Whose stories do we tell? Exploring narrative constructions of Bridgetown and its Garrison, Barbados’ UNESCO World Heritage Site

Research on Bridgetown and its Garrison, Barbados' UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that diverse narratives—ranging from official colonial heritage to lived experiences and intangible traditions—enrich the site's significance for both locals and visitors. The study, involving participatory workshops and stakeholder interviews, demonstrates that incorporating multiple storytelling perspectives can better reflect Barbadian identity while enhancing visitor engagement. This approach bridges tangible and intangible heritage, advocating for narrative plurality over a single coherent storyworld to create more inclusive and meaningful experiences at the site.

Simons, I., & de Waal, M. S. (2025). Whose stories do we tell? Exploring narrative constructions of Bridgetown and its Garrison, Barbados’ UNESCO World Heritage Site. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 24(4), 604–627. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2025.2584373