Abstract

The objective of this paper is to contribute to the scientific debate aimed at defining the meaning and main dimensions of authenticity in tourism. Specifically, the study applies a qualitative approach to investigate the concept of destination authenticity through the analysis of 22 in-depth interviews conducted through a laddering technique with tourists who spent their holiday in Sardinia in 2015 during the summer season (May-September). Results show that destination authenticity relies on few relevant destination attributes, both tangibles and intangibles (i.e. unchanged context, unique landscapes, genuineness and kindness of residents). These attributes offer visitors the possibility to obtain several benefits (mainly the possibility to experience the local identity and way of life), which, in turn, represent the mean by which tourists endorse personal values (mainly self-growth and happiness). Contributions to the body of knowledge and managerial implications are discussed and suggestions for further research are given.