Visiting the Industrial Revolution: The Communication of World Heritage Values to Tourists in Ironbridge Gorge

This PhD thesis explores how the unique values of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site are communicated to tourists. It investigates the gap between the site's designation for its Industrial Revolution significance and visitors' perceptions, which often lean towards a 'rural idyll'. The research examines both formal communication methods and how individual tourist experiences shape their understanding of the site's heritage values. The study reveals that differences in how the 'Outstanding Universal Value' is presented can limit deeper engagement. Furthermore, individual tourist interests and intentions play a significant role in shaping their personal encounters with the site's heritage. The research aims to understand these dynamics to improve the communication of World Heritage values. Key findings suggest that while the site is recognised for its industrial past, many visitors perceive it more as a picturesque rural landscape. The thesis also highlights how the presentation of heritage can influence tourist interpretation and engagement, suggesting a need for more effective communication strategies to bridge the gap between official designations and visitor understanding.

Curriculum

This thesis is structured around investigating the communication of World Heritage values within the Ironbridge Gorge. It delves into the history of the site, its transformation into a heritage destination, and the various ways its values are presented and perceived by tourists.

1. Chapter 1: Introduction
   • Tourism, global heritage and a post-industrial landscape
   • Research Questions
   • Overall research methodology
   • Organisation of the thesis
2. Chapter 2: Theoretical Framework
   • Introduction
   • Heritage and value
   • Tourists and tourism
   • World Heritage
   • Previous studies in Ironbridge Gorge
   • Conclusion
3. Chapter 3: Becoming and Being Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site
   • Introduction
   • The history of Ironbridge Gorge
   • Ironbridge Gorge WHS 2016-2018
   • Conclusion
4. Chapter 4: Methodology
   • Introduction
   • Setting the research in context
   • Research Design
   • Geographical location and time period
   • Archival research: the development of Ironbridge Gorge as a tourist attraction
   • Fieldwork – Stage 1: material and digital culture
   • Fieldwork – Stage 2: the tourist industry
   • Fieldwork – Stage 3: tourist experience
   • Analysis
   • Limitations
   • Ethical issues
   • Conclusion
5. Chapter 5: Creating Destination Ironbridge
   • Introduction
   • Being a World Heritage destination
   • Creating Tourist Spaces
   • Conclusion
6. Chapter 6: Tourist Encounters with Ironbridge Gorge
   • Introduction
   • Tourist narratives
   • A tourist landscape: performance and place.
   • Photography
   • Conclusion
7. Chapter 7: Conclusion
   • Introduction
   • Communication of OUV to tourists
   • Dissonance and communication
   • Co-construction and World Heritage destinations
   • Strengths and limitations of this research
   • Conclusion

Careers

This thesis focuses on research into heritage communication and tourism. Graduates from PhD programs in related fields often pursue careers in academic research, heritage management, museum curation, policy advising, and the tourism industry.

• Academic Researcher
• Heritage Consultant
• Museum Curator
• Tourism Development Officer
• Policy Advisor
• Cultural Heritage Manager