Toward an Understanding of Tourists’ Authentic Heritage Experiences: Evidence from Hong Kong

ABSTRACT

Authenticity in tourism has been a topic of discussion since the 1960s, but the concept is still to be fully developed. This study focuses on tourists’ perceptions of authenticity, and in particular how they evaluate authentic heritage experiences. The appearance and physical settings of attractions were found to be the initial and most important indicators of authentic or inauthentic experiences. Other criteria for assessing the authenticity of heritage experiences include the presence of local culture and customs, constructed elements, commodification, and atmosphere.

KEYWORDS:

• Authenticity
• perceived authenticity
• heritage tourism
• heritage experience
• Hong Kong

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Thi Hong Hai Nguyen

Thi Hong Hai Nguyen is Lecturer, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Hue University, Vietnam, 22 Lam Hoang Street, Hue city, Vietnam (E-mail: [email protected]).

Catherine Cheung

Catherine Cheung is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Rd, Hung Hom, Hong Kong (E-mail: [email protected]).