Existential authenticity in cultural restaurant experiences in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: a netnographic analysis

Tourists' pursuit of existential authenticity in cultural restaurant experiences at Victoria Falls prioritizes the totality of the experience over individual components, with a focus on hedonistic enjoyment and social interaction rather than objectivist authenticity. A netnographic analysis of post-visit online reviews revealed that tourists value nonconformist, original, or unusual offerings, as well as interactive service consumption over passive experiences. Restaurateurs are advised to leverage creativity, unexpected add-ons, and marketing that reflects the social nature of dining experiences to enhance tourist satisfaction.

Mkono, M. (2013). Existential authenticity in cultural restaurant experiences in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: a netnographic analysis. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, 7(4), 353–363. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijcthr-03-2013-0010