>>John Martinson wrote:

> Since it is so peaceful and calm on museum-l, why not a question?
>
> When a "guest" comes to your museum, how do you tell if they
> are a "visitor" or a "tourist" since a tourist could be a visitor?
> Is there a good definition for a visitor and/or a tourist -- and are
> they one and the same?<<

I often make a differentiation by referring to "visitors" as locals and/or
repeat visitors.  "Tourists" on the other hand, not only have travelled away
from home, but sometimes may have different expectations from locals and repeat
visitors.  I find the distinction useful when anticipating how to orient people
when they arrive at the museum and also as to the overall interpretation.

Susan M. Ward
Director, Heritage Communications
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615-661-6336 ph, 615-371-8774 fax