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Factors of Authenticity: Exploring Santorini’s Heritage Hotels

Author

Listed:
  • Efthymia Sarantakou

    (Department of Tourism Management, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

  • Georgios Tsamos

    (Department of Tourism Management, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patras, Greece)

  • Aimilia Vlami

    (Department of Regional & Economic Development, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece)

  • Agni Christidou

    (Department of Tourism Management, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patras, Greece
    Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, 10564 Athens, Greece)

  • Evridiki Maniati

    (Department of Tourism Management, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to investigate the factors that influence the authenticity of heritage hotels in popular tourist destinations. Using the Greek island of Santorini as a case study, the following three (3) factors, which have not been systematically studied so far, are examined and appear to have a significant impact on authenticity in the conversion of a heritage architectural building into a heritage hotel: (a) its structural characteristics, (b) the influence of the star classification system and (c) the extent to which each business promotes authenticity elements and heritage identity. For the purposes of this study, a threefold methodological approach was conducted, which includes archival research in the registry of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels for all the heritage hotels in Santorini (69 units), research in the accounting data of the island’s heritage hotels certified with the national star ranking system for their services and amenities and research analysis of the information regarding the promotion of the heritage hotels through their official websites. Additionally, a cartographic representation of the locations of these hotels was created and their positioning was compared to the boundaries of traditional or non-traditional settlements. The results validated the basic finding of the literature review, that the authenticity of a heritage hotel is a construction under constant negotiation, influenced by a multitude of factors. The conversion of a historic building into a heritage hotel is a multidimensional process that requires a delicate balance between preserving cultural value and adapting to the needs of modern tourism, as well as a continuous evaluation and review of the policies in place.

Suggested Citation

  • Efthymia Sarantakou & Georgios Tsamos & Aimilia Vlami & Agni Christidou & Evridiki Maniati, 2024. "Factors of Authenticity: Exploring Santorini’s Heritage Hotels," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jtourh:v:5:y:2024:i:3:p:45-799:d:1465576
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lilawati Abdul Wahab* & Noraini Md Zain & Zaiwanizar Zainal Abidin & Mohd Hafiz Saberi & Norbaizura Abu Bakar, 2018. "Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings as Hotels in Melaka and George Town - UNESCO World Heritage Cities," The Journal of Social Sciences Research, Academic Research Publishing Group, pages 22-27:6.
    2. Panagiota Anastasiadou & Efthymia Sarantakou & Evridiki Maniati & Evangelia Tsilika, 2022. "Exploring Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Hotel Design," Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, in: Vicky Katsoni & Andreea Claudia Şerban (ed.), Transcending Borders in Tourism Through Innovation and Cultural Heritage, pages 239-255, Springer.
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