Writing Guidelines for “Visitor Centers”
Visitor centers are important facilities within the tourism system, providing information, interpretation, orientation, and support services that enhance visitor experiences and destination understanding. They serve as key points of contact between destinations and tourists, facilitating access to attractions, services, and local knowledge. Entries prepared for The Encyclopedia of World Tourism should present the relevant visitor center in an objective, academic, and source-based manner. The entry should examine its history, functions, facilities, management structure, and significance for tourism. Where applicable, attention should also be given to interpretive services, visitor engagement, accessibility, sustainability practices, and its contribution to destination management and promotion. All information should be supported by reliable and up-to-date sources.
Entry Format
1) Entry Title
[Name of the Visitor Center]
(If necessary, the location, destination, national park, heritage site, museum complex, or managing institution may be added in parentheses.)
Examples:
- Göbeklitepe Visitor Center
- Yellowstone Visitor Center (Yellowstone National Park)
- Machu Picchu Visitor Center
2) Introductory Statement (Descriptive Sentence)
The introductory statement should not exceed 250 characters.
In one or two sentences, briefly summarize the visitor center’s purpose, location, year of opening (if known), and its role in supporting visitors and tourism activities.
Introductory Statement (≤250 characters): [Write the introductory statement here.]
3) Main Text
The main text must contain at least 400 words.
The sections “See Also” and “References” are not included in the word count.
The entry should begin with the introductory statement.
The following headings are recommended. They may be used directly or incorporated into the narrative of the text.
3.1 Definition and Function
What is the visitor center?
What destination, attraction, protected area, heritage site, or tourism resource does it serve?
Primary functions:
- Visitor reception
- Information services
- Interpretation and education
- Orientation and wayfinding
- Visitor management
3.2 Opening Year and Development Process
- Opening year: [Year]
- Planning and development process (if applicable): [Brief information]
- Renovations, expansions, or relocations (if applicable): [Year + brief information]
3.3 Location
- Location: [Province/city/district/site]
- Geographic setting: [National park, archaeological site, urban heritage area, protected landscape, etc.]
- Accessibility and transportation connections (if applicable): [Brief information]
3.4 Managing Institution / Organization
- Managing authority: [Government agency, national park authority, municipality, museum administration, NGO, university, private operator, etc.]
- Affiliated institution(s): [Name]
- Partnership arrangements (if applicable): [Brief information]
3.5 Purpose and Target Visitors
- Purpose of establishment
- Target visitor groups:
- Domestic visitors
- International tourists
- School groups
- Researchers
- Local communities
- Special-interest visitors
3.6 Visitor Services and Facilities
- Information desk
- Ticketing services
- Visitor orientation materials
- Maps and guidebooks
- Restrooms and resting areas
- Souvenir shop
- Food and beverage facilities
- Accessibility services
- Parking facilities (Indicate which services are available.)
3.7 Interpretation and Educational Content
- Permanent exhibitions
- Temporary exhibitions
- Interactive displays
- Multimedia presentations
- Audio-visual installations
- Educational programs
- Workshops and guided tours
- (If applicable, explain the interpretation strategy and educational objectives.)
3.8 Architectural and Physical Characteristics
- Building design and architectural style
- Size and visitor capacity
- Sustainability features
- Relationship to the surrounding landscape or heritage resource (If applicable, mention awards or notable design characteristics.)
3.9 Visitor Statistics and Tourism Importance
- Annual visitor numbers (if available)
- Role within the destination's tourism system
- Contribution to visitor satisfaction and destination management
- Economic and social impacts on the local area
3.10 Current Status and Future Developments
- Current operational status
- Recent improvements
- Planned developments or expansion projects
- Digital visitor services and innovations
3.11 Significance and Evaluation (Optional, Recommended)
Provide a concise assessment of the visitor center’s contribution to:
- Visitor experience
- Heritage interpretation
- Sustainable tourism
- Destination management
- Education and public awareness