Background: Cultural authenticity has emerged as a key factor influencing tourist experiences and destination competitiveness. As global tourism expands, tourists increasingly seek meaningful, immersive, and culturally grounded experiences.

Objective: This study examines the relationship between cultural authenticity and tourist experience quality across heritage, rural, and ethnic tourism destinations in Asia and Europe.

Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted with 420 tourist surveys, 30 in-depth interviews with cultural performers, guides, and destination managers, and field observation in three locations: Kyoto (Japan), Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter (Spain), and Old Dhaka (Bangladesh). The Authenticity Experience Framework (object-based, constructive, and existential) was used for analysis.

Results: Cultural authenticity strongly influenced tourist satisfaction (r = 0.71), perceived value (r = 0.68), and revisit intention (r = 0.59). Authenticity-enhanced destinations produced deeper emotional engagement, learning, and cultural appreciation. However, commodification and staged performances diluted authenticity and negatively affected experience quality.

Conclusion: Cultural authenticity is a critical driver of tourism experience quality. Destinations must balance commercialization with cultural preservation to provide meaningful, high-quality experiences.