Creating authentic indigenous tourism experiences

Abstract

As Indigenous tourism gains momentum worldwide, tourists are increasingly seeking authentic Indigenous experiences. Authenticity in Indigenous tourism stems from Indigenous people's unique worldview of the connection between humans and nature. However, little is known about what prompts Indigenous peoples to develop authentic and meaningful tourism experiences. This conceptual study explores the role played by the autonomous motivation of Indigenous tourism business owners in the creation, negotiation, and delivery of authentic experiences. Informed by self-determination theory, this paper discusses a continuum of motivation within an Indigenous tourism context and shows how various forms of motivation contribute to the creation of authentic tourism experiences. Place relatedness is identified as a pivotal determinant in Indigenous people's autonomous motivation to engage in tourism activities.