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

Tourism has traditionally followed sustainability principles aimed at reducing environmental and social impacts. However, increasing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and cultural commodification necessitate a shift toward regenerative tourism an approach that actively restores ecosystems, empowers communities, and enhances destination resilience. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this transition is closely linked to heritage interpretation, where storytelling and community narratives shape meaningful visitor experiences. This study examines regenerative tourism through heritage interpretation using a qualitative multiple-case study design. The research is based on primary fieldwork, including 18 semi-structured interviews with heritage professionals and community participants, supported by field observations and visitor interactions. The findings demonstrate that interpretation grounded in community narratives enhances perceived authenticity, visitor engagement, and cultural sustainability. Visitors experience deeper emotional and cognitive connections when interpretation integrates lived experiences and interactive storytelling. However, limitations remain, including partial integration of community voices, inconsistencies in interpretive delivery, and institutional constraints on participation. The study concludes that community-driven interpretation is essential for achieving regenerative tourism outcomes by linking cultural preservation with visitor experience. These findings provide practical insights for heritage managers and policymakers seeking to strengthen participatory interpretation and sustainable tourism development in the UAE.