With the increasing commodification of cultural heritage induced by tourism development, the perception of a 'real' travel experience often depends on what is defined as authentic, original and local. Visitors are becoming increasingly concerned about the authenticity of eco-cultural tourism practices when they visit culturally and environmentally remote regions. The purpose of this study is to examine the role performance plays in visitors' perception of authenticity of eco-cultural tourism experiences. Various theoretical foundations and aspects of visitors' perceptions of authenticity in cultural heritage tourism are considered. A grounded theory approach based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with several categories of visitors including 25 clients from two eco-tours in South and Central Kazakhstan and 29 Free Independent Travellers (FITs) was adopted to identify visitors' perception of authenticity of various aspects of their tourism experiences and the attributes of the visitors' performative aspects of their travels. Results reveal that the performative aspects contributing to the perceived authenticity of the visitors' eco-cultural experiences are spontaneous, existential and reciprocal relationships with their hosts in intimate tourism encounters. The findings contribute to literature regarding authenticity and cultural heritage tourism by exploring new directions in which to apply the concept of authenticity in eco-cultural tourism experiences and by theorising the link between performance-based touristic space and the perception of authenticity. This space becomes a basis for interaction and social exchange within the host-guest relationship.
With the increasing visitors' attention to the authenticity of heritage and tourism practices when they visit off the beaten track destinations, the question of authenticity in the experience of place becomes significant for the stakeholders involved in the management and development of tourism. This study investigates the managerial practices associated with the planning and development of authentic eco-cultural tourism in Kazakhstan. A qualitative case study research approach based on semi-structured interviews with policymakers, tourism developers and community members from two eco-tours in South and Central Kazakhstan is adopted to examine stakeholders' authentication positions on various topic areas and eco-cultural tourism practices. Four key managerial and planning implications related to stakeholders' perceptions of authenticity of Kazakhstani ecocultural tourism are identified: empowering local communities for tourism development, redefining the host-guest tourism experience, certifying and labelling eco-cultural heritage sites and including authenticity as a unique and important feature in future tourism products and experiences.
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