Several key points in planning interpretive tourism:
Focus on your strengths - base your product on what natural and cultural resources you have that others don't have.
Plan all stages of the project in detail before commencing, including marketing, product evaluation and redevelopment. Plan for and monitor budgets tightly.
Be very clear about what you want to achieve - profit, local employment, community pride and involvement, and conservation of the resource.
Consult and involve the local community.
Take the time to do the project well. Do not rush the stages of consultation and product development. Innovation does not happen overnight.
Know your target audience. Plan and tailor the product from the consumer’s needs and perspectives. Undertake market research.
Interpretation should be fun, encourage involvement, stimulate the senses, and pose a challenge. Plan all activities to reflect a strong theme.
Choose methods that involve and engage the senses. Face to face interpretation is the most effective.
Be cautious with technology. Can you afford it and do you need it?
Collaborate with experts. Expertise may be found within your local community.
Train the interpretative team to ensure consistency of product and messages.