Creating an Authentic Tourist Site? The Australian Standing Stones, Glen Innes

Abstract

Developing and sustaining a tourist economy in regional Australia has required innovative strategies. Shifts towards cultural tourism have resulted in the revitalisation of heritage and the development of tourist sites that are authentic (re)presentations of past landscapes and peoples. In Australia, where European heritage is comparatively young, lateral thinking, creative licence and municipal efforts have been required. The Australian Standing Stones at Glen Innes were constructed to enhance the region's perceived Celtic heritage and stimulate tourism. Tourists at the site have discerned elements of heritage and authenticity despite their recent construction. Creating a distinctive tradition, however tenuously linked to history, can be an effective means of branding place and stimulating tourism.

Keywords:

• Authenticity
• Celtic
• tourism
• place branding
• heritage

Notes

1. Quotations are from local tourist brochures unless otherwise stated, notably the tourists’ and visitors’ comments.

2. We are indebted to Ros Foskey for research assistance in Glen Innes.