Authentic versus staged identity – problematizing tourism interventions for authenticity and integrity in historic cities

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to problematize authenticity and integrity in the context of tourist-based interventions in historic cities through a case study of skewed strategies in urban conservation programs. The paper aims to explore the paradoxes of tourists’ requisites against the heritage management imperatives.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is a mix of case study and analytical study of theories, literature, and principles related to authenticity and integrity in urban conservation with a focus on tourism.FindingsIn the context of historic areas, while tourism is essential for generating the economic support necessary for conserving and managing a heritage site, lopsided strategies challenge the “authenticity” and “integrity” of the place.Practical implicationsBringing forth the point of the authentic or curated identity, the paper argues for a framework grounded in authenticity and integrity for achieving balance in the management of historic cities.Originality/valueThe paper brings together the subject of authenticity and integrity in the context of tourist-based strategies in historic cities. It highlights the gap in current practices, which often gets into inadvertent consequences of tourists appreciating the intervention that appear to be against the fundamentals of heritage conservation.