The role of visitor centres in emerging Asia Pacific tourism destinations: concepts and research contributions for best practice

Abstract

This paper develops a classification of the functions of visitor centres, entitled the Four Plus Model, in order to assist the better planning and functioning of these core tourist facilities. The paper defines visitor centres as clearly labelled, publicly accessible spaces providing predominantly free of charge information to facilitate travellers' experiences. The mutually supportive but varying junctions of these centres include promotion, enhancement, filtering, substitution and administration. Further, it is argued that there are four pivotal stages in the effective design and management of these centres. The stages are implementing integrated regional plans for centre style and location, designing the space and building for all users, creating a quality interpretive experience and attending to maintenance and evaluation. Some desirable and superior practices pertinent to each of these stages are presented to help create better visitor centres in Asia Pacific tourism.