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1 – 10 of 98Muhammet Kesgin, Babak Taheri, Rajendran S. Murthy, Juilee Decker and Martin Joseph Gannon
Underpinned by the consumer-based model of authenticity (CBA), this study aims to investigate whether leisure involvement, object-based and existential authenticity, host…
Abstract
Purpose
Underpinned by the consumer-based model of authenticity (CBA), this study aims to investigate whether leisure involvement, object-based and existential authenticity, host sincerity and engagement stimulate positive memorable visitor experiences in a distinctive commercial hospitality setting: a living history site.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative data were gathered from living history site visitors (n = 1,004), with partial least squares structural equation modeling used to test the hypothesized relationships.
Findings
The results confirm the inclusion of the hypothesized relationships between leisure involvement, sincerity and authenticity, relative to engagement and subsequent memorability. The findings suggest that engagement can be a predictor of a positive memorable experience, contingent on CBA constructs (sincerity; object-based authenticity; existential authenticity). The significant association between object-based authenticity and memorable experience identified herein differs from some published studies, while other results are broadly consistent with extant research. Results also reveal significant differences for visitors who purchased souvenirs when compared to those who did not.
Research limitations/implications
The research extends the CBA by positing sincere hospitality as a relationship-based encounter between host and guest that influences social interaction, engagement and memorability within the novel living history site context. Further, the ability to differentiate visitors based on their purchases at the site is illustrated.
Originality/value
Given the ubiquity of engagement and authenticity as precursors to memorable experiences within contemporary commercial hospitality and heritage discourses, the findings apply to hospitality experiences beyond the living history site context examined herein.
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This study aims to empirically examine young tourists’ perceptions of object-based authenticity, existential authenticity and perceived value perceptions on satisfaction. Data…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to empirically examine young tourists’ perceptions of object-based authenticity, existential authenticity and perceived value perceptions on satisfaction. Data were collected from young heritage tourists at the Little India heritage precinct in Singapore.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative data were collected via a pen and paper questionnaire at Little India in Singapore. Young tourists below 30 years of age were identified to complete the questionnaire. A total of 288 sets of valid responses were collected to perform statistical analysis to test the relationships between the key constructs in the research model.
Findings
The results of the study reaffirmed the application of the perceived value framework to authenticity. Object-based authenticity, existential authenticity and perceived monetary value yielded significant and positive effects on overall perceived value and, subsequently, satisfaction. Further, overall perceived value was found to mediate the relationships between object-based authenticity, existential authenticity and perceived monetary with satisfaction.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides researchers with a better understanding of authenticity and value perceptions of young tourists. It also lends further support for the integration of object-based and existential authenticity into the multidimensional approach to perceived value.
Practical implications
The results help destination marketers and policymakers better understand this important segment to develop more effective and sustainable marketing and management strategies.
Originality/value
This study addresses the lack of research in the literature on young tourists who will shape the tourism landscape of the future. It also further assesses the propriety of integrating authenticity measures into the measurement of perceived value.
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Katia Laura Sidali and Sarah Hemmerling
The purpose of this paper is to develop an authenticity model for food specialties considering both the subjective and the object-based dimensions of authenticity. Moreover, the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an authenticity model for food specialties considering both the subjective and the object-based dimensions of authenticity. Moreover, the relationship with personality traits – such as consumer self-concept and identification with the product – (antecedents) as well as with the consumption intention (consequences) are measured.
Design/methodology/approach
Hypotheses were analyzed by means of a structural equation model using AMOS. Calculations were based on data collected through an online survey of 138 German respondents who were recruited by a consumer panel.
Findings
Both subjective and object-based perceived authenticity significantly influence the purchase intention. Object-based authenticity's role is mediated by the subjective authenticity, which is affected by the consumers self-identification with the product and personality traits such as determination and passion.
Research limitations/implications
The results presented in this paper will help to understand what influences the perception of authenticity of a traditional food product and how it affects purchase intentions. More influencing variables should be considered in future research, as well as other product groups. Repeated analyses considering larger samples are necessary to confirm the presented results.
Practical implications
A deeper understanding of which psychological and social factors affect the perception of a product's authenticity is important for creating appropriate marketing strategies.
Originality/value
While there is a vast literature on authenticity theories, remarkably few scholars have provided empirical evidence on this subject by using a quantitative research design.
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Chris Zhu, Lawrence Hoc Nang Fong, Christy Ying Ni Liu and Hongmei Song
This study aims to investigate the mediating role of attachment to social media influencer between authenticity and enjoyment and then travel intention while watching social media…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the mediating role of attachment to social media influencer between authenticity and enjoyment and then travel intention while watching social media influencer video.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used the survey approach to collect responses from respondents who have watched the social media influencer video. Partial least squares structural equation modeling technique was applied for the data analysis.
Findings
The results indicated that authenticities positively impact tourist attachment to social media influencer, enjoyment and hence visit intention. Attachment to social media influencer mediates the relationships between authenticities and enjoyment.
Originality/value
This study proposes and examines the role of attachment to social media influencers as a mediator between authenticities and tourist responses, which provided meaningful theoretical and practical insights for the future research on social media influencers.
研究目的
本研究旨在调查网络红人依赖在真实性和享受之间的中介作用, 以及在观看网络红人视频时的旅行意愿。
设计/方法
本研究采用问卷调查方法, 收集观看网络红人视频的受访者的回答, 使用PLS结构方程模型技术进行数据分析。
研究结果
结果表明, 真实性对游客对网络红人的依赖、享受和参观意愿具有积极影响。网络红人依赖在真实性和享受之间起到中介作用。
创新性/价值
本研究提出并检验了网络红人依赖作为真实性和游客反应之间的中介角色, 为未来关于网络红人的研究提供了有意义的理论和实践基础。
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Martin Joseph Gannon, Babak Taheri and Ross Croall
Heritage management is underpinned by preservation, sustainability and generativity; concerns of obvious interest to domestic audiences. However, domestic tourists are not…
Abstract
Purpose
Heritage management is underpinned by preservation, sustainability and generativity; concerns of obvious interest to domestic audiences. However, domestic tourists are not homogenous and can be differentiated by various characteristics, including proximity to the sites they visit. Drawing upon the consumer-based model of authenticity, this study investigates whether the influence of authenticity, self-connection and serious leisure hold over experience memorability differs for distinct domestic visitor groups.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate perceptual differences between “local” and “non-local” domestic visitors, the authors developed and tested a conceptual model using a sample of 320 heritage site visitors within Tabriz, Iran, investigating the effects of self-connection, serious leisure and perceived authenticity on memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) for both groups.
Findings
Significant inter-group differences regarding the influence of serious leisure and self-connection on visitors' perceptions of authenticity emerged. Similarly, the extent to which serious leisure, self-connection and authenticity influenced MTEs also differed. The effect sizes for all proposed relationships were larger for local visitors.
Originality/value
Hospitality and tourism literature often focuses on the boon that inbound international and non-local domestic tourism can bring to local sites and attractions. However, the findings encourage heritage tourism managers to focus greater attention on attracting custom from “closer to home”. With local visitors demonstrating strong pre-, during and post-visit outcomes, the findings suggest local domestic visitors are a market ripe for greater investigation given ongoing international travel restrictions and Iran's historically-limited international appeal.
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Babak Taheri, Martin Joseph Gannon, Renzo Cordina and Sean Lochrie
The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a scale for host sincerity.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a scale for host sincerity.
Design/methodology/approach
The ten-item host sincerity scale was developed by following a multi-stage scale development procedure (Delphi technique, qualitative interviews and surveys).
Findings
The findings reveal that host sincerity is a second-order construct with two underlying dimensions: “sincere social interaction” and “sincere emotional response”. By incorporating host sincerity into the consumer-based model of authenticity, the findings established significant relationships among all constructs, confirming the predictive validity of the host sincerity construct.
Research limitations/implications
Data were gathered from visitors to troglodyte heritage sites (Kandovan and Cappadocia). Future studies should test the newly formed sincerity scale at other cultural destinations to further explore the generalisability of the scale. Further, data were gathered from tourists. Future studies should consider host sincerity from a host perspective.
Practical implications
Cultural destination managers and local hosts can use this instrument as a supplementary tool to evaluate how sincere their hospitality offering appears to tourists.
Originality/value
This paper develops a host sincerity scale to explore the importance of sincere host–guest interactions and tourists’ emotional response to these interactions. It extends the consumer-based model of authenticity by drawing further attention to the importance and impact of host sincerity in stimulating memorable tourism experiences.
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Nuray Yildiz, Melek Ece Öncüer and Abdullah Tanrisevdi
This study aims to assess the relationships between cultural travel motivation, two dimensions of authenticity and satisfaction of domestic tourists visiting Sirince in Turkey…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the relationships between cultural travel motivation, two dimensions of authenticity and satisfaction of domestic tourists visiting Sirince in Turkey. Given the structure of the model, authenticity is two latent variables, indirectly affecting satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
The research takes a predictive and explanatory approach rather than theory confirmation. Partial least squares (PLS) algorithm was used to assess the multiple mediation. The data were collected from 391 domestic visitors through a self-administered questionnaire.
Findings
The research highlights that two dimensions of authenticity have a statistically mediating influences on the relationship between cultural travel motivation and satisfaction. Furthermore, while cultural travel motivation is the most important predictor of satisfaction, object-based authenticity has emerged as an antecedent variable that deserves to be given the highest importance. Finally, first time visitors and repeaters did not differ across all relationships in the model.
Research limitations/implications
The fact that the data were collected only from Sirince can be considered as geographical limitations of the study. Another limitation is that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the data were obtained only from domestic tourists visiting Sirince.
Practical implications
The study on the multiple mediating roles of authenticity in the relationship between motivation factor alongside satisfaction revealed a variety of application opportunities, particularly for destinations attempting to position themselves as authentic. Accordingly, authenticity concept gains significance in tourism industry more often because unique experiences at the visited destinations can satisfy the individuals in search of their self-identity.
Social implications
Furthermore, transformation of authentic places into tourism destinations develops cultural values in line with expectations of tourists. However, this transforms domestic cultural factors into commercial products by eroding their significance in the eye of local residents. This invites artificiality by drifting apart from originality of cultural elements. Each element serves as part of authenticity is indeed away from authentic experience even though it is regarded as an authentic experience from tourists’ perspective because it diverts from its reality. Establishing balance between tourists’ travel motivations and their expectation from authentic destination is substantially important to satisfy their sensational and sentimental expectations. In addition to the ones mentioned above, managers should take an active role in promotion and focus on sponsorship activities to highlight the authenticity of Sirince; begin reconstruction works by considering the original architecture specific to the region; and pay attention to the compatibility of the new architectural texture with the destination character. As stated in the study of Genc and Gulertekin Genc (2021), special attention should be paid to the harmony between the architectural texture and the destination feature. Finally, considering that authenticity has a mediating role between cultural travel motivation and satisfaction, authentic values should be highlighted in promotional videos.
Originality/value
There has been very little research into the role of the dimensions of authenticity in mediating the relationship between cultural motivation and satisfaction. Unlike previous studies on authenticity and tourism, this research attempted to examine the relationship between cultural travel motivation and satisfaction by involving two dimensions of authenticity into the model.
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Martin Joseph Gannon, Renzo Cordina, Sean Lochrie, Babak Taheri and Fevzi Okumus
Sculpted by the elements and inhabited by an established corpus of local families, Kandovan Village is a rare example of functioning cultural heritage largely overlooked by…
Abstract
Sculpted by the elements and inhabited by an established corpus of local families, Kandovan Village is a rare example of functioning cultural heritage largely overlooked by international tourists. Within this context, this chapter demonstrates how heritage sites can use their inherent sociocultural characteristics to stimulate tourism. Leveraging this encourages site managers to draw upon less tangible elements, such as the sincerity of local inhabitants and the potential for their site to serve as a platform for social interaction, in order to engage tourists, stimulate memorable experiences, and encourage repeated visits and recommendations to others. In doing so, this chapter highlights the importance of prior knowledge, word of mouth, and co-creation in crafting cultural heritage tourism experiences.
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Filipa Rosado-Pinto and Sandra Maria Correia Loureiro
The purpose of this paper is to systematically review authenticity in the branding context and suggest avenues for future research.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to systematically review authenticity in the branding context and suggest avenues for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies a systematic literature review process and analyzes a total of 171 articles published from 1988 to 2021 and three items that are books or book chapters.
Findings
Brand authenticity has several definitions and dimensions. Although some common ground can be found among researchers, the study of authenticity is very fragmented. Even so, brand authenticity is often associated with a brand being genuine, real, true to itself and its consumers, and with consistent behavior, reflecting its values. A growing number of studies about the topic have been published, most of them empirical, applied in different industries and different geographical contexts. The authors also present several constructs associated with the topic (antecedents and consequences). Finally, this study shows paths for scholars to build on.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitations are associated with the inherent subjectivity related to the inclusion and exclusion criteria defined to select articles for the analysis.
Originality/value
This systematic review maps the past, structures existing knowledge about authenticity in the branding context, and sheds light on what could be future research in this field.
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Khairunnisak Latiff, Siew Imm Ng, Yuhanis Abdul Aziz and Norazlyn Kamal Basha
The purpose of this paper is to discover authenticity dimensions that draw tourists to Melaka and George Town World Heritage Site. It also examined the mediating effect of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discover authenticity dimensions that draw tourists to Melaka and George Town World Heritage Site. It also examined the mediating effect of attachment and the moderating effect of cultural motivation.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method design was used. Qualitative approach was conducted to discover authenticity dimensions followed by a quantitative approach to explore the dimensions’ ability in predicting attachment and intention to recommend.
Findings
Findings revealed that objective, existential and food authenticity were significant stimuli of recommend intention. The mediating effect of attachment on constructive authenticity-intention and existential authenticity-intention were also supported. Cultural motivation indeed moderated the relationship between objective authenticity-attachment, constructive authenticity-attachment and existential authenticity-attachment.
Originality/value
Knowing that authenticity can be perceived differently, therefore, a mixed-method study design offers more insight on discovering authenticity elements. Using a qualitative approach, the study began by exploring important authenticity dimensions from both supply and demand groups, and subsequently, these dimensions were verified using quantitative approach. As expected, food authenticity was found as a standalone dimension.
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