Authenticity, mindfulness and destination liminoidity: a multi-level model

ABSTRACT

As the socio-ecological crisis keeps deepening, consumer societies are being pushed towards a paradigm change involving the reconceptualization of authentic human existence. While meditative mindfulness and destination liminoidity have both been proven to catalyze inner transformation, the possible synergistic interplay between them is unexplored. Also, no conceptual model has yet been offered to demonstrate how the liminoidity structure of the destination and meditative mindfulness fit into a conceptual framework of Systemic Existential Authenticity. The main research aim of the paper is to start filling these research gaps. It employs a mixed method approach involving critical literature review, synthesis, exploratory conceptual model building and typological discussion of concepts. In a conceptual framework of systemic authenticity based on Main Horizons of Significance, tourism, as a predominantly capitalist venture is unsustainable. Tourism have to be reinvented based on the destination’s inherent liminoid potential to assist in transforming the consumer mindset. Contributions to literature include a Multi-Level Liminoidity Model embracing the importance of meditative mindfulness and a broader model to demonstrate Tourism’s Contribution to Authentic Existence.

KEYWORDS:

• Sustainability
• authentic existence
• meditative mindfulness
• systemic authenticity
• destination liminoidity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Attila Lengyel

Attila Lengyel holds a MSc in Agricultural Economics, an MA in English Literature and a PhD in Regional Sciences. The title of his doctoral dissertation was: Spatial aspects of tourism, mindfulness and sustainability.