How tour guides interpret and present cultural heritage: a case study in Historic Jeddah, a World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia?

Abstract

The interpretation provided by tour guides at heritage sites is essential for helping visitors appreciate, understand and recognise the value of preservation. Historic Jeddah, one of the most significant World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia, holds great historical importance as the gateway to the two holy cities of Islam. However, a major challenge facing this site is the pressure of tourism. Effective interpretation by tour guides can play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge. This research used Historic Jeddah as a case study to examine how tour guides interpret and present cultural heritage and whether they contribute to advocating for its preservation. The research investigated how tour guides convey cultural heritage to visitors, what information and stories they share and how they create an enjoyable experience that leaves visitors with a distinct sense of the heritage's value. It used qualitative methods by conducting online interviews with two tour guides who regularly lead tours in Historic Jeddah. Results indicate that the heritage interpretation of tour guides has the potential to create a pleasant experience for visitors, leading them to recognise the importance of preserving both the tangible and intangible aspects of cultural heritage.