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Internet
The Internet is a public computer network that
spans the entire globe. Communication on the
Internet is based upon certain protocol, a welldefined
communication standard in the public
domain. The Internet connects many different
types of computers and operates over a broad
range of communication channels. Because of its
open architecture, the Internet has grown in a
bottom-up manner and adapted to the new needs
of its users.
Internet users are typically connected to the
network through `Internet providers'. These are
commercial companies that provide the infrastructure
that is needed for connecting to the network,
administrative arrangements with other providers
that ensure the proper delivery of messages, user
support and so on. A user can be connected to the
respective provider in many different ways, ranging
from high-capacity leased lines to dial-in via
regular telephone connections. The basic communication
standard of the Internet allows for many
different types of services, such as electronic mail
�e-mail), file transfer, remote terminal access,
remote database query and the like. All these
services work according to the client±server concept:
a client program translates the user's activities
into a proper request for information sent to a
server program, typically located on another
computer somewhere on the Internet. The server
program acts on this request and, for example,
returns a certain data file, returns the answer to a
database query, or sends out a set of e-mail
messages. Currently, the most important Internet
services are e-mail, e-mail based discussion lists,
newsgroups and the World Wide Web �WWW).
While the first three allow for communication
between two or more Internet users, the WWW
provides access to an enormous wealth of electronically
stored information.
In the context of tourism, the Internet is used in
many different ways. Airlines, travel agencies
and city tourism offices, among others, offer
electronic versions of their brochures and catalogues.
More sophisticated applications show current
vacancies and allow for online booking. Steady
customers are easily informed about special offers
via e-mail. In many areas, users share views about
destinations and recreational sites, talk about their
experience, ask for suggestions and help in their
travel planning, and more. Such direct exchange of
views may have a strong impact upon the image
of a destination, carrier or agent.
interpretation
interpretation 327
GUNTHER MAIER, AUSTRIA
Interpretation is any activity which seeks to explain
to people the significance of an object, a culture or
a place. Its three core functions are to enhance
visitor experiences, to improve visitor knowledge or
understanding, and to assist in the protection or
conservation of places or cultures �see cultural
conservation). It is most commonly used to refer
to activities such as guided tours or walks and
educational presentations, and to products such as
guidebooks and information leaflets. Interpretation
is a core activity in settings such as museums, art
galleries, zoos, historic areas and national parks.
All definitions of interpretation share three
features. First, interpretation is seen as communication
rather than education or simply provision
of information. Interpretation should offer its
audiences more than just information; it seeks to
encourage their interest in learning more by
themselves and it must be entertaining or offer
ways to enhance experiences. Second, interpretation
seeks to help people understand a place or
culture and in doing so should generate support for
the conservation and protection of these places and
cultures. Third, interpretation can be seen as an
important tourism, recreation or resource management
strategy. Effective interpretation should
provide people with the necessary information
and awareness to encourage more sustainable or
appropriate behaviours.
Interpretation can be seen as sharing some of
the features of both public and environmental
education programmes. However, environmental
education is primarily focused on students in
formal educational institutions, while interpretation
audiences are usually composed of people at
leisure in tourism and recreational settings. Public
education campaigns, such as those concerned
with reducing litter and encouraging water con