Abdelkader Ababneh | Yarmouk University (original) (raw)

Tour guides and heritage interpretation: guides’ by Abdelkader Ababneh

Accessibility for visitors to World Heritage Sites is an important issue in heritage management; ... more Accessibility for visitors to World Heritage Sites is an important issue in heritage management; therefore, accessing heritage sites has been seen as a sensitive issue and facing important criticism. This research is intended to examine visitor's accessibility to World Heritage Sites by analyzing the context of cultural, physical, and financial accessibility. One aim of this research is to critically examine accessibility for tourists to Petra-Jordan's World Heritage Site. The purpose of the analysis is to provide an understanding of accessibility and of its opportunities and constraints in Petra. Empirical data was collected based on site field work at Petra involving a visual inspection of the site in addition to interviews with tour guides and tourists. The findings of this study show that a shift in heritage management policy has been made from reactive approaches to a more functional approach, accessibility issues have not been completely addressed; the translation into action of practical comprehensive accessibility measures is full of both conceptual and practical difficulties. This research is the first of its kind conducted in Jordan and specifically aims at scoping accessibility at a national World Heritage Site.

Tour guides play a key role in the archaeological site visitor experience by providing interpreta... more Tour guides play a key role in the archaeological site visitor experience by providing interpretation and information. The archaeological site of Jarash, Jordan, is an important heritage destination for a diverse tourist market. It is located in a cultural landscape setting where many archaeological and historical monuments are well preserved. However, at present, this heritage rich seems far from being completely interpreted and valorized by not only local people but also by visitors. This paper reflects on the information and stories provided by tour guides about sites where heritage tourism experiences take place. Within this context, interpretation by tour guides is analyzed. A mixedmethods approach is used to accomplish this and includes qualitative data from semi-structured interviews, participant observations and desk research. The analysis is helpful in confirming that the way tour guides interpret a site influences site valorization and visitor experiences directly. From a practical perspective, the findings provide important insights for understanding how to develop an interpretative model that utilizes site values and the potential for providing better visitor experiences. The findings of this study provide a better understanding of guided package tours and provide suggestions for tour guides and heritage site managers in Jordan.

Many of the problems impacting the visitor experience and comprehension of archaeological sites a... more Many of the problems impacting the visitor experience and comprehension of archaeological sites are derived from their interpretation. This research attempts to investigate interpretation in relation to visitor experience; the interpretive signage of the archaeological site of Umm Qais was chosen for analysis. The appropriateness of the spatial distribution (placement), attractiveness of the aesthetic features (design), and furthermore, effectiveness of the content and messages (theme) and whether the signs are considered helpful in regard to the visitor experience are investigated. The case-study research method used in this study integrates on-site signs evaluation to check the situation on the ground. Card notes, photos and observations were used to meet the purpose of this study. The findings indicate that little attention has been paid to the management of interpretation by site managers. Signs are concerned about their lack of appropriate placement, design and clear themes; in consequence, site managers have to reformulate their objectives, reassess the site's significance and then redevelop their interpretation practice in particular the signage system. The findings of this study benefit a number of professionals in the field of heritage management such as interpreters as well as visitors. It makes contribution in regard to tourism in both academic and professional spheres, as the issue of the study has not been researched in the country.

Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality & Tourism, 2016

Tourism Planning & Development, 2016

Tourism Culture & Communication, 2015

The Historic Environment: Policy & Practice, 2016

Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, 2014

Abstract Umm Qais is one of the most significant archaeological tourist attractions in Jordan bes... more Abstract Umm Qais is one of the most significant archaeological tourist attractions in Jordan besides Petra and Jerash. It is also popular with locals due to its rich diversity of natural history features and landscapes. However, there has been no detailed study of approaches to visitor management at the site. This paper investigates the visitor management pressures on the site of Umm Qais, seeking to develop an understanding of the approaches that direct the process of visitor management in an archaeological site. The specific objective of this study is to identify and analyse the current visitor management measures and tools at the site. It explores issues of hard and soft visitor management through monitoring, visitor guidance, and interpretation. The study has been conducted as a qualitative case study, and its results are based on direct personal observation and discussions with the personnel that have been conducted on-site by the Jordanian authors. Despite the visitor management applied approaches, results reveal important and continuing challenges for Umm Qais due to limited visitor monitoring, weak information, and poor restriction measures. Based on the findings of the study, some recommendations are made in order to permit the local heritage managers to develop the site and its visitor management appropriately. This is an essential process in aiding this potential World Heritage Site to update approaches and adapt to the changing circumstances related to the visitor needs for the site. This will contribute to heritage and tourism literature and practice by enhancing the knowledge of visitor management at a national level. Keywords: visitor management, visitor monitoring, visitor guidance, visitor restriction, Umm Qais, Jordan

ABSTRACT In 1985, the monument of Qusair Amra a particularly well-preserved Islamic palace site w... more ABSTRACT
In 1985, the monument of Qusair Amra a particularly well-preserved Islamic palace site was afforded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. In turn, a steadily increasing number of cultural tourists have visited the area since that time. However, the topic of presentation of heritage resources is still an emergent notion in Jordan. Moreover, an integrated
presentation, approaching the world heritage monuments within their natural setting, is necessary for an enhanced preservation and interpretation of the resources.
This study is an exploration of the nature of world heritage monuments presented to the public in Jordan through an analysis of a case study. The presentation and protection of
Qusair Amra is the subject of a careful analysis in the research presented here. This paper provides an overview of the issues of risks generated by visitors and of presentation of world heritage monuments. The specific aims of the study were to assess the potential and current risks generated by visitors as well giving a general appraisal of implemented heritage presentation techniques. It examined the achievement of heritage presentation in enhancing heritage tourism development in Qusair Amra. On site visits were used to ascertain presentation tools and site management being operated at Qusair Amra. Conclusions and recommendations have emerged from this analysis. The main outcome is the lack of careful planning for heritage presentation at the attraction level. This lack has led to differences in the management of other issues such as interpretation and knowledge of visitor profiles. This research can be used in future tourism planning, tourist management and future interpretation of Qusair Amra.
KEYWORDS: cultural heritage, visitor risks, conservation, presentation, Qusair Amra, Jordan.

Papers by Abdelkader Ababneh

Tourism Cases, 2023

This study explores the part that visitor centers at archaeological sites play in heritage and to... more This study explores the part that visitor centers at archaeological sites play in heritage and tourism management. A case study was conducted in Umm Qais-Jordan, to investigate how a visitor center performs its functions. According to the findings of the fieldwork, the visitor center at Umm Qais primarily operates in an administrative capacity and thus primarily performs clerical functions related to tourism rather than undertaking interpretation and heritage management.

Heritage, Sep 15, 2021

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Heritage management planning is increasingly important throughout the international context, part... more Heritage management planning is increasingly important throughout the international context, particularly in the developing countries. Jordan has important and unique heritage resources due to its natural topography and climate, but also to its history and old sites. A high number of these archeological sites are in very good state of preservation. Most natural sites and resources are privately managed while archeological heritage sites are publicly managed within national legal texts and with some referencing to international legal documents. This study examines the development of cultural heritage management in Jarash, and questions if this heritage has been managed in an appropriate manner. The purpose of this paper is to define and review of the stakeholders in charge of the management of the archeological site of Jarash, the legal texts, laws and documents adopted to apply the site management. Relations and coordination between stakeholders and the challenge of the planning pro...

Tourism: An international Interdisciplinary Journal, 2017

Th is paper aims to provide a better understanding of the current situation of urban tourism with... more Th is paper aims to provide a better understanding of the current situation of urban tourism with referring to the experiences of the Arab World. By using bibliographic documentation and descriptiveanalytic method, this paper addresses the main opportunities, impediments, and challenges of urban tourism in three Arab cities (Dubai, Cairo and Amman). Th is paper indicates that the three cities have many opportunities stemming from their location and their rich tourism resources. Moreover, urban tourism in these cities should confront some internal (country based) and external (global and regional) challenges such as seasonality, pollution, congestion, competition, funding and instability. Some recommendations and policy implications were suggested. Th e paper concludes, by arguing, that common internal and external challenges need to be addressed in a systematic manner within the broader cultural and tourism policy context in which urban tourism is now implicated. Th ere is a lack of...

International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 2018

Umm Qais is one of the largest historical tourist sites in Jordan. It is surrounded by different ... more Umm Qais is one of the largest historical tourist sites in Jordan. It is surrounded by different residential and urban activities. To identify and predict the land use changes that may threaten the historical tourist attractions of Umm Qais, this study utilized LANDSAT images of the area for the years 1985, 1991, 2006, 2010, and 2016 and forecasted the change in the years 1997, 2003, and 2022 to monitor the change in barren, agricultural, water, and urban areas. The image analysis and classification were carried out using ArcGIS 10.2 whereas Markov chain analysis was used for forecasting purposes. The results of the study predict that the urban areas will expand by about 21.55% in the year 2022 compared to the year 2016 (15.75%). In addition, agricultural areas will surge by about 35.91%. The expansion in the urban and agricultural areas is predicted to be at the expense of barren areas especially those close to the Umm Qais historical site. These land use changes will cause urban development encroachments onto the cultural landscape of the site. A number of recommendations and policy implications, regarding buffer zoning, land expropriation, stakeholders’ involvement, and legislation, are suggested to mitigate the impacts of the current and future urban development activities.

Near Eastern Archaeology, 2018

The interpretation of archaeological sites and landscapes for the benefit of the wider public has... more The interpretation of archaeological sites and landscapes for the benefit of the wider public has been of interest to heritage managers, archaeologists, and public groups ever since sites have been open for visitation. However, those responsible for interpreting archaeological sites for presentation to the public often fail to take advantage of a site's interpretive potential. Interpretation of archaeological sites is a relatively recent activity in Jordan, as is their valuing and heritage management. This study explores issues relating to site interpretation and the potential benefits of improved interpretive strategies. Based on an analysis of the literature and on an exploratory study at the site of Tabqat Fahl (ancient Pella) the author offers concrete recommendations for revealing the potential of the site and improving the interpretive media choices that can be used to communicate the site's themes to visitors. The aim is to preserve the site into the future and to revitalize it by improving the standard of information about the natural and cultural heritage value found there. Realizing the full potential of the site of Pella is a task that will require the cooperation of a wide range of disciplines and institutions, including historical, architectural, and archaeological.

Journal of Heritage Tourism, 2017

ABSTRACT Tour guides play a key role in the archaeological site visitor experience by providing i... more ABSTRACT Tour guides play a key role in the archaeological site visitor experience by providing interpretation and information. The archaeological site of Jarash, Jordan, is an important heritage destination for a diverse tourist market. It is located in a cultural landscape setting where many archaeological and historical monuments are well preserved. However, at present, this heritage rich seems far from being completely interpreted and valorized by not only local people but also by visitors. This paper reflects on the information and stories provided by tour guides about sites where heritage tourism experiences take place. Within this context, interpretation by tour guides is analyzed. A mixed-methods approach is used to accomplish this and includes qualitative data from semi-structured interviews, participant observations and desk research. The analysis is helpful in confirming that the way tour guides interpret a site influences site valorization and visitor experiences directly. From a practical perspective, the findings provide important insights for understanding how to develop an interpretative model that utilizes site values and the potential for providing better visitor experiences. The findings of this study provide a better understanding of guided package tours and provide suggestions for tour guides and heritage site managers in Jordan.

Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality & Tourism, 2016

Tourism Planning & Development, 2016

Tourism Culture & Communication, 2015

The Historic Environment: Policy & Practice, 2016

Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, 2014

Tourism Cases, 2023

Heritage, Sep 15, 2021

Tourism: An international Interdisciplinary Journal, 2017

International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 2018

Near Eastern Archaeology, 2018

Journal of Heritage Tourism, 2017

Near Eastern Archaeology, 2017

Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry

European Journal of Tourism Research, 2019

The purpose of this research is to examine empirically the relationships between, on the one side... more The purpose of this research is to examine empirically the relationships between, on the one side, awareness, feeling of comfort, of Jordanian international travellers towards airport security procedures, and on the other, their intention to re-travel. Three levels of airport security procedures were examined: standard, elevated and racial profiling/human treatment independently in one single model. A quantitative survey based on a convenience sample was conducted in Jordan. Confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis have been conducted to test the research hypotheses. The findings revealed that travellers' awareness and feeling of comfort toward standard and elevated procedures positively influence their intention to re-travel. Whenever the awareness and feeling of comfort decreased, travellers intend to re-travel less through airports. It was also found that travellers' awareness and feeling of comfort toward racial profiling do not influence their inten...

TOURISM - An International Interdisciplinary Journal, 2017

This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the current situation of urban tourism with ... more This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the current situation of urban tourism with referring to the experiences of the Arab World. By using bibliographic documentation and descriptive analytic method, this paper addresses the main opportunities, impediments, and challenges of urban tourism in three Arab cities (Dubai, Cairo and Amman). This paper indicates that the three cities have many opportunities stemming from their location and their rich tourism resources. Moreover, urban tourism in these cities should confront some internal (country based) and external (global and regional) challenges such as seasonality, pollution, congestion, competition, funding and instability. Some recommendations and policy implications were suggested. The paper concludes, by arguing, that common internal and external challenges need to be addressed in a systematic manner within the broader cultural and tourism policy context in which urban tourism is now implicated. There is a lack of li...

Archaeologies

The significance of the cultural archaeological heritage sites, however, is still not wholly expr... more The significance of the cultural archaeological heritage sites, however, is still not wholly expressed. This study will critically review the current interpretation policy for different archaeological sites. The objects of this research are heritage interpretation methods conducted by the authorized institutions in and around archaeological sites for heritage tourists. It examines organizational structure, process of intervention and existing interpretive facilities. Thus, this paper attempts to identify problems and perspectives for more efficient interpretive planning and then towards a better heritage management. It reviews modes of functions of interpretation and policies of key players at key archaeological sites in Jordan. Key archaeological sites’ literature sources on interpretation development and practice guide the study. The key literature sources were synthesized with descriptive data from on-site observation. In fact the weak standard of interpretive context at archaeological sites counters the appreciation of sites values and their integrity and bounds their management. Finally, the results of this study were intended to develop better interpretive programmes to meet archaeological sites visitors’ needs and heritage management objectives. The investigation of this study provides an important contribution to national heritage and interpretation studies on archaeological sites; besides, it attempts to illustrate practical and theoretical lessons for administration course of action towards heritage interpretation

Journal of Sustainable Tourism

Using structural equation modeling, this study investigates how tour guide performance influences... more Using structural equation modeling, this study investigates how tour guide performance influences visitors’ sustainable behavior at cultural heritage sites by examining the mediating effects of visitor experience and satisfaction. The structural model was tested on a sample of 390 visitors at Petra Archaeological Park in Jordan. Tour guide performance was found to have a significant direct and indirect effects in enhancing visitor sustainable behavior. Moreover, the findings showed that visitor experience and satisfaction significantly mediates the relationship between tour guide performance and visitor sustainable behavior. This research contributes to our understanding of the tour guide role in maximizing visitors’ appreciation and enjoyment, and minimizing their negative impacts on heritage sites. Managerial implications are discussed in light of the empirical findings.

Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change

Heritage sites are shared by several stakeholders with different values that leading multiple int... more Heritage sites are shared by several stakeholders with different values that leading multiple interpretations and uses. Tourism stakeholders play critical roles in developing and planning sustainable heritage tourism. However, little research has been conducted to investigate simultaneously their value perceptions toward heritage sites. Using Petra Archaeological Park as an example, this paper addresses the issue of the perception attached by tourism stakeholders towards archaeological park values. The results indicate that all stakeholders appreciate Petra to be preserved and kept for future generations. However, results show that residents and local business owners support the preservation of Petra not only for its heritage value but also for economic benefits, while tourists and government officials are more preservation oriented than use-oriented. This study generates useful and practical information for both heritage management professionals and academics on national and international level.

Heritage

Bibracte is described as a well-managed property with significant heritage value. Even as the sit... more Bibracte is described as a well-managed property with significant heritage value. Even as the site’s managing body and its partners continue to deliver encouraging and engaging projects, there are barriers to success. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the possible future challenges that the current management may encounter. This study used afield work methodology, and comprised interviews, observations, guided visits, discussions, discourse analysis, and the review of an important corpus of material, from which conclusions were drawn. Significant problems arising from various causes were identified. The results reveal that despite the appropriate heritage management, interpretation, and tourism development practices, the heritage and tourism potential remain not fully captured. The management of the site has established its notoriety as an important research center for experimental and educational archaeology, rather than as an important tourist att...

The legacy of travel and hospitality in Jordan extends back more than 1700 years as evidenced by ... more The legacy of travel and hospitality in Jordan extends back more than 1700 years as evidenced by the Late Antiquity site of Umm el-Jimal. Travel and hospitality were revolving around the axis of trade, where they proved to be a suitable subsistence economy in an area with diminished resources. Using architectural analysis, ethnography and archaeological synthesis, the results showed that the city of Umm elJimal was built to serve the caravans routing from Petra to Damascus. The architecture of its houses (courtyards) was intended to serve travelers, offer accommodations. The infrastructure of the city including the pioneering water system and the general layout of the city had greatly contributed to a successful hospitality industry. The presence of 18 churches in a very small area and small population indicates hospitality usage. The diversification in accommodations (churches vs. houses) might have reflected the economic disparities among travelers and/or the length of stay.