Authenticity & aura: A Benjaminian Approach to Tourism

As a dynamic concept, authenticity has ignited many debates regarding its meaning and utility, thus resulting in several theoretical perspectives (objective, constructive, postmodern, existential) with various analytical focuses, from object to experience. In light of its conceptual variability, it should be asked—What does authenticity do? This paper revisits Walter Benjamin’s notions of authenticity and aura; ideas introduced by MacCannell and worthy of further consideration. Similar to its development in tourism studies, Benjamin’s theorizations of the concept are complex and relational—authenticity is established through ritual and tradition and is connected to aura. They are mutually constitutive and simultaneously products of other phenomena. As it bridges analytical perspectives, his work offers a useful addition to the authenticity discourse.

► Authenticity in tourism studies, ontological versus epistemological evaluations. ► Walter Benjamin’s authenticity and aura—objective, constructive, and experiential. ► Authenticity and aura through the ritual of tourism. ► Material embodiment of tourism experience, aura and authenticity in souvenirs. ► New questions for authenticity in tourism.