Advantages And Disadvantages Of Staged Authenticity

Controversial issues
Even in culture tourism, the authenticity of a culture is often compromised. A situation known as “staged authenticity” is frequently an issue. This terms refers to cultural experiences experienced by tourists to be fake, and staged for the tourists. An example would be the sacred, religious dances in Bali. Originally a dance for religious purposes, they are now changed, commoditized, and promoted as a tourism product to entice tourists. The initial purposes of the dances is no longer present, and thus the authenticity is lost. Cultural events have known to been altered, cut short, and/or normally with some of the elements replaced. Staged products typically pass some resemblance to the real thing, but more often than not, the intentions of the products are to merely satisfy the needs, and wants of the tourists. There are said to be 2 stages – the front, and the back. The front stage is a stage created specially for the travellers, while the back of the stage is the real deal. Unfortunately, this problem does not have a definitive solution, for majority of the tourists like the front stage, as they are usually

There are plenty of benefits brought by cultural tourism as well. Majority of the issues are caused by ignorance or the cultural travellers, such as the Kayan tribe. Governments can consider educating their citizens more about responsible tourism, so when they travel, they are more aware. Additionally, government can encourage, and offer incentives to tour operators to get them to adopt social ethics, and promote responsible tourism. Additionally, they can fine those who refuse to comply heavily. International organisations can consider stepping in to protect the rights of the indigenous people, as they fall prey to exploitation most easily. The latter can be educated, and taught about their individual rights, to protect themselves from such future