Authenticity in industrial heritage tourism sites: Local community perspectives

Abstract

Our research addresses the perceived authenticity by the local community, as a means of enhancing Industrial Heritage Tourism. It aims to explore the influence of perceived authenticity in the future intentions of the local community, concerning a heritage tourism destination. Data was collected from São João da Madeira residents, Portugal, and the sample consisted of 389 respondents. The statistical technique applied was the structural equation model (SEM). Our findings suggest that perceived heritage plays a significant role in residents’ attitudes towards tourism development support, their own participation ideals, and their attachment to the place. These findings will contribute to both practical and theoretical research, as they aim to enhance current knowledge on residents’ perceived authenticity, being an understudied approach; furthermore, it offers a valuable opportunity to consider residents in the management and planning of an industrial tourism destination. This study analyses the outcomes of the obtained results. Additionally, it presents the main limitations, suggests future lines of research, and provides practical and theoretical data for both public and private entities, aiming at future improvements in the development of industrial heritage tourism.