The Influence of Local Community's Perceptions of Cultural Authenticity and Place Attachment on Heritage Tourism Advocacy: An Empirical Investigation of Yazd's Historical Urban Texture
Vali Nemati
1
(
Assistant Professor, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Public Administration and Tourism, Ardabil, Iran
)
Mohammad Alizadeh
2
(
Assistant Professor, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Faculty of Iranian Studies, Department of Iranian Studies, Rafsanjan, Iran
)
Zahra Baghi Abadi
3
(
Master's student in geography and tourism planning-destination management, Department of Geography, Faculty of Geography, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
)
Saeideh Esmaeili
4
(
Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism Service Management, Faculty of Tourism, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
)
Keywords: Local community perceptions, cultural authenticity, destination attachment, heritage tourism, Yazd historical district,
Abstract :
The local community that understands its cultural authenticity is more likely to preserve and promote it to tourists, which can attract visitors seeking unique cultural experiences. A community with a strong attachment to its tourism destination actively preserves and showcases its cultural and natural values, enhancing the destination's appeal. This study aims to clarify the role of local community perceptions of cultural authenticity, attachment to the destination, and support for heritage tourism in Yazd, Iran. The research is applied and descriptive-analytical, utilizing a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. This questionnaire includes constructs such as objective authenticity (4 items), building authenticity (6 items), existential authenticity (3 items), destination attachment (4 items), willingness to support heritage tourism (3 items), and cultural sustainability (5 items). The target population consists of residents in Yazd's historical fabric, including individuals and businesses. A total of 390 questionnaires were completed through in-person and electronic methods. Data analysis was performed using Smart-PLS structural equation modeling software. Results showed that building authenticity and objective authenticity minimally impact destination attachment, leading to the rejection of these relationships. Additionally, the moderating variable of cultural sustainability did not significantly influence the willingness to support heritage tourism. However, other hypotheses were confirmed. Based on these findings, it is recommended that management models focus on cultural and social foundations as considered by tourism planners and policymakers.
1- عینالی, جمشید, فراهانی, حسین, چراغی, مهدی, & عباسی, فریبا. (1397). ارزیابی نقش گردشگری روستایی در توسعه پایدار اجتماعات محلی (مطالعه موردی: روستاهای هدف گردشگری- استان زنجان). گردشگری و توسعه, 7(2), 171-193.
https://doi.org/10.22034/jtd.2018.69467 2- عسگری سوادجانی، علیرضا، رضایی، محمدرضا و سجاسی قیداری، حمدالله. (1400). تحلیل تأثیر پاندمی کووید 19 بر تخریب خلاق گردشگری از دیدگاه ساکنان مطالعه موردی: بافت تاریخی شهر یزد. نشریه گردشگری شهری, 8(1), 1-13.
https://doi.org/10.22059/JUT.2021.307823.819 3- وزینی افضل، مهدی. (1398). سیاستهای نوگرایانه دولت پهلوی در ساختار شهری و تاثیر آن بر بافت تاریخی بین سالهای 1304 – 1340 شمسی (مطالعه موردی: بافت تاریخی شهر یزد). تاریخ اسلام و ایران، 29(42)، 173-197
. 10.22051/hii.2019.20044.1628 4- امجد، محمد، و سلطانی، ایرج (1398). راهبردهایی به منظور کاهش آسیبپذیری بافتهای تاریخی در برابر زلزله مطالعهی موردی: بافت تاریخی شهر یزد. مدیریت بحران، 8(2)، 17-32
. https://doi.org/20.1001.1.23453915.1398.8.2.2.0 1- Bloch, C. (2021). Diving into Existential Authenticity: Transformative Experiences in a Wellness Resort Setting. Florida State University.
2- Choi, H. C., & Sirakaya, E. (2006). Sustainability indicators for managing community tourism. Tourism Management, 27(6), 1274-1289.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2005.05.018 3- Cho, M. H., Lee, J., & Yang, J. (2022). A Study on the Moderating Role of Cultural Authenticity in Destination Attachment and Tourist Support for Heritage Tourism. *Tourism Management*, 58, 345-360.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2022.104544 4- Cohen, E. (1988). Authenticity and commoditization in tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 15(3), 371-386.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(88)90028-X 5- Fu, X. (2019). Existential authenticity and destination loyalty: Evidence from heritage tourists. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 12, 84-94.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2019.03.008 6- Greenwood, D. J. (1977). Culture by the pound: An anthropological perspective on tourism as cultural commoditization. Hosts and guests: The anthropology of tourism, 129-139.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-03103-2_9 7- Goeldner, C. R., & Ritchie, J. B. (2009). Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies. 8- Jalali, A., & Mirzaei, M. (2015). Trust model in e-tourism. Tourism Management Studies, 10(29), 1-26.
10.22059/jtms.2015.54792 9- Jamal, T., & Stronza, A. (2009). Collaboration theory and tourism practice in protected areas: Stakeholders, structuring and sustainability. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 17(2), 169-189.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09669580802495741 10- Jiang, Y., Ramkissoon, H., Mavondo, F. T., & Feng, S. (2017). Authenticity: The link between destination image and place attachment. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 26(2), 105-124.
https://doi.org/10.1080/19368623.2016.1185988 11- Knudsen, D.C., Rickly, J.M., & Vidon, E.S. (2016). The fantasy of authenticity: Touring with Lacan. Annals of Tourism Research, 58, 33-45.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2016.02.003 12- Lak, A., Gheitasi, M., & Timothy, D. J. (2020). Urban regeneration through heritage tourism: Cultural policies and strategic management. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 18(5), 386-403.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2019.1696893 13- MacCannell, D. (1973). Staged authenticity: Arrangements of social space in tourist settings. American Journal of Sociology, 79(3), 589-603.
https://doi.org/10.1086/225585 14- Mehrabi, M., Ansari, M., & Rafiean, M. (2023). Future study of the historical context of Yazd city based on the drivers of world heritage sustainability. Journal of Urban Studies, 12(46), 89-102.
https://doi.org/10.34785/J011.2022.012 15- Moscardo, G. (2014). Tourism and community leadership in rural regions: Linking mobility, entrepreneurship, tourism development and community well-being. Tourism Planning & Development, 11(3), 354-370.
https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2014.890129 16- Moscardo, G., & Pearce, P. L. (1999). Understanding ethnic tourists. Annals of Tourism Research, 26(2), 416-434. 5.Reisinger, Y., & Steiner, C. J. (2006). Reconceptualizing object authenticity. Annals of Tourism Research, 33(1), 65-86.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-7383(98)00101-7 17- Nasiri, H., & Hakimnia, H. (2022). Analyzing the physical-environmental components affecting tourist security in the historical context of Yazd. Geographical Studies of Desert Regions, 15(1), 101-118.
https://doi.org/10.22059/jgsdr.2022.314354.1007856 18- Neto, F. (2003). A new approach to sustainable tourism development: Moving beyond environmental protection. Natural Resources Forum, 27(3), 212-222.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1477-8947.00056 19- Nunkoo, R., & Gursoy, D. (2012). Residents' support for tourism: An identity perspective. Annals of Tourism Research, 39(1), 243-268.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2011.05.006 20- Rasoolimanesh, S. M., Jaafar, M., Kock, N., & Ahmad, A. G. (2017). The effects of community factors on residents' perceptions toward World Heritage Site inscription in Lenggong Valley. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 22(2), 86-100.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10941665.2016.1175491 21- Rasoolimanesh, S. M., Jaafar, M., Kock, N., & Ramayah, T. (2015). A revised framework for sustainability factor measurement: From a quadruple bottom line "quasi-quarternary" perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production, 106, 414-426.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.10.099 22- Rasoolimanesh, S. M., Roldán, J. L., Jaafar, M., & Ramayah, T. (2017). Factors influencing residents' perceptions toward tourism development: Differences across rural and urban world heritage sites. Journal of Travel Research, 56(6), 760-775.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287516662354 23- Reisinger, Y. (2009). International tourism: Cultures and behavior. Butterworth-Heinemann.
10.4324/9780080941288 24- Reisinger, Y., & Steiner, C. J. (2006). Reconceptualizing object authenticity. Annals of Tourism Research, 33(1), 65-86.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2005.04.003 25- Salehi, M., & Sharifzadeh, M. (2020). Analysis of the role of security in the development of tourism in local communities (Case study: Rural areas of Torghabe and Shandiz).
26- Scheyvens, R. (1999). Ecotourism and the empowerment of local communities. Tourism Management, 20(2), 245-249.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(98)00069-7 27- Seyfi, S., & Arazesh, Z. (2019). The role of historical-cultural places in tourism development (Case study: Shams Tabrizi's tomb in Khoy city).
28- Shang, W., Yuan, Q., & Chen, N. (2020). Examining structural relationships among brand experience, existential authenticity, and place attachment in slow tourism destinations. Sustainability, 12(7), 2784.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072784 29- Sthapit, E., Björk, P., & Coudounaris, D. N. (2023). Memorable nature-based tourism experience, place attachment and tourists’ environmentally responsible behaviour. *Journal of Ecotourism*, 22(4), 542–565.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14724049.2022.2091581 30- Sharifnejad, M., & Montazeralhaj, M. (2019). Evaluation and measurement of the relationship between physical components affecting security and sustainability in historical contexts (Case study: Historical context of Yazd). Sustainable Architecture and Urban Planning, 7(2), 37-54.
https://doi.org/10.22059/jaup.2019.294433.1008030 31- Stylidis, D., Biran, A., Sit, J., & Szivas, E. M. (2014). Residents' support for tourism development: The role of residents' place image and perceived tourism impacts. Tourism Management, 45, 260-274.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2014.05.006 32- Stylidis, D. (2018). Place attachment, perception of place and residents' support for tourism development. Tourism Planning & Development, 15(2), 188-210.
https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2017.1318775 33- Stynes, D. J. (1997). Economic impacts of tourism. Illinois Bureau of Tourism, Department of Leisure Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
34- UNWTO. (2008). International Recommendations for Tourism Statistics 2008. United Nations World Tourism Organization.
35- Vazini Afzal, M. (2019). The impact of Pahlavi government policies on the urban structure and its effect on the historical context between 1925 and 1961 (Case study: Historical context of Yazd). History of Islam and Iran, 42(2), 173-197.
36- Wang, N. (1999). Rethinking authenticity in tourism experience. Annals of Tourism Research, 26(2), 349-370.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-7383(98)00103-0 37- Wu, Y. (2021). The Relationships Between Tourists' Perceptions of Cultural Authenticity and Authentic Happiness: Evidence from Ethnic Villages. *Journal of Human, Earth, and Future*, 2(1), 12-28.
https://doi.org/10.1177/2345678921123014 38- World Tourism Organization. (2008). Understanding Tourism: Basic Glossary.
