Achilles and the Tortoise: a paradox between authenticity and cultural tourism

The aim of the paper is to analyze the relationship between authenticity and cultural tourism. In the field of restoration, the focus has solely been on the authenticity of “the objects” (their authenticity). However, the authenticity takes on so complex meanings in the domain of cultural tourism that one is compelled to ask what constitutes an authentic experience while encountering cultural heritage, tangible or intangible. Is realistic a new paradox of Achilles and the Tortoise referred to cultural tourism? I.e. is it impossible to have an authentic experience where tourism arrives? Is it possible to avoid a kind of masking effect in which the communities sing and dance in ethnic costumes in front of groups of tourists? All these aspects are related to themes not yet profoundly contemplated such as forms of cultural heritage’ communication, not in the sense of marketing, but in the definition of the role they play.