Presented By: Sile Corbett Supervisor: Dr. Catriona Murphy Authenticity within Tourism - A case study perspective 1

Structure of Presentation Aims and objectives Literature Review Data Analysis Conclusions and Recommendations 2

Aims and Objectives Investigate authenticity with regard to a cultural attraction Fill a void in this research topic Examine authenticity and cultural tourism Investigate the relationship of authenticity within tourism Understand the importance of authenticity in cultural tourism 3

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 4

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 5

Authenticity Within Tourism Objective Authenticity Constructive Authenticity Existential authenticity 6

Methodology Deductive Reasoning was utilised ApproachMethod QuantitativeQuestionnaires QualitativeInterviews 7

Are you aware of the concept authenticity? (Figure 1) Using words or phrases could you define authenticity ? (Figure 2) Data Analysis (Questionnaires) 8

Data Analysis Would you consider Bunratty Castle an authentic attraction? (Figure 3) 9

Data Analysis Reasons why it is considered an authentic attraction (Figure 4) Smell of turf burning Old Fashioned Bean an Tis Baking Traditional Irish stories Characters within the Park 10

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) Data Analysis (Questionnaires) 11

Data Analysis Are any of the following motivations on why you visited BC& FP (Figure 7) 12

Findings From Questionnaires Respondents familiar with concept Bunratty Castle is considered an authentic attraction More educated 13

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 14

Findings from Interviews Clear and concise definitions Common theme that the attraction is authentic 15

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 16

Recommendations Need for future research Regular reviews are needed Preservation of culture and heritage is necessary National Organisations 17

Overview of presentation Aims and objectives Literature Review Data Analysis Conclusions and Recommendations 18