Authenticity Perception of Cultural Events: A Host-Tourist Analysis

Abstract

Many cultural events are an adoption of past rituals and traditional customs created by destination managers in order to improve tourism development. However, to be successful, such cultural events need to be authentic and need the support of the local community and the capacity of the locals to identify themselves with what is staged. In this research paper, the authors have analysed the perception of authenticity by tourists and local residents at Christmas Markets in Northern Italy. The main objectives of this paper were to determine the level of authenticity perceived by visitors and to examine any differences between tourists and local residents. To do so, the Logistic regression model was employed. The results show a difference between the two groups and the need for local organisers to focus on the involvement of local residents in the organisation of fringe events based on deeply rooted local customs to provide tourists with a broader experience of the local traditions and more interaction opportunities with local residents.

Keywords: Authenticity, Host-Tourist Analysis, Cultural Event, Logit Model

JEL Classification: C35, L83, Z10