Authenticity in Intangible Heritage as a Key to the Development of Tourism Products: Theoretical Frameworks from Poland

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to characterize the authenticity of intangible cultural heritage in the context of local, regional and traditional products and their role in the development of tourism offerings. The paper defines key concepts such as cultural heritage, authenticity and local, regional and traditional products. Design/Methodology/Approach: A literature review and analysis of phenomena related to food adulteration and its impact on perceptions of authenticity were conducted Findings: The results indicate that authenticity is an important factor influencing consumers' and tourists' perception of product quality. The authors also stressed the importance of protecting and promoting authentic products, which enhances local identity and tourism development. The article provides a theoretical basis for activities for sustainable development of heritage-based tourism. Practical Implications: The article turns its attention to the authenticity of heritage in the creation of tourism products. The right approach to this issue can inspire tour operators to create tourism offers based on authentic local, regional and traditional products, highlighting their unique features and links to history and culture. These resources can become an effective tool for promoting cultural heritage. Traditional products can serve as a basis for implementing support programs for local producers, which will enable them to develop production in accordance with traditional methods and obtain certificates confirming the authenticity of products, which can lead to increased competitiveness of tourist regions. With proper consumer education on the topic analyzed in the article, there will be an increase in consumer awareness of product authenticity and the benefits of choosing local and traditional products. Originality/Value: The article provides theoretical and practical guidance for decision-makers and tourism organizers, contributing to a better understanding of the importance of authenticity in building competitive tourism offers. Moreover, it brings a new perspective to the analysis of the authenticity of intangible cultural heritage, highlighting its relationship with local, regional and traditional products as key elements in tourism development.