Impact of wellness tourism experiences on quality of life: A mixed-methods approach

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between wellness tourism experiences and quality of life outcomes using a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collection. The research investigates how different dimensions of wellness tourism—such as escapism, relaxation, cultural immersion, and personal growth—affect tourists' overall quality of life, including physical health, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction. Using a survey distributed to 300 wellness tourists and in-depth interviews with a subset of participants, this study provides a nuanced understanding of how wellness tourism experiences contribute to quality-of-life improvements. Factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) validate the hypothesized relationships quantitatively, while thematic analysis of qualitative responses enriches the findings. Results indicate that escapist and relaxation-oriented experiences most strongly influence psychological and physical well-being, while cultural immersion enhances life satisfaction. These insights highlight the potential of wellness tourism to foster holistic well-being, with implications for practitioners and researchers in developing quality-of-life-centered wellness tourism offerings.