Perceived Cultural Authenticity, Tourist Satisfaction, Behavioral Intention in Ethnic Tourism: Destination Image's Mediating Role in Jingning She Autonomous County, China

… attractions and products, and the levels of satisfaction with their experiences based upon … order to better understand perceptions of cultural authenticity and concerns related to their visits…

Intangible cultural heritage is a natural fit for tourism development due to its extensive cultural and artistic value. Authenticity is important in the development of intangible cultural heritage tourism. This case study considered Celadon Town, a classic scenic spot of intangible cultural heritage in Zhejiang Province, China, to design questionnaires and a research model involving cultural identity, authenticity perception, tourist satisfaction, and traveler loyalty. This model was used to explore the indigenous presentation of authenticity, that is, the “Traditional Firing Technique of Longquan Celadon,” and its impact on tourist satisfaction and loyalty. On the basis of the research model and hypotheses, relevant data were collected through a questionnaire survey, tested, and analyzed using a structural equation model (SEM). Findings indicate that authenticity of intangible cultural heritage has a significant positive effect on destination satisfaction and loyalty, which supplements related research on the authenticity of intangible cultural heritage destinations. This study advocates that building a characteristic town is a unique development mode of intangible cultural heritage tourism. The model integrates the cultural and tourism attributes of intangible cultural heritage. Based on this development model, the study offers related suggestions for the construction of authenticity and the realization of long-term development of tourism destinations.

… to gather the data needed with regard to reasons for visiting Nubian villages within our cultural tourists’ programs and their satisfaction and assessment of the visit. Field research was …

Cultural authenticity is the core resource of ethnic tourism destinations, and tourists' perceptions of cultural authenticity affect their sense of authentic happiness. Based on cognitive appraisal theory, a research model of perceptions of cultural authenticity and authentic happiness was constructed to explore the relationships among perceptions of cultural authenticity, place attachment, and authentic happiness and to verify the moderating effect of perceived safety. Through a questionnaire survey, 408 valid questionnaires from tourists were collected from ethnic villages in border areas of China, and the bootstrap method and parameter estimation method were used to test the hypotheses. The results show that cultural authenticity perception positively affects authentic happiness and place attachment; place attachment has a direct positive correlation with authentic happiness; place attachment has a partial mediating effect on the perception of cultural authenticity and authentic happiness; and perceived safety has a moderating effect on place attachment and authentic happiness. Attaching importance to the excavation and protection of the cultural authenticity of frontier ethnic villages and enhancing tourists’ perceptions of the cultural authenticity of frontier ethnic villages are conducive to promoting their place attachment to frontier ethnic villages and, at the same time, can enhance tourists’ sense of authentic happiness. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2024-05-02-07 Full Text: PDF

ABSTRACT This study tries to offer new insight into ethnic tourism. It has investigated the empirical evidence related to the moderating role of ethnic identity on the relationship between tourist satisfaction and its consequences. By using the theory of expectancy disconfirmation and social comparison, this study analyzed the moderating role of ethnic identity. Data were collected using a valid structured questionnaire from 292 Iranian Kurd tourists who had traveled to the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Results showed that place attachment mediates the effect of destination image on tourist satisfaction. The mediating effect of tourist satisfaction was also confirmed. Moreover, ethnic identity had a significant negative moderating role. These results help managers and sociologists to find more effective ways of dedicating resources to tourism development and guarantees ethnic tourists’ return.

… examines tourists’ perceptions of ethnic tourism and satisfaction … explores tourists’ perceptions of authenticity and satisfaction … Cultural authenticity is not generally a concern for tourists …

… This study examines tourists’ perceptions of a surviving ethnic theme park that was created in … discusses tensions and issues associated with cultural authenticity and tourist satisfaction. …

… ethnic tourism, as definedat the outset of this paper, have been closely linked to debates about authenticity. … motivation, reasons for visiting TjapukaiAboriginal Cultural Park, satisfaction …

… ) to overall satisfaction … authentic concepts on tourist satisfaction and future behavioral intentions. First, we investigate whether offering authentic concepts influences tourists’ satisfaction …

Although some studies claim that tourism commercialization can promote the authentic experience and behaviour of tourists, there is a lack of empirical support. The main purpose of this study is to identify whether tourism commercialization can positively impact tourists’ perceived authenticity and tourist satisfaction in the context of cultural heritage tourism. We divide tourism authenticity into objective authenticity, constructive authenticity, existential authenticity and postmodern authenticity and propose a relationship model of tourism commercialization, the four authenticities, tourist satisfaction and loyalty. A survey was conducted in Langzhong Ancient City, a representative millennium-old county in China. A total of 618 valid domestic tourist questionnaires were collected. The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) suitable for theory development was used for the conceptual model validation. The results indicate that tourism commercialization positively affects objective, constructive, existential and postmodern authenticity and tourist satisfaction; the four authenticities positively affect tourist satisfaction, while only objective and existential authenticity and tourist satisfaction positively affect tourist loyalty. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

… authenticity are considered in the present study, namely heritage motivation and tourist satisfaction. … for this study are heritage motivation, perceived authenticity and tourist satisfaction. …

The sustainability of rural development, both economic and environmental, has been increasingly linking to local food, which plays an indispensable role by preserving traditional culture, attracting tourists, and supporting the regional economy. However, the authenticity and quality of local food have not been fully convinced as competitive advantages by most practitioners. Little is known about how authenticity affects quality attributes, tourist satisfaction, and tourist loyalty. Thus, this study examines the role of authenticity in the quality–satisfaction–loyalty framework. The field research was performed in Shunde County, Guangdong Province, China. The results challenge the traditional view of quality attributes by highlighting that authenticity is a key antecedent to the quality–satisfaction–loyalty framework of food tourism. In contrast, the relationships among quality attributes, tourist satisfaction, and tourist loyalty are contingent on the extent to which food tourists perceive the authenticity of rural local food.

The aim of study is to determine whether destination image and perceived value have a serial mediating role in the relationship between perceived authenticity and behavioural intentions such as repurchase intention and recommendation in a cultural heritage destination. In this study, the convenience sampling method was used. Results are based on sample were collected through a questionnaire of 443 visitors. Findings demonstrated that both perceived value what refers trade-off between perceived benefits and perceived costs and destination image act as a mediator for the influence of perceived authenticity on behavioural intentions. Furthermore, as simultaneously in a serial model, destination image mediates the relationship between perceived authenticity and perceived value, perceived value mediates the relationship between destination image and behavioural intentions. Study's findings extend the tourism literature by casting light on previously unexamined aspects of repurchase intention and recommendation that contributes to the perceived authenticity of tourists and advancing the sustainable development of cultural heritage tourism.

… perceived authenticity and behavioural intentions. … destination image in influencing tourist travel behaviour. Consequently, the present study proposed to explore the destination image …

ABSTRACT This paper falls within the scope of heritage tourism studies, focusing particularly on one UNESCO World Heritage Site. It seeks to contribute to tourism literature by achieving a better understanding of which cognitive and affective factors are behind tourists’ decisions to travel to these sites, their experiences during their visit and behavioural intention after the visit. A self-administered questionnaire focusing on the variables included in the proposed research model was given to tourists. A composite-based structural equation modelling approach was employed for the analysis. The findings revealed a significant and high correlation between travel attitude and perceived authenticity, travel motivations and destination image, and authenticity and destination image, but it goes beyond those relations by analyzing them in an integrated manner and at different stages of the visit to comprehend tourist behavioural intention after the visit. Besides the theoretical advancements with this study, the practical and managerial implications must be emphasized particularly for entities responsible for destination marketing that may be able to use the outcome of our research to work on proper promotion strategies.

Purpose This tourism study delves into the universal impact of authenticity on tourists' preferences. This study aims to enhance understanding and present a model delineating authenticity's intricate relationship with behavioral intention, involvement and nostalgia. Design/methodology/approach The research entails administering a sample survey to travelers located in the departure lounge of Macau International Airport. Ultimately, 499 fully completed questionnaires are obtained through convenience sampling. The analysis of the collected data incorporates an innovative method, using a quadratic model. Findings Results undeniably validate that a destination's perceived authenticity significantly influences tourists' intentions, engagement and nostalgic sentiments. Findings strongly support the assertion that this authenticity demonstrates a nonlinear pattern in its association with behavioral intention, involvement and nostalgia. Originality/value Through quantitative analysis and interpretation, this study has advanced the comprehension of the interplay between authenticity and tourism. It introduces a novel perspective that adds depth to the broader understanding in this domain. This foundational research is crucial for acknowledging the unique contributions made by this study to the fields of tourism and authenticity.

This paper aims to investigate online destination brand experience, destination brand authenticity, and tourist destination image on behavioral intentions of Solo Raya tourist destinations. In this study, a sample of areas was taken, namely several tourist areas of Solo Raya, which included Surakarta, Karanganyar, Sragen, Boyolali, Sukoharjo, and Klaten, who actively use social media in seeking information about several tourist destinations in Solo Raya. The sample in this investigation was 414 respondents. Types and sources of data in this investigation are quantitative data, which is primary data obtained through questionnaires. The sampling technique was using a purposive sampling technique. The data collection method used in this research is by allocating an opinion poll online using Google Forms. The results suggest that objective online destination brand experience, destination brand authenticity, and tourist destination image positively affect behavioral intentions toward the destination.

… Dining atmospherics indirectly affect customers’ behavioral intentions through perceived … authenticity perceived by visitors mediates the relationship between destination image and …

… perceived image. A model is built to understand both tourism identity and authenticity in a holistic conception of destination image … image, satisfaction, and behavioural intentions. …

This study is basically an explorative and explanatory research, with the overall purpose to identify, explore and analyze the touristsi¯ perceived authenticity of culture heritage. This study proposes to identify and evaluate the impact of authenticity by touristsi¯ perceptions of culture heritage on their experience quality and behavioral intention, from which implications for the sustainable development of culture heritage tourism can be derived. The results showed that perceived authenticity has a positive effect on experience quality. Furthermore, experience quality performed a significance function in behavioral intention, while the effect of perceived authenticity on behavioral intention is insignificant. These results imply that the importance of perceived authenticity on behavioral intentions is recognized via the mediating effects of experience quality.

Tourism is a dynamic and highly competitive industry, with destinations worldwide vying for the attention of travelers. Central to tourists' decision-making processes are their perceptions of a destination, often encapsulated in the concept of "destination image." This study seeks to unravel the intricate relationship between destination image and tourists' behavioral intentions, specifically examining how tourists' perceptions of a destination influence their intentions to visit, revisit, and recommend it to others. To achieve this, a comprehensive review of the literature on destination image and its impact on tourists' behavior was conducted. Empirical research findings from various destinations and cultural contexts were analyzed to provide insights into the multi-faceted nature of destination image and its effects on tourists' behavioral intentions. The study explores the dimensions that contribute to the formation of destination image, including cultural, natural, social, and marketing factors. The research reveals that tourists' perceptions of a destination significantly affect their intentions. A positive destination image often leads to a higher likelihood of initial visitation, repeat visitation, and word-of-mouth recommendations to others. Conversely, negative perceptions may deter potential tourists and discourage repeat visits or advocacy. Furthermore, the study discusses the role of destination marketing and management in shaping and enhancing destination image. Strategies such as effective communication, experiential marketing, and sustainable development are identified as critical elements in managing and improving destination image. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for destination marketers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Understanding the dynamics of destination image and its impact on behavioral intentions can inform the development of more targeted and effective marketing campaigns, as well as sustainable destination management practices. Ultimately, a positive destination image can not only attract more tourists but also foster a loyal and enthusiastic visitor base, contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of tourism destinations

Purpose Kaiping Diaolou in Guangdong Province, China, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is often used as a film location. This study aims to investigate the antecedents of film-induced heritage conservation behaviour in tourists visiting Kaiping Diaolou. The conceptual premises of stimulus-organism-response theory were used to provide additional insight into the impact of film- and heritage-induced images, and tourists’ perceived authenticity, destination attachment and heritage conservation intention. Design/methodology/approach The authors tested the hypotheses using covariance-based structural equation modelling by using the data collected from the 391 valid questionnaires. Findings The empirical results reveal that both film- and heritage-induced images have a direct impact on tourists’ heritage conservation intention. Furthermore, perceived authenticity and destination attachment fully mediate the relationship between destination image and conservation intention, while the serial multiple mediator effect in the heritage destination image model is not significant. Originality/value The findings contribute to the understanding of tourists’ heritage conservation intention through the lens of destination image, perceived authenticity and destination attachment. The study’s findings enrich the literature on film and heritage tourism regarding destination image construction and heritage conservation and have implications for the sustainable development of heritage tourism and heritage conservation, as well as the marketing of heritage sites.

Drawn to the unique natural and geographical advantages of ecotourism scenic areas, tourists can roam the natural environment and, at the same time, promote the sustainable development of the scenic area’s ecology. As a result, ecotourism has gradually become a popular type of tourism. Tourists’ perceived authenticity, perceived values, revisit intentions, and environmentally responsible behaviors, which are important variables in understanding their cognition and behaviors, have received extensive attention from scholars. However, few studies have combined tourists’ perceived authenticity, perceived values, revisit intentions, and environmentally responsible behaviors in the context of ecotourism. Taking Huangshan World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site in Anhui, China, as a case study, this study explored the relationship between the perceived authenticity and perceived values of ecotourists, and the respective relationships of perceived authenticity and perceived values with revisit intentions and environmentally responsible behaviors. A survey research method was employed, and the structural equation modeling technique was used to determine the relationships among variables. The results indicated that the perceived authenticity of ecotourists had a significant positive impact on their perceived values. Tourists’ perceived authenticity and perceived values significantly and positively affected their revisit intentions and environmentally responsible behaviors, respectively, while their perceived values played a mediating role in the impact of perceived authenticity on revisit intentions and environmentally responsible behaviors. Theoretically, this study introduces the concept of perceived authenticity into ecotourism, expands the research scope of perceived values, and fills the gaps in the research regarding the impact of perceived authenticity on environmentally responsible behaviors. Practically, it will assist tourism managers in developing a strategic plan for protecting the unique natural resources and cultural customs of scenic spots, producing a valuable interactive experience, and enhancing the collaborative decision-making process, which will lead to the sustainable development of ecotourism destinations.

ABSTRACT This study examines the causal relationship between different dimensions of perceived authenticity and pilgrimage image in the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage. A questionnaire was developed based on a literature review of six latent variables: objective authenticity, existential authenticity, constructive authenticity, cognitive image, affective image and conative image. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed at each Mazu palanquin resting temple during the pilgrimage period (8–17 April 2022). Overall, 565 valid responses were collected. The findings indicate that objective authenticity can significantly influence constructive and existential authenticity, and cognitive image can significantly influence affective image, which, affects conative image. However, constructive authenticity cannot influence existential authenticity. Moreover, objective authenticity can significantly influence cognitive and affective image, whereas constructive authenticity only influences cognitive image, and existential authenticity can significantly influence cognitive and affective image. Our findings expand knowledge of the theoretical framework based on different theoretical backgrounds and provide several theoretical insights. The managerial and practical implications of this study are also presented.

ABSTRACT This study intends to explore how the perceived food authenticity and extent of food modification influences the inclusive perceived experiences of the tourist in Delhi. It will also discover how these physiognomies affect their behavioral intentions (re-visit and word of mouth). Data collection was done from 279 foreign tourists using diverse scales to determine their inclusive perceived experience, cultural food difference, authenticity perception and ability to adapt. Findings revealed that the inclusive perceived experiences are positively affected by the perceived cultural difference and food authenticity. Degree of street food modification also resulted in low food authenticity.

This study examines the effect of authenticity, social media, and destination image on revisit intention. This study uses explanatory research with a quantitative approach. The population in this study were domestic tourists or foreign tourists who had visited tourist destinations in Gianyar at least once. The sampling technique used in the study was purposive sampling. The sample in the study was 250 respondents. Data collection was used through surveys, documentation, and Likert scales to test instruments. The data were analyzed using structural equation model partial least square (SEM-PLS) modeling. The results of this study indicate that authenticity and social media can increase revisit intention. In addition, authenticity and social media can also improve destination image. The destination can also increase revisit intention. Overall destination image) has the most significant influence on destination selection. Destination image can mediate between authenticity and social media on revisit intention. The better the authenticity and utilization of social media in Gianyar tourist destinations, the better the destination image will increase revisit intention.  The results of this study suggest that the management of Gianyar tourism can maintain the authenticity of Gianyar tourist destinations and increase the use of social media to attract tourists to revisit Gianyar tourism.

Purpose This study aims to explore the relationships among destination brand equity, brand authenticity and revisit intention. The mediating role of tourist satisfaction and the moderating role of destination familiarity in these relationships are also investigated. Design/methodology/approach Based on the stimulus–organism–response theory, a structural equation model was constructed to test the relationships among the study variables. The original data was obtained using a questionnaire survey method from domestic tourists who have traveled to Guilin in China. Findings The findings revealed that brand equity and brand authenticity not only positively and directly affect revisit intention but also have an indirect influence on revisit intention through the mediating role of tourist satisfaction. Destination familiarity positively moderates the direct influence of brand equity on revisit intention. Furthermore, brand authenticity significantly and positively affects brand equity. Practical implications The findings of this study provide a certain enlightenment for brand marketing and tourist destination management. Originality/value This study reveals the impact path of brand equity and brand authenticity on revisit intention, compensating for the lack of attention on impact mechanism among them. This study proves the impact of brand authenticity on destination brand equity. This compensates for the deficiencies that ignore possible antecedents affecting destination brand equity and the impact of brand authenticity on brand equity in the context of tourism destination. This study also confirms the specific dimensions of brand equity and brand authenticity in the context of Chinese tourism destinations in response to the current controversy.

… and the satisfaction level of inbound tourists visiting ethnic-minority villages, and tourism … were endangering the habitat of local ethnic minorities and the atmosphere of authenticity. …

ABSTRACT This study used a meta-analysis to examine the relationship between authenticity and tourist loyalty. A total of 144 effect sizes and 27,986 accumulated sample sizes from 68 independent empirical studies were analyzed. The results revealed that authenticity positively correlates with tourist loyalty, in different magnitudes. Specifically, objective authenticity has the greatest impact on tourist loyalty, followed by constructive authenticity and existential authenticity. In addition, this study also examined four moderators of the relationship between authenticity and tourist loyalty. Then we discussed the theoretical and practical implications of authenticity for tourism destination marketing.

PurposeExamining the influence of ethnic food tourists' perception of hygiene on their attitudinal loyalty formation is the purpose of this study. Specifically, How to demonstrate touristsʼ perception of ethnic food hygiene is the key question, and moreover, the study also investigates whether and how the stages of attitudinal loyalty in this study, which are perceived authenticity, positive emotion, and perceived value, are illustrated in this mechanism and are affected by tourist perceptions of hygiene?Design/methodology/approachBy engaging in the critical debate around the topic of hygiene perception, this study explores the influence of this factor on tourist's attitudinal loyalty, including the cognitive, affective and conative aspects, to ethnic food through the adoption of perceived authenticity, positive emotion and perceived value. A survey was conducted at the Xijiang Miao Village, a very popular ethnic tourism destination in China.FindingsThis study reveals that ethnic food tourists' perceptions of hygiene have five dimensions. One of these plays a direct predictor role in developing effective conative loyalty (perceived value). Tourists' perceptions of authenticity and positive emotion representing cognitive and affective loyalty are confirmed in their direct effect on conative loyalty as well. The five dimensions of perceptions of hygiene identified have varying degrees of influence on the three stages of attitudinal loyalty.Originality/valueThe unique contribution of this study lies in two points: (1) it has discovered the way that tourists' perceptions of the hygienic preparation of ethnic food in the ethnic destination is constructed, and (2) it investigated the relationship between tourists' perceptions of hygiene and the three stages of attitudinal loyalty.

ABSTRACT Based on the memorable tourism experience theory and previous studies on ethnic minority tourism, this study attempts to extend the memorable tourism experience to its contents of ethnic minority tourism and develop the measure scales of the Memorable Ethnic Minority Tourism Experiences (MEMTE). The Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis is performed to evaluate the influences of three MEMTE dimensions (scenery, ethnic interaction, and ethnic entertainment) on the tourist overall satisfaction, Word-of-Mouth (WOM) and intention to revisit in a sample of 248 ethnic minority tourists visiting Zhuang Zu in Guangxi Autonomous Region. The results indicate that all of the three MEMTE dimensions are positively related to tourist overall satisfaction, WOM, and intention to revisit. Moreover, tourist overall satisfaction is positively related to WOM and intention to revisit. These findings enrich our understanding of ethnic minority tourism, assist destination managers in generating MEMTE, and provide directions for future research.

… intentions (for example, loyalty to the festival and willingness … audience members that ethnic minority cultural festivals such … “authentic” traditional cuisine of that particular ethnic minority …

Cultural heritage tourist destinations have emerged as a hot topic in tourism literature, but there have been relatively few studies that determine the role of the involvement of local participation in either tourism planning or the decision-making processes of tourists. The connection between local community participation (LCP), authenticity, access to local products, destination visit image, tourist satisfaction, and tourist loyalty is thus relatively unexplored in the literature. This study used a quantitative approach based on a survey with 406 respondents visiting the city of Kaiping in Guangdong, China. The proposed hypotheses were empirically tested with SPSS and Analysis of Moment Structures. The resulting outcomes indicated a positive correlation between LCP, authenticity, and access to local and destination visit image, which led to tourist satisfaction and ultimately resulted in tourist loyalty. Additional theoretical contributions, practical implications, and limitations were also discussed.

ABSTRACT Psychological ownership (PO) can facilitate the formation of ties between individuals and tangible and intangible assets; however, little scholars have investigated its impact on cultural tourism. In addition, among the four human motivations that can drive PO, the effect of stimulus need satisfaction has received relatively little attention. To address these research gaps, this study conducted an on-site survey in Zhaoxing Dong Village, collecting 302 valid responses through convenience sampling. The findings reveal that authenticity has a significant positive effect on both PO and tourist commitment, while PO also positively relates to tourist commitment. In addition, the results demonstrate that only cognitive and behavioural cultural intelligence (CQ) moderates the relationship between authenticity and PO. This study therefore extends the application of PO and CQ in cultural heritage tourism contexts and confirms that stimulus need satisfaction drives PO. Moreover, it offers insights for the management of cultural tourism.

As one of the important forms of intangible cultural heritage, heritage sporting events are becoming a potential catalyst of tourism. Commodification of heritage sporting events becomes popular for local authorities to boost economic development and express cultural authenticity, given that authenticity creates genuine performances and moving tourism experiences. However, commodification of heritage is a double-edged sword. It is a dilemma to commercialize a heritage sporting event while keeping its authenticity. Therefore, this study proposes a tourist-based model of authenticity to solve this problem, in which the authenticity of heritage sporting events incorporates “cool” and “hot” factors. The model examines these factors and their impact on tourist satisfaction and loyalty using Naadam as the example. Seven hundred questionnaires were distributed at six sites located from east to west of the Inner Mongolia, China. Factor analysis shows there are two factors in cool and hot authenticity, respectively. Both factors of cool authenticity have direct impacts on hot authenticity, satisfaction, and loyalty. Though both intrapersonal and interpersonal factors of hot authenticity have direct positive impacts on tourist satisfaction, only the former affects loyalty directly. The results show the authenticity of event culture is the most important and effective authentic factor, while authentic auxiliary products—the direct expression of commodification—is indispensable for authenticity. This study is helpful for maintaining authenticity and cultural sustainability of heritage sporting events as a destination tourism attraction, given the fact that commodification and the marketing of heritage sporting events has become popular for heritage destination development.

… resources, the relationship between influencing elements of tourism experience becomes … between authenticity, situational involvement, destination image, and tourist satisfaction. Its …

… of perceived authenticity, tourists' involvement, and destination image on tourists' experience at a … effect of destination image on the paths from perceived authenticity and involvement to …

… This research explores the impact of authenticity and involvement on destination image, … Researchers have long emphasised the vital role of authenticity in cultural heritage tourism, …

… , recreation experience, and perceived authenticity of tourists. To fill this … of heritage tourists with respect to a destination image, recreational experience, and perception of authenticity. …

Abstract This study set out to investigate how authenticity affects tourist satisfaction with, and loyalty to, an attraction and its heritage value. Different factors were seen as likely to influence the various types of loyalty. Hahoe village in South Korea, a World Cultural Heritage listed area, was chosen as the research site. A survey of tourists was conducted, and 535 responses obtained for statistical analysis. The study discovered that tourist satisfaction from experiencing constructive and existential authenticity is a strong indicator of their intention to revisit. The results of this study can be applied to heritage tourism management, with the insightful message that constructive authenticity can strongly contribute to the satisfaction of heritage tourists when intangible tourism resources become tangible.

… of cultural-heritage tourism. In accordance with this, we consider the following question: Do each of the two dimensions of the authenticity … on satisfaction in a culturalheritage context? …

The authenticity of heritage tourism is an important factor for attracting tourists. Research has shown that authenticity is related to revisit intention. However, little attention has been paid to the impact of heritage tourism authenticity on revisit intention. Drawing on cognitive appraisal theory, we constructed a model of the mechanism underlying this relationship. Questionnaires were distributed at one world heritage site (the Dujiangyan irrigation system) in China, and data from 596 valid cases were collected. Using structural equation modeling, the results showed that authenticity, directly and indirectly, affects tourists' revisit intention via memorable tourism experiences and place attachment. The current paper enriches existing literature on the relationship between authenticity and revisit intention and provides a theoretical basis for promoting authenticity and revisit intention in heritage tourism.

This study aims to understand the role of creative tourist experiences (CTE) in shaping the behaviour of the tourist in terms of revisiting intention through authenticity. The study also …

Abstract Although modern society is more inclined to view authenticity from a postmodernist perspective, few quantitative studies on heritage tourism explored existential authenticity in detail. This study deconstructs authenticity into three components – object-related, intra-personal, and inter-personal – and then constructs a complete model by exploring each component’s internal structures, asking to what extent travel motivation is an antecedent and loyalty, a consequence. Data were obtained from 1,088 valid survey questionnaires distributed in Pingxi, Taiwan. Study findings confirmed the reliability and validity of the items used to measure the construct of authenticity. Regarding the internal structure of authenticity, intra-personal authenticity plays a mediating role between object-related authenticity and inter-personal authenticity, and this inter-personal authenticity may be the final value that tourists perceive. Compared with recent related studies, this model more comprehensively explains the degree of variation in loyalty, reflecting its importance for heritage tourism management and marketing. If a destination remains authentic, tourists are willing make a return visit. Authenticity may enable tourism managers to strike a balance between preservation and development when achieving the long-term goal of sustainable development.

This study examines tourists’ dining experiences and tests competing models of predictors of satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Specifically, we examine the influence of service quality, quality of environment, food quality, price fairness, authenticity, and tourist satisfaction on behavioral intentions. Within the context of mountain hut casual ethnic restaurants and a survey of 304 respondent tourists, we apply partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test both the baseline and the competing, hierarchical latent model. First, results for the baseline model show that satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between the various quality attributes and behavioral intentions. Second, results from the competing model confirm that food quality, service quality, and quality of environment form a second-order construct of perceived quality. Third, results reveal that service quality, quality of the environment, and food quality are best represented as a second-order construct in modeling predictors to evaluate the tourism dining experiences relative to tourist satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Fourth, we show that authenticity is a stronger predictor of satisfaction than price fairness and service quality.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of experience quality between the dimensions of authenticity and satisfaction in the context of cultural-heritage tourism. This paper investigates the direct influences of these variables on satisfaction and the indirect influences of two dimensions of authenticity on satisfaction through quality of experience. This study is a pioneer in analysing the influence of each of the two dimensions of authenticity on satisfaction via quality of experience in a cultural-heritage context. A questionnaire survey administered to 205 visitors in the City of York, United Kingdom, was analysed using the structural equation modelling technique. The findings confirmed the direct and indirect influence of the variable authenticity in its double perspective (objective and existential authenticity) on satisfaction. The findings also identified the mediating role of quality of experience on authenticity and satisfaction. It is therefore recommended that cultural tourism attractions should be offered that provide visitors with a high quality authentic and personal experience in order to enhance visitor satisfaction.

… Spanish rural tourists through an online survey. Structural equation modelling was applied … and policymakers to strengthen authenticity and the socio-cultural and economic dimensions …

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between tourism authenticity and tourism experience and its implications for tourists' intention to make repeat visits in the context of cultural festivals.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses descriptive quantitative and partial least square analysis by discussing six direct and five indirect relationships in the model. This study used a purposive sampling technique, with a total sample of 189 respondents who were collected through a survey of tourists who had visited the Reog Ponorogo National Festival. This study uses SmartPLS SEM to analyze the data.FindingsThe results show that this study extends its practical, policy and theoretical implications to cultural festival stakeholders. In addition, the findings of this study indicate that objective and constructive authenticity have a positive and significant effect on tourist experience. Meanwhile, tourist experience has a positive and significant effect on revisit intention. The mediating role of tourist experience also has a positive and significant effect.Originality/valueEvent tourism that favors the culture of local wisdom shows originality and becomes an attraction for tourists to visit which affects experience and revisit intention. This study focuses on the attributes of authenticity to tourist experience and revisit intention, in which tourist experience acts as a mediation.

… The structural equation modeling method was employed to test the research model and the … As far as the empirical results of this study are concerned, cultural tour involvement, attitude …

This study examines how cultural identity influences tourist experiences through multidimensional perceptions of authenticity in cultural heritage tourism contexts, thereby driving electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) behavior. Through a questionnaire survey of 307 Chinese tourists visiting cultural heritage sites, reliability and validity tests were conducted using SPSS 28, and structural equation modeling analysis was performed with Smart PLS 4.0. All seven proposed hypotheses were supported. The findings reveal that cultural identity significantly and positively predicts object authenticity (β = 0.733, p < 0.001), constructed authenticity (β = 0.694, p < 0.001), and existential authenticity (β = 0.670, p < 0.001). Among these, object authenticity exerted the most pronounced influence on tourist experience (β = 0.733, p < 0.001), indicating that authentic perceptions of tangible cultural carriers (e.g., architecture, handicrafts, attire) play a central role in shaping the overall tourist experience. Furthermore, positive and memorable visitor experiences significantly drive electronic word-of-mouth (β = 0.740, p < 0.001), indicating that emotional engagement and authenticity perception jointly foster tourists willingness to share online. This study theoretically expands the authenticity framework by empirically linking cultural identity and electronic word-of-mouth behavior through the multidimensional mediating role of tourist experience, deepening understanding of the mechanism of authenticity perception in Chinese cultural heritage tourism contexts. Practically, destination managers are advised to prioritize designing tourist experiences that emphasize cultural authenticity and emotional resonance. This enables tourists to establish personalized meaning connections while engaging with tangible cultural artifacts, thereby motivating them to voluntarily become online advocates for the destination's culture.

Abstract This paper explores the relationship between destination image, cultural contact, perceived risk, satisfaction, and the revisit intention of international tourists to Binh Thuan province in Vietnam based on data obtained from 405 international tourists. Employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) techniques, the study delivered two key results. The first finding is that revisit intention is directly affected by satisfaction, attractiveness, accommodation service, cultural contact, and perceived risk. Secondly, satisfaction is directly affected by attractiveness, accommodation service, cultural contact, and perceived risk. These results confirm the moderating role of both nationality and marital status on the relationships from cultural contact and attractiveness to satisfaction, but not revisit intention. However, the research has certain limitations: (i) due to the limited resources available to conduct the research, the sample size was limited to 405 international tourists in Binh Thuan province; and (ii) this study conducted sampling using direct interview methods of tourists during the peak season.

Authenticity is a central aspect and prominent feature of heritage tourism. Both practitioners and researchers are interested in the authenticity of tourism experiences when it comes to heritage tourism planning, marketing and management. The paper aims to explore the intervening role of tourist experience in the link between cultural heritage authenticity and place attachment and revisit intention, in the context of Egyptian cultural heritage sites. An integrative model was developed to explore the importance of cultural heritage authenticity and its influence on place attachment and revisit intention, through the mediating role of tourist experience. Using Smart PLS 4, data collected from 389 international tourists who visited Egypt were analysed. The findings of the study highlighted that tourist experience fully mediates the relationship between cultural heritage authenticity and both place attachment and revisit intention. The results also identified the positive direct effect of cultural heritage authenticity on tourist experience. The positive direct effects of tourist experience on place attachment and revisit intention were also significant. Findings hold important implications for both the research community and destination management and marketing organizations and heritage sites. Practical implications and potential future research are also discussed.

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of cultural identity, experience quality, and perceived value on tourists' revisit intention to Mount Taishan as a heritage destinations, and to investigate the roles of perceived destination image and satisfaction in influencing revisit intention, particularly to reveal satisfaction as a mediator between perceived value and revisit intention. Using a structured questionnaire survey, data were collected from 438 tourists who have the tourism experience in Mount Taishan. We then use structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to process the data analysis. The findings indicate that cultural identity, experience quality, and perceived value significantly influence revisit intention, with cultural identity showing the strongest effect. Furthermore, perceived destination image and satisfaction play crucial roles in shaping revisit intention, with satisfaction mediating the effect of perceived value. These insights underscore the importance of fostering a strong cultural connection, enhancing experience quality, and maintaining a positive destination image to promote sustainable repeat visitation at heritage sites like Mount Taishan.

PurposeThis study primarily aims to investigate the indirect and direct effects of cultural heritage rejuvenation experience quality on tourists' revisiting intention through memorable tourism experiences and destination image in the context of cultural heritage tourism.Design/methodology/approachA structural equation modeling test with maximum likelihood estimation was used to test structural relationships between variables in the proposed model using the responses of 461 participants.FindingsThe results indicated that the cultural heritage rejuvenation experience quality exerted a significant positive impact on memorable tourism experiences. Destination image and memorable tourism experiences positively correlated with tourists' revisiting intention. Destination image and memorable tourism experiences partially mediated the correlation between cultural heritage rejuvenation experience quality and revisiting intention.Originality/valueThe study shows that it is meaningful to include memorable tourism experiences and destination image in tourism destination quality–loyalty models and confirms that the cultural heritage rejuvenation experience quality should be viewed as crucial aspects of marketing strategies aimed at improving memorable tourism experiences, destination image, and revisiting intention.

This study examines the impact of food authenticity and social media exposure on revisit intention, mediated by the roles of memorable culinary tourism experience and destination image. This research uses a quantitative approach with an explanatory research type. The survey was conducted on 400 domestic tourists who had experienced local culinary tourism in Magelang Regency through the distribution of questionnaires. Data analysis used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the LISREL 8.8 software. The research results indicate that food authenticity and social media exposure have a positive and significant impact on revisit intention, mediated by the Memorable Culinary Tourism Experiences and Destination Image. These findings expand the Consumer Behavior Theory by integrating cultural and digital elements, strengthen the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) Theory, and support the development of Brand Equity Theory in culinary tourism destinations.

This study aims to explore the complex interrelationships among place attachment, authenticity, satisfaction and revisit intention in domestic tourism, focusing on Dong Thap province, and address critical gaps in the existing literature by proposing a unified conceptual framework. The study employs a systematic bibliometric analysis in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, using three academic databases: Dimensions.ai, ScienceDirect and Emerald. Advanced bibliometric techniques, including co-citation and keyword co-occurrence analyses, were employed to identify thematic structures, research clusters and gaps in studies on revisit intention. The analysis revealed a fragmented theoretical landscape in the existing literature, with no cohesive framework linking place attachment, authenticity, satisfaction and revisit intention within the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The findings highlight the need to expand the TPB framework that integrates these constructs to provide a more comprehensive explanation of revisit intention in domestic tourism. The study advances a novel mechanism for predicting revisit intention by expanding TPB with additional constructs. The study also offers actionable guidance for destination managers to strengthen loyalty for destinations like Dong Thap province. This study is the first to integrate multi-database bibliometric mapping with theoretical model development, resulting in a conceptual expansion of the TPB for domestic tourism. The findings offer theoretical contributions and practical insights for destination managers seeking to enhance the intention to revisit Dong Thap.

This study addresses the lack of empirical research on medical tourist revisit intention, focussing on Malaysia’s medical tourism. It examines the factors influencing revisit intention and the moderating role of perceived satisfaction, grounded in the cognitive model and expectation confirmation theory. The proposed model tested seven hypotheses using a Google form online survey in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, targeting inbound medical tourists. All four direct relationship hypotheses were supported, identifying perceived authenticity, destination image, employee attitude, and perceived satisfaction as significant predictors of revisit intention. Moreover, perceived satisfaction moderated the relationships between these factors and revisit intention. These findings validate the new model and highlight the importance of medical tourist revisit intention in marketing strategies aimed at increasing revisits to Malaysia. The study also provides practical insights for medical tourism and healthcare practitioners into the factors influencing medical tourist revisit intention.

The role that authenticity plays in tourism is debatable. Researchers have focused on the nature of authenticity, while the natural landscape is taken for granted as authentic. “Landscape” is the symbolic environment created by human acts of conferring meaning to nature and the environment. The concept of nature authenticity is proposed to enrich the connotation of authenticity. A structural equation model was used to analyze the relationships between motivation, perceived authenticity, destination image and satisfaction. The results indicate that perceived authenticity positively affects tourists’ perceptions of the destination image in both the context of nature (β = 0.51, p < 0.01) and the cultural context (β = 0.65, p < 0.01). Perceived authenticity also has positive effects on the satisfaction for both the natural (β = 0.42, p < 0.01) and cultural (β = 0.20, p < 0.01) aspects. Tourists valued both nature and culture authenticity in the Chinese context. As a newly emerged phenomenon, performing arts act as an effective way to demonstrate local culture and history. The moderating effect of a performing art show was discussed with model comparison. Tourists who watched the performing arts show thought highly of the authenticity of the destination, especially regarding the cultural aspect.

Destination loyalty has become a topic that needs attention in tourism research, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic because it affects the number of visitors to tourist sites. This study aims to test the effect of destination image on destination loyalty through destination authenticity. The respondents in this study were visitors to the Ecotourism Mount Leuser National Park in Indonesia. The questionnaires were distributed to 301 respondents using purposive sampling. The data were processed using SEM-PLS methods. The results show that destination image influences destination authenticity (p-value &lt;0.05). Next, destination authenticity affects destination loyalty (p-value &lt;0.05) and destination image influences destination loyalty (p-value &lt; 0.05). Finally, destination image through destination authenticity influences destination loyalty (p-value &lt; 0.05). The findings of this study can be beneficial to the respective governmental bodies that seeks to improve destination authenticity and destination image to enhance destination loyalty of visitors and promote revisit intentions toward the Ecotourism Mount Leuser National Park in Indonesia. This study can be used as a reference for tourist destination managers to increase destination loyalty by maintaining and managing the tourist destination area properly. The government acts as a policymaker and is responsible for preserving the environmental impact of tourism, such as pollution, other environmental hazards, and land use issues stemming from poor planning, regulation, and engineering of the site, attractions, and facilities. AcknowledgmentThis study is funded by the DRTPM of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, grant number [097/E5/PG.02.00.PT/2022], for the 2022 fiscal year.

Purpose This study assessed the antecedents and consequences of tourists’ authenticity experience in a new ancient town in China. Based on Chinese cultural background and case study, this paper aims to explore this kind of tourism place making and establishes an empirical model to examine and verify the impact of tourists’ perception, authentic experience and behavioral tendency on such place making, and proposes targeted improvement measures. Design/methodology/approach Based on a Chinese cultural background and case study, this paper explored a certain kind of tourism place making and established an empirical model to examine and verify the impact of tourists’ perceptions, authentic experiences and behavioral tendencies on such place making; the goals were to try to create a new scale to measure the authenticity of the “new ancient town” in the Chinese context and to propose targeted measures for improvement. Findings Research shows that Chinese visitors acquire experiences that they perceive to be authentic when visiting a contrived attraction such as a new ancient town. The dimensions of cultural, functional, product, value and unique authenticity were identified as distinct dimensions of tourists’ authenticity experiences in a new ancient town. Although these dimensions have been mentioned at times in the context of traditional Western assessments of authenticity, they do not replicate exactly any category of Western objective authenticity, existential authenticity, constructive authenticity or postmodern authenticity. They instead constitute an authentic experiential dimension in a typical oriental context, which is comprehensively explicated by combining the image of a national cultural theme and the elements of functional construction created by tourist places in a new ancient town. Research limitations/implications This study explored the path relationship among perception of place making – authenticity experience – behavioral intention, but it did not analyze relationships among the dimensions of perception of place making or among the authenticity experience variables. Furthermore, advantage was not taken of the availability of socioeconomic information to look for differences among interviewees with different attributes. In addition, there is a profound cultural and complex theoretical connotation to authenticity in the Chinese context, and the study of a single case is insufficient to fully elucidate meaning in this emerging discourse. Practical implications By verifying the path of tourists’ authenticity experiences through the perception of place making, the understanding of the effects of different elements of place making on tourists’ experiences is refined. For space producers, different elements of place making promote tourists’ authenticity experiences to different degrees. Strengthening the construction of the physical environment, marketing and scenes can promote tourists’ authenticity experiences: planning and design, marketing and scene enhancements promote tourists’ functional authenticity experiences; planning and design, the physical environment and marketing enhance tourists’ product authenticity experiences; planning and design, marketing, the physical environment and scene enhancement can improve tourists’ perceptions of value; unique authenticity experiences can be created in the marketing and scenes in new ancient towns. Social implications Certain aspects of the space production in new ancient towns can be used to strengthen tourists’ perceptions of value. First, the scene system at scenic spots can be strengthened, catering to tourists’ visual, olfactory and other senses so that they are available in all kinds of weather. Second, the local cultural characteristics of the material environment can be strengthened and the installation of inappropriate cultural symbols can be avoided. Thus, a physical environment that is of local ethnic cultural significance can be created so that both local residents and tourists can perceive the value of the place. Third, the rational layout of the new ancient towns should be established and maintained through the ongoing involvement of professional planning and design teams. Local cultural attributes that are of national significance should be included in the layout and design of the physical environment. Fourth, daily marketing and management actions influence how tourists influence scene value. Therefore, managers of scenic places need to make prudent decisions about and integrate local folk and ethnic characteristics into their marketing, which can promote the sustainable development of tourism effectively (Saarinen, 2018). Originality/value First, this study constructed and validated the model and path relationship of the “perception of place making, authentic experience, and behavioral intention,” and it confirmed that the perception of place making had an important impact on tourists’ authentic experiences. Second, the exploratory factor analysis extracted five dimensions of the tourist authenticity experience (i.e. cultural, functional, unique, product and value authenticity) based on China’s context of ming shi, which enriched the connotations of the authenticity experience. Third, this study effectively linked the perception of place making with the real experience and behavioral intention of tourists and expanded the theoretical research boundary of place making to a certain extent.

Rural homestay inns are an important part of rural tourism, and tourists’ support behavior intentions are important factors affecting whether rural homestay inns can be developed sustainably. The local authentic life experiences and realization of actual communication between the host and tourists are the main influencing factors for tourists to revisit, recommend, or provide support. Although previous studies have confirmed the influence of authenticity perception on tourists’ support behavior intentions from different perspectives, they have not analyzed the influence mechanism between them from the perspective of micro interpersonal emotional attitude. To further understand the impact mechanism between the two, this study introduces the variable of emotional solidarity; constructs a relationship model of authenticity perception, emotional solidarity, and tourists’ support behavior intentions by adopting the theory of reasoned action; and verifies the established hypotheses through empirical analysis. The results show that both existential authenticity and objective authenticity positively influence tourism support behavior intentions, and the effect of objective authenticity on tourism support behavior intentions is greater than that of the presence of authenticity. Empathic understanding, feeling welcome, and emotional intimacy all play mediating roles between intrapersonal authenticity perception and tourism support behavior intentions. Findings also show empathic understanding and feeling welcome play mediating roles in objective authenticity perception and between the perception of objective authenticity and tourism support behavior intentions. Suggestions are also proposed for the development of homestay inn enterprises.

… It therefore follows that there is a need to examine the circumstances under which cultural and heritage tourism provides tourists with authentic experiences. Because heritage is related …

Recognizing the complexity of the concept of authenticity, some researchers have proposed an authenticity model with a multidimensional structure comprising the true-to-ideal (TTI), true-to-fact (TTF), and true-to-self (TTS) dimensions. However, little is known about how different perceptions of authenticity affect consumer behavior. Thus, by applying cognitive appraisal theory, this study examines how the appraisal of different authenticity dimensions elicits emotional responses and consequently prompts diners’ revisit intentions. Data were collected from 531 Chinese consumers via a survey questionnaire and analyzed via structural modeling analysis. The results show that the TTI and TTF dimensions significantly affect revisit intentions both directly and indirectly through positive and negative emotions. Furthermore, TTS exerts a significant indirect effect on revisit intentions through positive emotions. This study provides critical insights into promoting patronage intentions and positive emotions and preventing negative emotions.

… perceptions of authenticity and behavioral intentions. Few … employees of referent ethnic origin have the largest impacts … surrounding authenticity in service and hospitality and tourism …