The big state in touristification: a look into tourist perceptions on placemaking and authenticity in Melaka and George Town, Malaysia

Tourist perceptions of authenticity in UNESCO World Heritage Sites are shaped by geographic origin and the degree of state involvement in placemaking. A study comparing Melaka and George Town, Malaysia—both part of the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca—revealed that domestic tourists more readily accept state-led heritage reconstruction, while foreign tourists associate it with intense commodification. The research used visual elicitation methods, including photographs and videos, to analyze semi-structured interviews focused on two key attractions: Melaka River Cruise and George Town's Little India Improvements District. This approach highlighted how contrasting touristification strategies—neo-liberal-driven and participatory in George Town versus state-dominated in Melaka—influence perceptions of authenticity.

Wee, V. E. l., & Katahenggam, N. (2024). The big state in touristification: a look into tourist perceptions on placemaking and authenticity in Melaka and George Town, Malaysia. International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.1504/ijltm.2024.10065394