undiscovered, unspoilt land of craggy hills, lochs, tumbling waters and heather moors will delight and inspire all who value true wilderness, yet so close the Highland capital city of Inverness

The locals and businesses alike, proudly call this part of Scotland “special” and work hard to preserve and protect the local environment. We actively encourage environmentally friendly, green tourism business, in a determined effort to preserve this unspoilt corner of the Scottish Highlands for generations to come, hence our “walk on the wildside” image, which is widely acknowledged throughout the Inverness and Loch Ness region as a sign of the environmentally aware communities of South Loch Ness.

Visit our South Loch Ness website to find full details of holiday accommodation including self catering cottages, chalets & lodges. B&B bed and breakfast, guest houses, hotels, holiday Inn, timeshare and other accommodations, in the South Loch Ness area of Scotland.

Also detailed listings of tourist attractions, loch Ness cruises, sport and activity holidays available at Loch Ness.
Understand the growth and development of heritage and cultural industry within travel and tourism
 Attractions.
Inverness City Capital of Northern Highlands of Scotland
Inverness skyline and the river NessNo visit to the Highlands of Scotland would be complete without a stay in Inverness, aptly called the capital of the Highlands. Inverness is a Gaelic word meaning “mouth of the River Ness”, which flows out of Loch Ness, famous for its Monster!, into the Moray Firth, famous for its dolphins.
On its journey to the sea, the River Ness runs through Inverness city centre and the grassy river banks on both sides are regularly used by picnicking holidaymakers and locals alike during summer months. Salmon make their way up the River Ness to the spawning grounds in tributaries deep in the Great Glen. These migrating salmon are often pursued up river by seals which can be seen from the river bank. Where else could you see such wildlife in a city centre?
Inverness and Loch Ness are inextricably linked, particularly for tourists, and few tourists visit Inverness without also having a tour around Loch Ness plus it is close enough to cycle there. Likewise, virtually all tourist, staying at Loch Ness, visit Inverness at some point during their holiday.
Inverness modern shopping centreHolidaymakers and locals alike, from all over the northern Highlands, take advantage of the excellent shopping, clubs and restaurants which have opened up in recent years, since Inverness city centre has modernised and blossomed.
Travellers and holiday makers will find the compact city centre and the friendly unhurried pace makes Inverness a stress free destination with a quality of life that is hard to beat anywhere in the world and one you will want to return to, once experienced!
There is a great variety of good quality accommodation in Inverness – hotels, bed and breakfasts, self catering and hostels, all of which get busy at peak periods, so it is always better to advance book your accommodation, whenever possible.
Main rail and bus routes from the south and north terminate in the city centre and Dalcross airport is just 8 miles from the city centre. Flights to Inverness can be taken from many major UK and continental airports. Please see our Travel Section
Find out more on the Inverness City website

SEE THE INVERNESS VIDEO
 By Ashley

Entertainment 
Loch Ness things to do:

Loch Ness is known around the world for Nessie the fabled Loch Ness Monster, but the area is also famous for its beauty and history as well as our legendary mystery.
You may be surprised to learn just how much the area offers in terms of visitor attractions, things to do and activities and as a base for exploring further afield in the Highlands.

Activities
Walking near Loch Ness

Loch Ness is a great place
for activity holidays. Walking, cycling, birdwatching…Go

Attractions
Attractions Loch Ness

Famous for its beauty and history as well as our little mystery – Nessie.Go

Boat Trips
Boat Trips on Loch Ness
One of the best ways of appreciating Loch Ness is from the water.Go

Arts & Crafts
Arts & Crafts
There are a number of art galleries and craft workshops around Loch Ness.Go

Shopping & Services
Shopping
A great range of independent local shops and services around the Loch Ness.Go

Golf
Golf around Loch Ness

Traditional links golf, tranquillity, solitude and natural beauty.Go

There really is something for everyone. For instance, if you like history, the area is filled with historic gems – from majestic Urquhart Castle to the Caledonian Canal, a wonder of the industrial age that is still very much in use today. Indeed, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy the magnificent Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness itself from the water either sailing or on the numerous pleasure boat cruises that operate in the area.

Back on dry land, there are plenty of heritage and wildlife trails around Loch Ness – and the parish churches are ideal sources of information for those hoping to research their Heritage or Scottish ancestors.
There are plenty of sporting activities to take part in – all set against a breathtaking backdrop of highland scenery. You could spend a relaxing day fishing for salmon, trout or pike – or try your hand at sailing or canoeing on the Loch.

If you’re feeling more energetic, there are plenty of adventure sports on offer in the area – mountain biking, hill walking, wind surfing, paragliding and skiing on the Nevis Range.

Remember, Scotland is the home of golf, so don’t forget to pack your clubs.

If you enjoy a more sedate pace, you could tour the art galleries, exhibitions, museums and craft shops in the area – stopping off here and there to sample the award-winning cuisine offered by our restaurants and inns.
In the evening, you’ll find a wide range of entertainment options – from traditional Scottish ceilidh music to open-air productions of Shakespeare plays.


Whatever your interest or whatever your age – Loch Ness and the Great Glen will help you and your family find what you’re looking for.
By Ashley