Authenticity of architecture, place attachment, identity and support for sustainable tourism in world heritage cities

A strong connection exists between perceived architectural authenticity and residents' support for sustainable tourism in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, mediated by place attachment and cultural identity. Research in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone revealed that authentic architecture fosters deeper community ties and local identity, which in turn encourages residents to advocate for tourism practices that preserve heritage. This relationship was analyzed using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on 509 valid responses, offering a post-pandemic perspective on how architectural authenticity can strengthen support for sustainable conservation efforts.

ORGAZ-AGÜERA, F., PUIG-CABRERA, M., MORAL-CUADRA, S., & DOMÍNGUEZ-VALERIO, C. M. (2024). Authenticity of architecture, place attachment, identity and support for sustainable tourism in world heritage cities. Tourism and Hospitality Management, 31(1), 81–92. https://doi.org/10.20867/thm.31.1.6