Authenticity, identity, self-improvement, and responsibility at heritage sites: The local residents’ perspective

Although heritage tourism receives increasing attention, researchers have not yet considered heritage residents' cultural self-improvement and heritage responsibility. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the mechanism of perceived authenticity, localized identity, cultural self-improvement, and heritage responsibility. With empirical evidence from two well-known world cultural heritage sites (i.e., Kaiping and Yongding in China), the study identifies that local residents’ localized identity and cultural self-improvement, activated by perceived authenticity of the cultural heritage, significantly stimulate their heritage responsibility. Results further reveal the positive impact of localized identity on cultural self-improvement. The mediating effect of localized identity and cultural self-improvement and the moderation effect of two heritage sites are also confirmed. Important theoretical and practical implications are discussed. •Examine local residents' perceived authenticity in Kaiping and Yonding.•Identify the mechanism behind local residents' heritage responsibility.•Explore the mediating roles of localized identity and cultural self-improvement.•Uncover the moderating effect of hollowed and solid villages.