From Sustainable to Regenerative Heritage Tourism: The Role of Community Narratives and Interpretation in Enhancing Visitor Experience in the UAE

Background: Tourism has traditionally focused on sustainability practices that minimize environmental and social impacts. However, escalating challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and cultural commodification have prompted growing interest in regenerative tourism, which seeks to restore ecosystems, strengthen communities, and enhance destination resilience. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), heritage interpretation plays a critical role in this transition by shaping meaningful visitor experiences through storytelling and community narratives.

Methods: This study employed a qualitative multiple-case study design to examine the role of heritage interpretation in supporting regenerative tourism. Primary data were collected through 22 semi-structured interviews with heritage professionals and community participants, complemented by field observations and visitor interactions across selected heritage sites in the UAE. Data were analysed thematically to identify key patterns and insights.

Results: The findings indicate that interpretation grounded in community narratives enhances perceived authenticity, visitor engagement, and cultural sustainability. Visitors reported stronger emotional and cognitive connections to heritage when interpretation incorporated lived experiences, local knowledge, and interactive storytelling. Nevertheless, several challenges were identified, including the limited integration of community voices, inconsistencies in interpretive practices, and institutional constraints affecting participatory engagement.

Conclusions: Community-driven heritage interpretation is a key mechanism for achieving regenerative tourism outcomes, linking cultural preservation with enriched visitor experiences. Strengthening participatory approaches to interpretation can support more resilient and culturally sustainable tourism development. The findings offer practical implications for heritage managers and policymakers seeking to advance regenerative tourism strategies in the UAE.