ABSTRACT
Freeman Tilden was the first writer on interpretation to seek to set down specific principles to follow, seeing the guidelines as much more important than a definition of interpretation itself — although his definition, quoted at the start of the introduction, remained the standard in the field for several decades. Interpretation is also playing a major role in the rapid rise in the practice of sustainable tourism, particularly around the Pacific Rim. However, it would be wrong to label interpretation as solely an approach to the presentation of the environmental resource as it was initially closely associated with museums in the National Parks. The atmosphere must become less rigid and more user-friendly than in the traditional museum — welcoming, inclusive, less church-like — providing support and encouraging involvement and discovery. The museum approach also supports the basic human inclination toward curiosity — arousing interest and motivating people to learn.
