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Presented By: Sile Corbett Supervisor: Dr. Catriona Murphy

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Authenticity within Tourism - A case study perspective

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Structure of Presentation

Aims and objectives

Literature Review

Data Analysis

Conclusions and Recommendations

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Aims and Objectives

Investigate authenticity with regard to a cultural attraction

Fill a void in this research topicExamine authenticity and cultural tourismInvestigate the relationship of authenticity

within tourismUnderstand the importance of authenticity in

cultural tourism

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Literature Review

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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Authenticity

MacCannell first introduced the concept of 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, un- commercialised, everyday life in a culture different than that of the visitor”

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Authenticity Within Tourism

Objective Authenticity

Constructive Authenticity

Existential authenticity

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Methodology

Deductive Reasoning was utilised

Approach Method

Quantitative Questionnaires

Qualitative Interviews

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Are you aware of the concept authenticity? (Figure 1)

Using words or phrases could you define authenticity ? (Figure 2)

40%

60%

No Yes

unspoilt

orginal

undistru

bted

depict

ed fr

om the e

ra

natural

geninue

real

true

not false

accurat

e0

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.1

0.12

0.14

0.16

Data Analysis (Questionnaires)

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Data Analysis

Would you consider Bunratty Castle an authentic

attraction? (Figure 3)

1 20

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.980%

20%

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Data Analysis

Reasons why it is considered an authentic attraction (Figure 4)

Smell of turf

burning

Old Fashione

d

Bean an Tis

Baking

Traditional Irish stories

Characters

within the Park

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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)

Strongly disagree

Agree Undecided Disagree Strongly agree

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Strong

ly di

sagr

ee

Agree

Undec

ided

Disagr

ee

Strong

ly ag

ree

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Data Analysis (Questionnaires)

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Data Analysis

Are any of the following motivations on why you visited BC& FP (Figure 7)

28%

40%

20%

12%

Discover Irish history Culture and authenticity Recognise the architecture (cas-tle, houses etc)Reputation of been a Medieval Castle

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Findings From Questionnaires

Respondents familiar with concept

Bunratty Castle is considered an authentic attraction

More educated

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Marie Slattery Aodhgan Behan

Understood authenticity

Consider the attraction authentic

Awareness of authentic

experiences been provided

Additional events enhance

authenticity

Understood authenticity

Considered the attraction authentic

Aware of authentic experiences been

provided

Additional events enhance

authentic

Data Analysis Interviews

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Findings from Interviews

Clear and concise definitions

Common theme that the attraction is authentic

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Conclusions

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

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Recommendations

Need for future research

Regular reviews are needed

Preservation of culture and heritage is necessary

National Organisations

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Overview of presentation

Aims and objectives

Literature Review

Data Analysis

Conclusions and Recommendations