Authenticity Of Heritage Research Articles

HERITAGE TOURISM: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OVER THREE DECADES (1994-2023)

This qualitative study explores the relationship between tourism and places recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, whether tangible (WHS) or intangible (ICH). In the last two decades there has been a growth in the number of resources with UNESCO recognition. It aims to fill the research gap in the analysis of heritage tourism using bibliometric techniques. Data were collected from 886 documents in the period 1994-2023 (December) from the Web of Science database. Using the VOSviewer software, scientific maps were created showing the current and future line of research in this scientific field. The results show evidence of related research on Tourism sustainability at UNESCO sites in China and Tourism sustainability of cultural heritage for the whole period. In addition, two new research topics from 2016 are identified: Motivation and satisfaction of heritage tourists and Authenticity of intangible heritage. The results help to visualise the structure and trends of heritage tourism research, which can help researchers, policy makers and destination marketing organisations (DMOs) to gain knowledge and understanding of existing studies and current research topics.

Embodiments of conservation: conflictual agencies in and out of the museum

ABSTRACT This paper examines the ways in which conservation may shape, influence, or even manipulate the authenticity and materiality of cultural heritage, cultural identity, and value. In this regard, the application of the term “embodiment” encompasses the choice of conservation strategies and the values and goals attached to them. I argue that embodiments may carry and refer to historical, political, economic, and ethical contexts and controversies. Therefore, two case studies will be discussed: These are the conservation approach and program for the Shōsō-in, the eighth-century treasure house of the Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan, and the 2022 introduction of crypto-conservation by the Saar Historical Museum in Saarbrücken, Germany. The paper particularly highlights embodiments that perform the preservation of cultural heritage beyond Western practices. To this end, it also introduces the African artist initiatives Looty and Milele Museum, both of which expand the perspective towards conservation and restitution.

Implementation and challenges of sustainable tourism programs in Bali

The rapid growth of tourism in Bali has led to extensive development of accommodations, infrastructure, and facilities, positioning the island as a major tourist destination. However, this growth has brought significant challenges, including environmental degradation, cultural commodification, and social inequalities. The overexploitation of natural resources, unsustainable waste management, and deforestation have raised concerns about the island’s long-term ecological health. Additionally, the commercialization of cultural traditions and rising land prices have disrupted local communities and eroded the authenticity of Balinese heritage. In response, Indonesia has launched the "Decarbonization Roadmap for the Tourism Sector" to transition towards a more sustainable tourism model. This roadmap, supported by traditional values like Tri Hita Karana, emphasizes balancing economic growth with environmental preservation and cultural respect. Sustainable tourism practices such as community-based tourism and ecotourism are emerging as potential solutions, focusing on local participation and environmental conservation. Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain, including the uneven distribution of tourism benefits, income inequality, and the heavy reliance on tourism for Bali’s economy. Addressing these issues will require integrated and thoughtful approaches that prioritize sustainability and inclusive development.

Tourism and Tradition: How Community-Based and Ethnic Tourism Are Reshaping Chin Traditional Tattoos in Myanmar

In response to the increasing interest in local cultures and the preservation of heritage, the tourism industry has evolved beyond traditional leisure and recreation activities. This evolution has led to a surge in initiatives aimed at safeguarding the cultural identity, heritage, and traditions of developing nations. In the context of chin state in Myanmar, the resurgence of tradtitional face tattoos, onece less prevelent, can be attributed to the rising tourism activity in the region. This study hightights how facial tattors have been commercialized within the tourism sector, influenced by religious and ethnic dynamics. The commodification of these facila tattoos has paradoxically contributed to the preservation of this cultural practice among the Chin tribes by imbuing it with symbolic significance in the realm of ethnic tourism. Moreover, the processes of ethnic tourism have played a crucial role in reviving indigenenous knnowledge and promoting cultural sustainability in Myanmar.By intertwining tourism initiatives with the preservation of cultural heritage, ethnic tourism has emerged as a vehicle for revitalizing traditional practices and forstering a deeper appreciation for the cultural identity of the chin tribes. This intertwining of tourism and cultural sustainability underscores the importance of ethnically engaging with local communties and traditions to ensure the authenticity and longevity of cultural heritage in the face of evolving tourism landscapes.

Exploring Non-Linear and Synergistic Effects of Street Environment on the Spirit of Place in Historic Districts: Using Multi-Source Data and XGBoost

The fragmented remodeling of historic districts undermines the spirit of place. Understanding the intricate relationship between the neighborhood environment and the spirit of place is essential for sustainable urban development. Current research predominantly relies on case studies and the concept of place, which are subjective and lack specific analysis of how the neighborhood environment shapes the spirit of place. In this study, we examine Chuancheng Street in Handan City as a case study. Utilizing the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model and multi-source data, combined with SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) and Partial Dependence Plots (PDP), we analyze the non-linear and synergistic effects of the street environment on the spirit of place in historic districts. The findings reveal that (1) the proportion of enduring sociability (PES) on the street significantly shapes the spirit of place, with cultural space elements being less prioritized in perception; (2) PES, green vision index (GVI), Integration_800 m, and mixed land use (MLU) have pronounced non-linear impacts on the spirit of place, with strong threshold effects, and these factors also demonstrate a synergistic effect; (3) There are notable spatial variations in the spirit of place across different blocks, particularly influenced by the authenticity of cultural heritage. This study provides fundamental insights into the spirit of place in historic neighborhoods, enabling a better understanding of complex urban dynamics and informing future street regeneration from a place perspective.

Examining Turkish travellers’ non-immersive virtual heritage tour experiences through stimulus–organism–response model

PurposeThis study aims to examine how travellers’ non-immersive virtual heritage authenticity, sense of presence and virtual tour satisfaction stimulate their behavioural intentions (continuance and travel intention) within the stimulus–organism–response model.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was designed to survey Turkish travellers (n = 275) participating in a virtual tour. A structural equation modelling method was used to estimate the model and test the research hypotheses.FindingsResearch findings revealed that four out of six hypotheses were supported. Based on the study outputs, authenticity and sense of presence impact overall travellers’ satisfaction. Furthermore, satisfaction influences continuance intention and travel intention.Originality/valueThe study presents a pioneering effort to investigate tourists’ non-immersive virtual heritage tour experiences in a developing destination context through a theoretical framework.

The Optimization Strategy of Tourism Space

With the expansion of the scale of cultural heritage tourism, the contradiction between cultural heritage space and tourism activities is becoming more and more prominent, and the integrity and authenticity of cultural heritage are facing threats. This study took Gulangyu Island as the research object. From the perspective of marketing, combined with the theories of architecture, urban and rural planning, and other disciplines, this paper analyzed the current situation of tourism space on Gulangyu Island and put forward tourism space optimization strategies. The research pointed out the current problems of Gulangyu Island in terms of product type, product design, and product quality through the method of literature research. In view of the current problems of Gulangyu tourism space, the optimization strategy of Gulangyu tourism space was put forward: first, optimize the allocation of resources and build a tourist scenic spot with cultural heritage resources as the main body; second, establish a multi-subject cooperative governance model, using the historical and cultural heritage of Gulangyu Island to improve the optimization strategy of tourism space; third, build a linkage tourism product system, improve transportation infrastructure, and ease the flow of people in hot areas.

Place and role of specially protected natural areas in the preservation of cultural heritage objects

The article emphasizes the special purpose of heritage sites located in specially protected natural areas (SPNA). Historical memory of the interaction between man and nature is preserved and our understanding of the authenticity of heritage is expanded due to these objects, as true authenticity can only be achieved through the cultural and natural landscapes, that contain heritage sites, for many years they remained unaffected by intensive human activity or were used for traditional environmental management – hunting, fishing, grazing, farming and other activities not associated with a destructive impact on natural landscapes. The leading role of protected areas is most noticeably manifested in connection with the preservation of sacred, ethnographic and archaeological heritage, monuments of traditional environmental management, ethnology, historical communications, and examples of traditional economic and socio-cultural activities. The article raises the question of the need to establish close contacts between bodies for the protection of cultural heritage and nature conservation, as well as institutions subordinate to them, primarily nature reserves, national and natural parks, museum reserves and estate museums.

Authenticity, ethics and restoration of an earthquake-modified landscape: Jiuzhaigou World Natural Heritage Site

ABSTRACT Restoring a World Natural Heritage Site (WNHS) after a disaster to attract tourists raises multifaceted issues that concern heritage authenticity, environmental ethics, and tourists’ acceptance. In the case of Jiuzhaigou post-earthquake landscape, this study analyses authenticity perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intentions of tourists and explores environmental ethics through three perspectives. Results reveal tourists’ authenticity perception affects their attitudes and behaviors towards environmental restoration. Moreover, tourists tend to recognize and support Awe for Nature (Awe-N) more than Respect for Nature (Res-N) and significant differentiation exists among potential tourists according to their environmental ethics, demographic characteristics, and behaviors. Altogether, our work presents innovative arguments on post-disaster WNHS restoration by highlighting the complexities of heritage authenticity, environmental ethics, and tourist’ dynamics.

Conserving Commons for Whom? Heritage Conservation in Nairobi and Other Places in Kenya

ABSTRACT Urban heritage is an indicator of people’s idiosyncrasies. Significant values and meanings are created, and their decline can be controlled through conservation. Unfortunately, conservation in Kenya has been endorsed somewhat by powerful politicians and administrators for partisan objectives. They have failed to enforce existing conservation law and tried to appropriate value heritage assets. This paper, therefore, assesses the challenges of heritage conservation, the extent of systematic heritage destruction and the causes of conflict in the heritage conservation of Kenya. Three cases have been examined: the Ojijo Road Flats in Nairobi, Endorois court case and the Kaya Forest sacred ritual sites. A research programme was designed which involved participants with relevant knowledge. It emerged that conflict of interest, limited consultation and poor heritage management had resulted in the loss of heritage authenticity, integrity, and values. Furthermore, lack of public involvement and limited resources derailed heritage conservation. A literature review revealed the extent to which national legal instruments lacked reference to community responsibility in heritage conservation. The study concludes that a relevant conservation policy needs to be established to enhance sustainable heritage conservation and management in Kenya.

From Heritage to Identity: The Role of City Authenticity in Shaping Local Community Identity and Cultural Preservation

This comprehensive study aims to investigate the role of urban heritage authenticity in shaping citizen identity, with a specific focus on historic cities. By examining the relationship between the perceived authenticity of urban heritage and citizen identity, this research sheds light on the significance of authenticity in interpreting cities' historical evolution and identity. The study employs a three-dimensional measure of urban identity, encompassing cognitive, affective, and evaluative aspects, to establish a connection between urban identity and citizen participation in local initiatives through personal and social norms. To comprehensively explore the impact of city authenticity on citizen identity formation, the research utilises a combination of survey questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. Three prominent historic cities also serve as case studies: Kampung Kauman in Surakarta, Kampung Laweyan in Surakarta, and Kampung Trusmi in Cirebon. This study contributes to our comprehensive understanding of the role of urban heritage authenticity in shaping citizen identity. The research emphasises the significance of authenticity in interpreting the historical evolution and identity of cities, showcasing its influence on citizens' perceptions, engagement in local initiatives, and overall sense of place. The case studies are practical examples of how authenticity fosters community identity and cultural heritage preservation. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and community stakeholders, guiding their efforts to promote and preserve the authentic character of historic cities.

Preserving the Past and Shaping the Future: An Articulation of Authenticity of Heritage within Urban Development

Preserving the Past and Shaping the Future: An Articulation of Authenticity of Heritage within Urban Development

Heritage trails and the framing of place authenticity in Belfast’s Titanic memoryscape

ABSTRACT Titanic heritage tourism has recently become a major objective in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as civic leaders look to leverage the infamous liner’s local origins to advance the city’s post-industrial, post-conflict economic development. Much of this activity has centred on the Titanic Quarter, a new residential, commercial, and cultural district emerging in the historic docklands of East Belfast. This district is home to Titanic Belfast, an ostentatious, new-build visitor attraction created to tell a celebratory, Belfast-focused Titanic origin story. Titanic Belfast is surrounded by numerous heritage elements once associated with the Harland and Wolff shipyards where Titanic was built, which have been incorporated into two heritage trails traversing the Titanic Quarter. This article draws on literature related to authenticity, heritage trails, and memoryscapes to interrogate how these trails underscore the place authenticity of the heritage assets dispersed throughout the Titanic Quarter. It also examines how these trails position Titanic Belfast as the focal point of a vast and coherent maritime heritage memoryscape, revealing a symbiotic relationship whereby Titanic Belfast draws people and capital to the area while the authentic heritage elements nearby furnish the ‘credibility armour’ needed to justify this grandiose new signature attraction and the celebratory narrative it offers visitors.

Urban built heritage protection and realistic dilemmas: the development process, protection system, and critical thinking of historic districts in Dalian

In China, the northeastern region has preserved many valuable modern built heritage buildings, which are undergoing difficult exploratory protection during the industrial and urbanisation process. Taking Dalian city as a case study, this article retraces the history of Dalian’s opening up and colonial management from the perspective of urban planning and historic district protection and management systems. This article sorts out the influence of national and local institutional policies on Dalian’s urban construction and development to analyse the past evolution, current problems and internal causes of the renovation and protection of Dalian’s typical historic districts. This influence is mainly reflected in the lack of protection and damage done to unofficial heritage, the disconnection between historic districts and the surrounding environments and urban textures, and the Chinese-style transformation and economic decline of exotic areas. This paper calls for attention to and the rapid clarification of the built heritage list, the improvement of planning and protection systems and related supporting policies, and a focus on the protection of the authenticity of colonial heritage. This paper provides strategic guidance for improving the protection of historic districts in Dalian in Northeast China and hopes to serve as a reference for the protection of built heritage in other nonfamous historic and cultural cities.

Authenticity and spectrality of space heritage: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

The Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the world’s first and largest operational spaceport for orbital and human launches, stands out for its historical significance in the space heritage but remains largely unknown to the wider public. Using a qualitative case study research approach, this study explores how post-Soviet Baikonur heritage is commodified and interpreted by various stakeholders, identified through snowballing sampling who are directly or indirectly involved in Baikonur space heritage and museums, as well as extensive content analysis of policy documents, historical and documentary accounts, tourist brochures, museum websites and multimedia digital environments from the Baikonur cosmodrome. The research shows that tangible and intangible heritage play a key role in the commodification of Baikonur visitor experience: Baikonur historic buildings and memorabilia preserved, presented, and used for visitors. Particularly, intangible dimensions such as site atmosphere and spectrality reinforce the originality of the Cosmodrome and the perceived authenticity of the site. This study contributes to advancing the literature and practice of the nexus between authenticity, collective memory and tourism development related to a unique international space heritage site in Kazakhstan. It enhances the political and societal understanding of the role of space heritage in the post-Soviet region.

Authenticity and Quality of Industrial Heritage as the Drivers of Tourists’ Loyalty and Environmentally Responsible Behavior

In the post-industrial epoch, numerous industrial wastelands are found worldwide. Industrial heritage—a testament to urban progress and an emblem of urban civilization—is at risk during urban development and the transformation of aging cities. Consequently, the preservation and enhancement of urban heritage resources are crucial. Concerning the tourism development of industrial heritage, various challenges arise. This study, using Nanjing Quarry Park as a case study, employs the S-O-R theory to organize the literature related to authentic experience, experience quality, tourist satisfaction, environmentally responsible behavior, and destination loyalty. Additionally, questionnaire surveys and field research are conducted. The data gathered from the survey on tourists’ authentic experiences are analyzed, forming a research model for responsible environmental behavior in industrial heritage attractions. The findings indicate that authentic experience and experience quality positively impact tourist satisfaction, environmentally responsible behavior, and destination loyalty. The system modeling and evaluation of the experience quality dimension for industrial heritage tourism sites fill a gap in the development of industrial heritage tourism. This study contributes to the utilization of industrial heritage sites for tourism development, which can bring about economic growth and cultural revitalization. Tourist satisfaction mediates the relationship between experience quality, environmentally responsible behavior, and destination loyalty. In conclusion, this research offers valuable theoretical backing and a practical foundation for the development of industrial heritage tourism.

Exploring the Impact of Cultural Heritage on Destination Branding and Tourist Experiences: Perspective from South Korea

This study explored the impact of cultural heritage on destination branding and tourist experiences, using South Korea as a case study. South Korea, a country rich in cultural heritage, offers a unique opportunity to examine the integration of traditional culture into destination branding strategies and the resultant effects on tourist experiences. This research employed both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including surveys of tourists, interviews with tourism professionals, and content analysis of promotional materials. The findings suggest that South Korea's cultural heritage significantly contributes to its destination branding. The study indicated that South Korea’s unique cultural heritage elements, such as historic sites, traditional festivals, arts, cuisine, and lifestyle, are prominently featured in its branding strategies. These components help to differentiate South Korea from other destinations, fostering a unique image that appeals to both domestic and international tourists. Moreover, the study demonstrates that cultural heritage considerably enhances tourist experiences. The authenticity and diversity of South Korea’s cultural heritage evoke feelings of novelty and curiosity among tourists, enriching their experiences. The cultural heritage sites and activities enable tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. However, the study also points out potential challenges, including over-tourism and the commodification of culture, which could threaten the integrity and authenticity of cultural heritage. In conclusion, this research reaffirms the profound impact of cultural heritage on destination branding and tourist experiences. It provides valuable insights for destination marketers and policymakers in South Korea and other destinations with rich cultural heritage, on how to effectively utilize cultural heritage for destination branding, improve tourist experiences, and promote sustainable tourism. Keywords: Cultural Heritage, Destination Branding, Tourist Experiences, South Korea, Heritage Tourism, Cultural Authenticity, Sustainable Tourism Development

Authenticity of cultural heritage vis-à-vis heritage reproducibility and intangibility: from conservation philosophy to practice

ABSTRACT This article states that the philosophical nature/ambiguity/controversy of the issue of authenticity undermines its usefulness as a tool in conservation practice. The main drawback is the inability to objectively define the notion of authenticity. In conservation philosophy, the meaning of authenticity relativizes along with the widespread consent to the reproducibility of cultural heritage, whereas the recognition of its intangibility negates the sense of authenticity. In the World Heritage (WH) policy and practice, the uselessness/counterproductivity of authenticity as a necessary requirement is visible in the inconsistency of this system in the treatment of the commonly realized reproducibility of cultural heritage, and in relation to heritage with a prevailing intangibility, which is illustrated by the example of Gdańsk as a potential WH site. Although the article provides many arguments for departing from the concept of authenticity in the WH system, authenticity introduces the socially beneficial element of discretion (it cannot be considered binarily), as it forces a discussion that raises cultural awareness in an increasingly homogenized world. Finally, to reduce some inconsistencies in the WH system, this paper recommends restoring autonomy to criterion (vi) in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention.

Quale ‘restauro’ per i siti patrimonio dell’Umanità. Riflessioni a partire da alcuni casi studio nei Paesi emergenti

The inscription of a cultural asset on the World Heritage List entails increasing tourist flow as the first and direct effect. The advantages and criticalities of these processes have been investigated for some decades. On the contrary, what and how the UNESCO aegis acts regarding concrete interventions on cultural heritage are less studied. There is no specific reference in the Convention, and the methods and the interventions are under the responsibility of the individual countries. However, understanding “what restoration” is essential for the survival of heritage authenticity and for the inclusion and maintenance of the inscription in the List. Without claiming to be exhaustive, the paper wants to try to outline some initial considerations on the “UNESCO effect” in the practice of conservation of built heritage. Through the analysis of the conservation state of some sites in Emerging Countries (Armenia, Egypt, Georgia, Vietnam) after the realization of works, the contribution reflects on the implications of a “World Heritage site”.

European route of industrial heritage – three perspectives of sustainable development

ABSTRACT In this paper, the authors present the results of a survey conducted on the European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH), whose goal was to evaluate how sustainable development is progressing from various perspectives, i.e. environmental, social, clients’ and partners’ perspectives. The study confirms that heritage authenticity is a key resource that builds the core of such cultural tourism sites. An observation was also made that only a few facilities within the ERIH association developed a sustainability agenda and that having such a document in place impacts how a site affects its environment and how it manages other developmental issues. In general, the majority of the researched sites does not consciously tackle sustainability problems (this is reflected in the managerial approach), but at the same time, their attitude towards the local society, as well as the clients and partners, is mostly aligned with sustainability goals.