Authenticity in tourism is a central concept in tourism anthropology that refers to the degree to which tourists perceive places, cultures, traditions, and experiences as genuine, original, and true to their historical or cultural context. The concept has gained significance because modern tourism increasingly involves cultural encounters, heritage consumption, and the search for meaningful experiences. Anthropologists study authenticity not only as a property of objects or traditions but also as a socially constructed idea influenced by tourists, hosts, governments, and the tourism industry. The concept of authenticity was popularized by Dean MacCannell, who argued that modern tourists seek authentic experiences as a way to escape the artificiality and routine of industrial society. According to him, tourists often attempt to access the "backstage" of local life, believing that real culture exists beyond the performances arranged for visitors. However, tourism frequently presents a "frontstage" version of culture, carefully designed to satisfy tourist expectations while protecting the private lives of local communities. Authenticity can be classified into different forms. Objective authenticity refers to the originality of cultural objects, monuments, and historical sites. For example, an ancient temple preserved in its original form is considered objectively authentic. Constructive authenticity suggests that authenticity is socially created through beliefs, perceptions, and marketing rather than being an inherent quality. A cultural performance may be regarded as authentic simply because tourists believe it represents local tradition. Existential authenticity focuses on the personal feelings and emotional