Framing the Mogao Caves in the Encounters between Tourists and Site Interpreters

A study on the Mogao Caves reveals that interactions between tourists and site interpreters significantly influence the management and interpretation of archaeological sites, reshaping the 'interaction order' as defined by Erving Goffman. The research analyzes how these encounters frame and reframe the site's experience, highlighting the dynamic relationship between tourists and heritage professionals. By focusing on face-to-face interactions, the study provides insights into the challenges posed by mass tourism to traditional site management practices, offering a nuanced understanding of how heritage sites can be both preserved and interpreted in a way that engages visitors while maintaining academic integrity.

(Ed.). (2016). Framing the Mogao Caves in the Encounters between Tourists and Site Interpreters. Tourism and Archaeology, 195–210. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315416618-18