Authentic experience in tourism and commodification

Abstract

Defining authenticity and authentic experience is a complex process. The actual meaning of authenticity is ‘original’; however there are different interpretations based on various perspectives such as objectivism, constructivism and post-modernism. Under current changing and globalizing environment, cultural boundaries are weakening and traditions lose their meanings. Power and politics play important role in heritage preservation and authorization of the authentic experience. The search for authentic experience has become a main drive for people to travel recently. The increase in the demand for authentic products and experience led to the commodification o cultural elements. On the other hand, this type of tourism creates job for local people and guided them to explore their culture deeper. Authentic experience reinforces stereotypes and breaks them at the same time. Different variables such as globalization, capitalism, standardization should be considered in authenticity research. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of authenticity in touristic experience be reviewing relevant literature.