EPISTEMOLOGICAL AUTHENTICITY AS A MORAL IMPERATIVE TO EXPLAIN TOURIST REALITIES

Purpose. Our research intention is to reveal new contexts of authenticity in tourism and their sources. Analytical works also provide justification for moral responsibility of researchers regarding the course of research works and circumstances in which they are conducted. Method. The principal research method was critical review of subject-matter literature. We used the autoethnographic approach combined with field participant observation. Findings. Critical desk research on the subject-matter literature and other sources of methodical reflection has led to a new understanding of authenticity in tourism. The paper also discusses traits of original research attitudes. Finally, it proposes a diagnosis of the contemporary model of science. Research and conclusions limitations. This is a theoretical contribution resulting from the heuristic approach. The effects of research published here reflect the author’s views. Practical implications. Considerations included in the paper and results flowing from them are addressed to those who manage tourist space at different administrative levels. Ideas and methodical suggestions included in it may provide valid input into scientific debates. Originality. The ideas outlined here represent a new approach to the issue of authenticity in tourism. They also justify the introduction of autoethnography into research on tourism. Type of work. This work is an overview and a conceptual paper.