WHAT MAKES A CRAFT SOUVENIR AUTHENTIC

The purpose of the research was to broaden understanding of souvenir consumption through empirical examination of the concept of authenticity in craft souvenirs. Descriptions of craft authenticity from 385 midwestern US tourists were content analyzed for prominent themes. Criteria used by tourists to define authenticity included a craft's uniqueness, workmanship, aesthetics and use, cultural and historical integrity, and genuineness. Characteristics of the craftperson and the shopping experience also contributed to authenticity. Definitions of authenticity varied with tourists' ages, stage of travel careers, and tourism styles, but not with tourists' gender. Elaboration and refinement of the definition of souvenir authenticity is recommended with non-hand-produced souvenirs and with tourists in other regions of the U.S.