Authenticity and Commoditization in tourism

Erik Cohen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Political Nature of Cultural Heritage and Tourism
Subtitle of host publicationCritical Essays, Volume Three
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages109-124
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9781351883979
ISBN (Print)9780754627005
DOIs
StatePublished - 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

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