The role and dimensions of authenticity in heritage tourism

This study set out to investigate how authenticity affects tourist satisfaction with, and loyalty to, an attraction and its heritage value. Different factors were seen as likely to influence the various types of loyalty. Hahoe village in South Korea, a World Cultural Heritage listed area, was chosen as the research site. A survey of tourists was conducted, and 535 responses obtained for statistical analysis. The study discovered that tourist satisfaction from experiencing constructive and existential authenticity is a strong indicator of their intention to revisit. The results of this study can be applied to heritage tourism management, with the insightful message that constructive authenticity can strongly contribute to the satisfaction of heritage tourists when intangible tourism resources become tangible.