Commitment, Community, Territory: Unpacking Authenticity and the Influence of Tourism in Restaurants

This study examines how restaurants convey authenticity in destinations not renowned for their gastronomy, with a particular focus on the impact of overtourism. Drawing on a supply-side perspective, it examines restaurateurs’ strategies for conveying authenticity through a thematic analysis of 21 in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted in Venice, an overtourism hotspot, and the nearby Euganean Hills[1], a more tranquil, locally visited destination. Using thematic analysis and set theory, the study identifies three intersecting components of authenticity—commitment, community, and territory—that collectively characterise restaurateurs’ approaches. The findings reveal the importance of workers’ dedication to family traditions, engagement with local communities, and connection to the territory in shaping authentic gastronomic experiences. This research advances the destination marketing literature by elucidating the managerial and social dynamics behind authentic food offerings. It provides practical insights for restaurateurs seeking to maintain authenticity amid varying tourist flows and highlights investment directions for policymakers to mitigate overtourism.