The Role of Fado in the Cultural Supply of Lisbon

This thesis research presents an exploratory research on the role of a traditional, urban performing art classified as intangible cultural heritage as perceived by tourists in the cultural supply of a city. The aim of this cross-sectional case study was to examine the part that fado has in the total offer of cultural attractions and activities in Lisbon. The main research question was as such: What is the role of fado concerts in the cultural supply of Lisbon as perceived by tourists in terms of participation and attached importance? In addition, this research aimed to discover the role that the tourists’ perception of authenticity has in this. As such, the sub question read: What is the relationship between perceived authenticity and participation of tourists on the one hand, and attached importance on the other hand? The research consisted of a quantitative research, with a survey design. Self-completion questionnaires were employed to question tourists in four tactical sites in the centre of Lisbon. Previous empirical research has shown a considerable influence of perceived authenticity on tourists’ behaviour. This research confirms this influence of perceived authenticity on the importance attached to attractions and activities as well as on the participation in these. Next to previous research that finds a positive relationship between the performing arts and tourism, as well as between intangible cultural heritage and tourism, the intangible, traditional and experiential features of fado make it seem a potential tourist activity. However, fado does not appear to figure prominently among Lisbon’s tourists’ behaviour and preferences, despite its high scores on perceived authenticity.