Understanding the authenticity of surf tourism: evidence from Chinese tourists

Abstract

Surf tourism authenticity has received limited theoretical attention. This study analyzed the surf tourism authenticity and its development by investigating Chinese tourists’ online content using grounded theory modified by Corbin and Strauss. The findings concluded that surf tourism authenticity consists of objective and existential authenticity perceived by surf tourists. Objective authenticity is necessary for realizing existential authenticity, but passing the rite of struggle is a sufficient condition. Tourists’ physical and mental competence are decisive factors that interactively determine whether or not they are able to pass the rite of struggle. This study contributes to the literature by (1) introducing authenticity to depict the surf tourism experience; (2) highlighting the importance of objective authenticity alongside existential authenticity for understanding surf tourism authenticity and discussing these two elements from a holistic perspective; and (3) proposing the rite of struggle to promote a better understanding of the relationship between two authenticities.