Authenticity, involvement, and image: Evaluating tourist experiences at historic districts

•An integral model of tourists' experience at historic districts is tested.•The mediating role of image is addressed.•Image mediates the relationships between authenticity and satisfaction, and between involvement and satisfaction.

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of perceived authenticity, tourists' involvement, and destination image on tourists' experience at a historic district – Litchi Bay, China. This study also attempts to examine the mediating effect of destination image on the paths from perceived authenticity and involvement to tourists' satisfaction. Data were collected via an on-site survey and analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach. Results indicate that perceived authenticity and tourists' involvement in local activities directly contribute to the formation of destination image of the historic district. Tourists' involvement is positively associated with tourists' satisfaction. Destination image fully mediates the relationship between perceived authenticity and tourists' satisfaction, while partially mediates the link between tourists' involvement and satisfaction. Theoretical and managerial implications are elaborated.