Guiding visitors towards the 'right expectations': Needs analysis for a trip-planning website module for Banff National Park

A needs analysis was undertaken to inform the design of a trip-planning website module for Banff National Park that invites participation in learning experiences, both on-line and on-site. Phase A was a qualitative look at how Parks Canada would like to shape visitor expectations and understanding. Phase B was a mixed-method inquiry into the needs and expectations of tourists seeking travel information from Parks Canada before their trip. From the findings of this research, goals and a design concept were developed for a trip-planning website module that will take an interpretive, constructivist, learner-centred approach and that will enhance visitors' appreciation and understanding of the park's natural and cultural heritage and their support for its ecological integrity. The instructional design guidelines developed in this project could also be adapted for other web-based learning modules in Banff National Park, or by other national parks and heritage tourism destinations with similar objectives.