Whose stories do we tell? Exploring narrative constructions of Bridgetown and its Garrison, Barbados’ UNESCO World Heritage Site

Stories play an important role in how World Heritage Sites are experienced and valued by local communities, visitors, and tourists. This paper explores the diverse narratives associated with Bridgetown and its Garrison in Barbados, designated as a World Heritage site in 2011. Through qualitative research involving a four-day participatory workshop and follow-up interviews with local stakeholders, the study examines dominant narratives and lesser-known stories connected to this heritage site, as well as the meanings constructed from these stories and the sentiments they evoke. The findings reveal a richness of stories, ranging from the official UNESCO narrative about colonial tangible heritage to lived experiences and intangible heritage. This narrative diversity suggests that incorporating multiple storytelling perspectives into destination storytelling practices could better reflect Barbadian identity and enhance visitor experiences at the World Heritage Site. Based on these findings, the study demonstrates the potential synergy between tangible and intangible heritage, with storytelling acting as a bridge between these domains. While recognizing the importance of a coherent storyworld, this paper advocates for a model of narrative plurality in destination storytelling.