Abstract

This study examines the different kinds of authentic experiences had by international guests who came to George House, a popular guesthouse in the southwest of Turkey, between August and November in 2006. For the purposes of this thesis, authenticity is not something that is found but rather something that is socially constructed by both hosts and guests. Throughout this work constructive and existential approaches to authenticity are used together and as compliments to one another. International guests staying at George House have many sorts of experiences through which they negotiate and work towards the achievement of authenticity. These complex experiences revolved around three types of relationships and interactions. Firstly, there are those that revolve around and are connected to the hosts such as the ways in which the hosts perform authenticity through sharing their everyday life with their guests and also by serving "traditional" dinners. Secondly, there are experiences and interactions that revolve around inter-personal relationships with other guests, both international and Turkish, through the sharing of a touristic communitas. Lastly, there are intra-personal experiences with one's self that engage and challenge the body thus leading to the achievement of personal authenticity. Following the George House experience from hearing about it, to experiencing it, and lastly, to leaving it the productions, constructions and performances of authenticity by both hosts and guests are exemplified.