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Authenticity
within Tourism A case study
perspective
Presented By: Sile Corbett
Supervisor:
Dr. Catriona Murphy
Structure of Presentation
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 Aims and objectives
 Literature Review
 Data Analysis
 Conclusions and Recommendations
Aims and Objectives
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 Investigate authenticity with regard to a cultural




attraction
Fill a void in this research topic
Examine authenticity and cultural tourism
Investigate the relationship of authenticity within
tourism
Understand the importance of authenticity in
cultural tourism
Literature Review
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 Cultural Tourism is defined as the
“The movement of persons to cultural attractions
away from their normal place of residence, with the
intention to gather new information and
experiences to satisfy their cultural needs”
(Richards 1996)
 The WTO has stated that cultural tourism is one of
the fastest growing industry in recent times
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 MacCannell first introduced the
concept of authenticity
Authenticity
 Authenticity, or at the least the
perception of it, is an important
attribute (Cohen, 1988, Boniface and
Fowler, 1993; Waitt, 2000).
 Smith (1989) defines it as “a desired
experience or benefit associated with
certain types of tourism destinations. It
is presumed to be the result of an
encounter with true, uncommercialised, everyday life in a
culture different than that of the
visitor”
Authenticity Within Tourism
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 Objective Authenticity
 Constructive Authenticity
 Existential authenticity
Methodology
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 Deductive Reasoning was utilised
Approach
Method
Quantitative
Questionnaires
Qualitative
Interviews
Data Analysis (Questionnaires)
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Are you aware of the concept
authenticity? (Figure 1)
No
Yes
Using words or phrases could you
define authenticity ? (Figure 2)
0.16
0.14
0.12
0.1
0.08
40%
0.06
0.04
60%
0.02
0
Data Analysis
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Would you consider Bunratty Castle an authentic
attraction? (Figure 3)
0.9
80%
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
20%
0.2
0.1
0
1
2
3
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Data Analysis
Reasons why it
is considered an
authentic
attraction
(Figure 4)
Characters
within the
Park
Smell of
turf
burning
Traditional
Irish
stories
Old
Fashioned
Bean an
Tis Baking
Data Analysis (Questionnaires)
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The house and shops within the
Folk Park add to the authentic
experience? (Figure 5)
The Castle appeared more
authentic then the Folk
Park?(Figure 6)
100%
90%
60%
80%
50%
70%
40%
60%
30%
50%
20%
40%
10%
30%
0%
20%
10%
0%
Strongly
disagree
Agree
Undecided
Disagree
Strongly
agree
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Data Analysis
Are any of the
following
motivations on
why you visited
BC& FP
(Figure 7)
12%
28%
Discover Irish history
20%
Culture and authenticity
40%
Recognise the architecture
(castle, houses etc)
Reputation of been a Medieval
Castle
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 Respondents familiar with
Findings From
Questionnaires
concept
 Bunratty Castle is considered an
authentic attraction
 More educated
Data Analysis Interviews
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Aodhgan Behan
Marie Slattery
Understood
authenticity
Understood
authenticity
Consider the attraction
authentic
Considered the
attraction authentic
Awareness of authentic
experiences been
provided
Aware of authentic
experiences been
provided
Additional events
enhance authenticity
Additional events
enhance authentic
Findings from Interviews
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 Clear and concise definitions
 Common theme that the attraction is authentic
Conclusions
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Authenticity always been discussed
The concept is becoming increasingly important
within the industry
Majority of respondents were aware of the
authenticity
 Authenticity is a motivation
Recommendations
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 Need for future research
 Regular reviews are needed
 Preservation of culture and heritage is necessary
 National Organisations
Overview of presentation
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 Aims and objectives
 Literature Review
 Data Analysis
 Conclusions and Recommendations