Cultural Tourism's Crossroads: Authentic Indigenous Experiences vs. Commodification - A Critical Dialogue

This webinar examines the delicate nexus between sharing global heritage and protecting it from exploitation. It explores why mitigating the risks of cultural commodification, over-tourism, and host community alienation has become important for destinations reliant on the visitor economy. The academic contribution will frame the research debates surrounding the socio-cultural impacts of mass tourism, examining the thresholds at which cultural assets lose their authenticity. The practitioner contribution will focus on implementation and examples from destination practice, specifically highlighting successful, community-led business models within Indigenous tourism that empower local populations to retain economic sovereignty. The session is part of the Scholardemia Research-to-Practice Webinar Series, pairing academic insight with professional experience through two short presentations and a moderated discussion. Attendees will learn how to structure equitable tourism operations and experiential products that prioritise cultural integrity and community self-determination. Speakers: To be confirmed. Format: 5-minute introduction, 15-minute academic presentation, 15-minute practitioner presentation, and 15-minute moderated discussion/Q&A. Scheduled as a 60-minute session at 10:00 UTC. Please check your local time zone when registering.