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“Authenticity” as a Pathway to Sustainable Cultural Tourism? The Cases of Gotland and Rapa Nui

Author

Listed:
  • Marije Eileen Poort

    (Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden)

  • Ulrika Persson-Fischier

    (Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden)

  • Helene Martinsson-Wallin

    (Department of Archaeology and Ancient History, Uppsala University, 62167 Visby, Sweden)

  • Evelina Elf Donaldson

    (Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden)

  • Mareike Schaub

    (Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden)

Abstract

In this paper, two World Heritage island destinations are compared, Gotland in the Baltic and Rapa Nui in the Pacific. Both islands deal with a growing number of tourists, which asks for rethinking of tourism development. As cultural heritage plays a major role in tourism for both destinations, it is especially important to look into sustainable cultural tourism development from the perspective of authenticity. The paper is based on a variety of materials and takes an innovative approach to methods through a student–staff collaboration. The data show that social acceptance of tourism by local communities on both islands could be achieved through the creation of authentic experiences. Furthermore, data show that it is rather potent to engage both locals and tourists in modernized authentic experiences. However, this can only be done if locals are empowered and are genuinely allowed to steer the development of tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Marije Eileen Poort & Ulrika Persson-Fischier & Helene Martinsson-Wallin & Evelina Elf Donaldson & Mareike Schaub, 2021. "“Authenticity” as a Pathway to Sustainable Cultural Tourism? The Cases of Gotland and Rapa Nui," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:11:p:6302-:d:567763
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