Passion of the people – 1.6.6

The storytelling approach for scientific dissemination and tourist engagement

Storytelling refers to the art of narrating or relating events, experiences, or anecdotes in a way that captures an audience’s attention and imagination. It involves creating a series of events, characters, and circumstances that flow together in a logical, engaging manner to convey a message, express emotions, or simply entertain.

Storytelling has been used throughout human history as a means of preserving cultural traditions, transmitting values, and sharing experiences. The art of storytelling can be found in many forms, including oral traditions, literature, film, and theatre.

In science communication, storytelling is playing an increasingly important role because it makes it possible to present even complex content in a way that makes it accessible to a broad audience. Examples of this are science programmes on radio and television and contributions/posts on social media. In astronomy, this method is now used very often, because behind astronomy there is scientific content in physics that requires prior knowledge.

Meanwhile, storytelling also plays a significant role in tourism, as it helps to create an emotional connection between travellers and the destinations they visit. When a destination has a strong, compelling story, it can be more attractive and memorable to visitors, who are looking for unique and authentic experiences.

Storytelling in astrotourism can be used to:

Highlight the history and cultural heritage of a destination, giving visitors a deeper understanding of its past and the people who have lived there.
Create a sense of place by sharing local legends, myths, and traditions, which can help visitors feel more connected to their surroundings.
Showcase the natural beauty and scenic wonders of a destination, such as national parks, star parks, forests, and coastline, that can be a draw for outdoor enthusiasts.
Promote the local cuisine, arts, and crafts, which can be a major part of the travel experience for many visitors.
Share personal experiences and anecdotes from locals, tour guides, and other travellers, which can help to create a more immersive and memorable experience for visitors.

In short, storytelling can help to bring a destination to life, making it more appealing and memorable for tourists, and enhancing the overall quality of their travel experience.

In astrotourism, storytelling is a particularly good method of communication to get people excited about the stars. Stars are linked to numerous stories, myths and mysterious events. Good storytelling can be a competitive advantage when it comes to positive, authentic, and unique experiences.

Tookit

Passion of the people

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Checking astrotourism destinations – Image by piviso – Pixabay

The magic of storytelling – Image by Yuri – Pixabay

Storytelling about the stars – Image by Syaibatul Hamdi – Pixabay

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Videos

Ancient astronomy and modern technology combine to tell stories of the night sky – ABC Australia