KnE Social Sciences

Published date: Dec 03 2025

Journal Title: KnE Social Sciences

Issue title: The 5th International Conference on Tourism, Gastronomy, and Tourist Destination (TGDIC 2025)

Pages: 430 - 438

DOI: 10.18502/kss.v10i29.20285

‎ Nurbaetinurbaeti@iptrisakti.ac.idTrisakti Institute of Tourism, Jakarta

Myrza RahmanitaTrisakti Institute of Tourism, Jakarta

‎ AmrullahTrisakti Institute of Tourism, Jakarta

Fetty AsmaniatiTrisakti Institute of Tourism, Jakarta

Elda NurmalindaTrisakti Institute of Tourism, Jakarta

Authenticity has become a critical dimension in the development of ethno wellness tourism, where cultural heritage and traditional healing practices are integrated to provide holistic experiences for visitors. This study examines the role of authenticity in shaping tourists’ perceptions of ethno-wellness tourism in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, a region renowned for its strong cultural identity and rich heritage of traditional wellness practices. Using a mixed-method approach that combines surveys with in-depth interviews, the research explores how tourists interpret authenticity and how it influences their satisfaction, trust, and intention to revisit. The findings reveal that authenticity, expressed through local rituals, traditional healing methods, and community involvement, significantly strengthens tourists’ emotional connection to the destination. Moreover, the perception of authenticity is positively correlated with the destination image and contributes to long-term competitiveness in the ethno-wellness tourism sector. This study highlights the importance of preserving cultural values while innovating wellness experiences, suggesting that authenticity not only enhances tourist perceptions but also supports sustainable tourism development. The implications of this research offer valuable insights for policymakers, destination managers, and local communities in designing strategies that strike a balance between cultural preservation and global wellness tourism trends.

Keywords: authenticity, tourist perception, ethno wellness tourism, cultural tourism, cultural heritage

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