Abstract
Three basic assumptions, common in the literature on tourism, regarding “commoditization” “staged authenticity” and the inability of tourists to have authentic experiences are re-examined. Authenticity is conceived as a negotiable rather than primitive concept, the rigor of its definition by subjects depending on the mode of their aspired touristic experience. New cultural developments may also acquire the patina of authenticity over time — a process designated at “emergent authenticity.” It is also argued that commoditization does not necessarily destroy the meaning of cultural products, although it may change it or add new meanings to old ones. Conclusions contrary to the deductions following from the above assumptions are spelled out, and a new approach to the study of authenticity and meaning in tourism, which could help the formulation of a more discerning tourism policy, is advocated.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | The Political Nature of Cultural Heritage and Tourism |
Subtitle of host publication | Critical Essays, Volume Three |
Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
Pages | 109-124 |
Number of pages | 16 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781351883979 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780754627005 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2017 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© Dallen J. Timothy 2007. For copyright of individual articles please refer to the Acknowledgements. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Authenticity
- Commoditization
- Cultural tourism
- Tourism policy
- Tourist arts and crafts
- Tourist experience