Factors of Authenticity: Exploring Santorini’s Heritage Hotels

The purpose of this article is to investigate the factors that influence the authenticity of heritage hotels in popular tourist destinations. Using the Greek island of Santorini as a case study, the following three (3) factors, which have not been systematically studied so far, are examined and appear to have a significant impact on authenticity in the conversion of a heritage architectural building into a heritage hotel: (a) its structural characteristics, (b) the influence of the star classification system and (c) the extent to which each business promotes authenticity elements and heritage identity. For the purposes of this study, a threefold methodological approach was conducted, which includes archival research in the registry of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels for all the heritage hotels in Santorini (69 units), research in the accounting data of the island’s heritage hotels certified with the national star ranking system for their services and amenities and research analysis of the information regarding the promotion of the heritage hotels through their official websites. Additionally, a cartographic representation of the locations of these hotels was created and their positioning was compared to the boundaries of traditional or non-traditional settlements. The results validated the basic finding of the literature review, that the authenticity of a heritage hotel is a construction under constant negotiation, influenced by a multitude of factors. The conversion of a historic building into a heritage hotel is a multidimensional process that requires a delicate balance between preserving cultural value and adapting to the needs of modern tourism, as well as a continuous evaluation and review of the policies in place.