Research & Statistics

Vol 1 Issue 4.

Scenario Planning

The Authentic Tourist

Authenticity has been identified as a key consumer driver of the future and as a trend that matches Scotlands brand proposition of “human, enduring and dramatic”.

In the latest edition of Tomorrows World, ten trends are identified that are shaping the concept of authenticity, including:

The global network
Ethical consumption and volunteerism
The affluent consumer and the experience economy
The educated consumer
Trust in the past
Individualism
Multi-culturalism
Resistance to marketing
Time pressures and authenticity
Increased competition

Two scenarios, Ella Stewart Family Centre Holidays and Orcadian Ancestors and Fiddlers illustrate how these trends could unfold.

This briefing further discusses the concept of “authenti-seeking”, which is defined as “consumers searching for authenticity from a range of products, services and experiences, or looking for it within themselves”.

This concept is then considered within the context of tourism, highlighting the opportunity for Scottish tourism, whether this be community-based propositions, activity holidays or even nostalgic, authentic products, such as the Tizer Experience at Barr’s Soft Drinks Plant.

In conclusion, if “authenticity” is to be a serious proposition, it must be built around the notions of ethical, natural, honest, simple, beautiful, rooted and human concepts.

pdfThe Authentic Tourist (PDF 2260kb)

Further Information

For further details about this authenticity, contact

Dr. Ian Yeoman, VisitScotland’s Scenario Planner by email at:
ian.yeoman@visitscotland.com, or tel: 00 44 (0) 131 472 2388.