Symbiotic multistage structures in Tibetan communities

Abstract

Although staged authenticity remains crucial in tourism research, traditional related studies are primarily based on the “front stage-back stage” dichotomy. This study extends the authenticity framework by examining the symbiotic multistage structures of multiple heritage communities. Employing interviews, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS), we reveal how uneven spatial distributions fuel distinct tourism phases and intensify vulnerability under heavy tourism dependence. Furthermore, income inequalities drive communities to strive for front-stage status, risking homogenization. Important manifestations of symbiotic relationships within heritage communities are multistage structures, which represent an adaptive community-developed system to address tourism impacts. Thus, emphasizing balanced economic, cultural, and spatial approaches across community stages is crucial for the resilience, equity, and preservation of local identity in heritage destinations.