Abstract
This study examined the perceptions of authenticity in cultural portrayals by both visitors and indigenous tourism operators in Far North Queensland. Surveys were administered over a two week period to indigenous tour operators and visitors at six locations throughout the region. The results showed that tourists place a high value on authenticity and the majority of them who had participated in an indigenous experience were satisfied with its level of authenticity. The study further found that the use of theatrical effects in cultural presentations was viewed negatively by tourists. A few indigenous tour operators were found to place a higher premium on maintaining the pride of their community’s cultural values, rather than work collaboratively with external corporations to provide titillating, but barely authentic, tourism experiences. The overwhelming consensus from all those interviewed was that, players in the indigenous tourism market are still grappling with how they could appeal to a broad range of tourists without losing authenticity in their presentation of culture. The solution is likely to be found in local capacity building and multi-stakeholder engagement, not least the involvement of governing authorities and the mainstream tourism sector.
Highlights
Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world market today
The results show that about 75% of the respondents who had previously experienced indigenous tourism considered it an authentic demonstration of Aboriginal culture (Figure 1) (p
This study has found that the vast majority of tourists considered their indigenous cultural experiences to be authentic
Summary
Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world market today. According to IBIS World, worldwide revenue from tourism is well over US$ 1 trillion, and strong growth is expected to continue over the couple of years [1]. One facet of growth in this sector is indigenous cultural experiences. The continued growth in this tourism sub-sector has been attributed to a shift in tourist desires away from trips involving participation with modernized, centered cultures to experiences with groups who have historically been along the margins [2]. An increasing number of indigenous communities all over the world are becoming important members of the tourist industry [3]. The development of culturally appropriate indigenous tourism experiences can be tremendously difficult. Authentic portrayal of indigenous cultures is inherently difficult to balance with modernization and lifestyle changes within the community [6]. The tourism industry is often accused of objectifying people and cultures in order to represent the world in the most marketable way [7]. If culture is presented appropriately, education can reduce stereotypes and prejudices [9,10]
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