A.7.   Information about and interpretation of the natural surroundings, local culture, and cultural heritage is provided to customers, as well as explaining appropriate behavior while visiting natural areas, living cultures, and cultural heritage sites.

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Interpretation of the natural and cultural environment is not only important for educating visitors and protecting heritage, but a key factor for a high quality tourist experience marked by a high level of satisfaction (criterion A.4 addresses the need to measure it). Providing information to the customer to educate and inform about the surroundings is a key factor for tourism businesses.  

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Potential Indicators

•    Company has Interpretation program (yes/no)

•    Company has delivery mechanism for interpretations (i.e.,
      collateral, tour guide, podcast) (yes/no)

•    # Staff training programs in interpretation for tourism

•    Interpretive materials are accurate (yes/no)

•    Cumulative scale (for example):

•    0 – No information compiled or distributed

•    5 – Information assembled and provided to all customers

•    8 – Local inhabitants involved in development of materials and
     guidelines

•    10 – Local inhabitants lead or guide customers