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In the Eyes of the Beholder: The Effect of the Perceived Authenticity of Sanfang Qixiang in Fuzhou, China, among Locals and Domestic Tourists

Author

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  • Gyehee Lee

    (Department of Tourism, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea)

  • Xiao Lin

    (Department of Tourism, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea)

  • Yunseon Choe

    (School of Community Resources and Development, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Arizona State University, 411 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
    Department of Tourism Development and Management, The Hainan University-Arizona State University Joint International Tourism College, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570004, China)

  • Wenya Li

    (School of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Creation, Sanming University, 25, Jingdong Road, Sanming 365004, China)

Abstract

Many historic and cultural heritage destinations have faced queries about authentic travel experiences and crises of commoditization related to tourism products. This study is based on the dyadic function of heritage destinations for both locals and domestic tourists: heritage as a spatial-temporal object for tourists, using authenticity as a theoretical framework. It examined the (1) effects of cultural motivations and prior knowledge on both object-based and existential authenticities, (2) effects of authenticity on destination experiences, and (3) moderating role of residential status on the relationship between authenticity and destination experience. The data were collected from 173 locals and 159 domestic tourists on site in the Sanfang Qixiang tourist district and analyzed using the SEM technique. The results indicated that cultural motivation and prior knowledge had significant effects on authenticity; however, only existential authenticity enhanced the destination experience, whereas object-based authenticity did not have an effect on the destination experience. In addition, residential status had a key moderating function in the relationship between the perception of authenticity and the destination experience. This study contributes to the literature by integrating the mutual gaze into heritage tourism literature and emphasizing the importance of a balance between authenticity and commoditization in heritage destination development in Asia. The findings hold some practical implications for the development of balanced management strategies to minimize potential conflicts and maximize user satisfaction with heritage tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Gyehee Lee & Xiao Lin & Yunseon Choe & Wenya Li, 2021. "In the Eyes of the Beholder: The Effect of the Perceived Authenticity of Sanfang Qixiang in Fuzhou, China, among Locals and Domestic Tourists," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-25, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:22:p:12353-:d:675068
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Sanja Kovačić & Tatjana Pivac & Müge Akkar Ercan & Kinga Kimic & Petja Ivanova-Radovanova & Klodiana Gorica & Ermelinda Kordha Tolica, 2023. "Exploring the Image, Perceived Authenticity, and Perceived Value of Underground Built Heritage (UBH) and Its Role in Motivation to Visit: A Case Study of Five Different Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-21, July.
    3. Thomas Eck & Yiwen Zhang & Soyoung An, 2023. "A Study on the Effect of Authenticity on Heritage Tourists’ Mindful Tourism Experience: The Case of the Forbidden City," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-18, May.
    4. Xiaoyang Zhu & Shang-Chia Chiou, 2022. "A Study on the Sustainable Development of Historic District Landscapes Based on Place Attachment among Tourists: A Case Study of Taiping Old Street, Taiwan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-25, September.

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