Exploring the role and importance of historical authenticity in heritage tourism development: A case study analysis of Manistee and Ludington, Michigan.

摘要

A review of heritage tourism literature reveals a fundamental tension between heritage resource managers and tourism development professionals over the use, function and authenticity of historic resources. The purpose of this study was to explore how stakeholder beliefs regarding historical authenticity influence the heritage tourism products, services and experiences created for visitors and the value of historical authenticity relative to other factors involved with heritage tourism development.Manistee and Ludington were chosen as case communities because of their history of collaborative heritage tourism development and participation in the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries Cultural Tourism and Visitor Experience Pilot Project. The case study approach included individual interviews with heritage tourism stakeholders, a document review and site visits to existing heritage tourism venues.Study participants defined history in terms of objective reality, citing the importance of artifacts and structures for connecting with the past and the need for historians and primary sources to ensure historical authenticity. Although considered important, there were limits to historical authenticity when considered against other factors such as an engaging visitor experience and generating revenue.