Managing Routes and Trails - Tourism and Trails: Cultural, Ecological and Management Issues - page 224

• horse riding will be excluded from ecologically or culturally significant

and sensitive areas;

• a high degree of rider compliance and a code of conduct should be devel-

oped for the equestrian community.

Some of these apply to all trail contexts and could be supplemented by
various other rules. Take out all the human waste and garbage brought in, no
littering, do not touch or remove cultural or geological artifacts, stay on the
trail, park in designated areas only, slow down when approaching a blind
turn, move aside to allow others to pass, obey the posted speed limits and do
not feed wildlife are only a few examples of important codes of conduct that
can be implemented on trails, depending on their type and purpose. In some
countries, usually in the tropics, there are efforts to certify eco-guides in
tourist codes of conduct, which entails them training their customers and
assuring they 'leave no trace' or do no harm during their trail experience.
This has become the contemporary norm, because trail outfitters and tour
companies now see the ecological and economic value in making these ethics
a way of doing business (Settina & Kauffman, 2001: 97). This is often accom-
panied by using promotional literature to educate consumers further about
good and bad behavior and the possible physical impacts of their visit
(Beeton, 2006; Farrell & Marion, 2001).

Interpretation
Interpretation is one of the most vital tools at the disposal of managers.
It can enhance the visitor experience by making it more informative and
enjoyable (Rennie, 1980). Interpretive programs usually add extra appeal to
an interesting pathway by providing knowledge about the place being vis-
ited and adding to the appeal of the trail setting (Hanley, 1994; Timothy &
Boyd, 2003) (Figure 7.2). According to a study at the Valley of the Giants Tree
Top Walk in Western Australia, many visitors were disappointed there was not
more interpretive signage on the walkway itself, leading the authors to con-
clude that 'interpretive signs also provided a point of interest for repeat visitors
already familiar with the unique experience of the Tree Top Walk' (Hughes &
Morrison-Saunders, 2002: 122).
Interpretation also provides information and education, and it can instill
in visitors a sense of pride, ownership and respect (Gustke & Hodgson, 1980;
Tilden, 1977). It is a long-held belief among managers and researchers that
the education gained from interpretive experiences will be effective in reduc-
ing impacts by encouraging low-impact behavior on trails and routes (Farrell
& Marion, 2001).
Because of this central role of interpretation, the information presented
should be balanced, accurate and authentic. One of the main factors of suc-
cess of the Civil War Discovery Trail in the US was maintaining an authori-
tative Civil War database that provided accurate sites and experts, and