The effect of perceived authenticity in cultural heritage sites on tourist satisfaction: the moderating role of aesthetic experience

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the moderating role of aesthetic experience in the effect of authenticity on satisfaction in cultural heritage sites. At the same time, this study guides the perception of authenticity in cultural heritage sites. Design/methodology/approach Using structural equation modelling for quantitative data analysis, empirical data were collected from tourists in a cultural heritage site. Findings As a result of the findings, it was determined that the objective and constructive authenticity of the tourists did not affect satisfaction, while the existential authenticity affected satisfaction. The moderating role of aesthetic experience between existential authenticity and overall satisfaction has been determined. Practical implications The study suggests that aesthetic experience can be used by destination managers in tourists' perceptions of existential authenticity. Originality/value This study is the first to use aesthetic experience in tourists' perception of authenticity in cultural heritage sites. The findings show the importance of aesthetic experience in existential authenticity.