Using immersive and interactive approaches to interpreting traumatic experiences for tourists: potentials and limitations

Immersive and interactive approaches to interpreting traumatic experiences for tourists at UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) offer significant potential for enhancing visitor engagement while balancing the ethical implications of such experiences. This study examines how these methods can be applied in iconic African destinations like Virunga National Park, known for its mountain gorillas, without causing distress or harm to visitors. The research employs a qualitative approach, analyzing the effectiveness and limitations of immersive storytelling techniques in conveying complex historical narratives related to trauma. Findings suggest that while these approaches can deepen understanding and empathy, they require careful design to avoid retraumatization, particularly in sensitive contexts like Virunga National Park.

(Ed.). (2013). Using immersive and interactive approaches to interpreting traumatic experiences for tourists: potentials and limitations. Heritage and Tourism, 168–186. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203074619-18