Abstract:
Wellness tourism has witnessed significant growth within the global tourism industry, driven
by an increasing interest in physical and mental well-being among travellers. This study
investigates the emerging sustainable themes within wellness tourism, with a specific emphasis
on spa-based experiences, organic agritourism, and water-related tourism activities. It
explores how wellness tourism contributes to destination development by attracting more
visitors, thereby boosting local economies, supporting environmental conservation, and
enhancing both community engagement and overall community well-being. A systematic
literature review was conducted using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
Reviews and Meta-Analyses) model, focusing on studies published from 2007 to 2024.
Research articles were sourced from reputable academic databases, including Emerald,
ResearchGate, Springer, and Frontiers. The findings reveal that wellness tourism not only
enhances tourists’ quality of life by offering revitalizing and immersive experiences but also
strengthens local economies through job creation, increased revenue for small businesses, and
infrastructure development. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation by
promoting sustainable practices and protecting natural resources. Wellness tourism also
contributes to community well-being by preserving traditional healing practices, supporting
local cultural activities, and encouraging meaningful cultural exchanges between tourists and
host communities. Future research is encouraged to apply the 4Es paradigm: Entertainment,
Education, Esthetics, and Escapism to understand better wellness tourism experiences and
their long-term implications for sustainable development. Longitudinal studies could offer
deeper insights into the sustained impacts of wellness tourism on local communities,
ecosystems, and tourist loyalty. Furthermore, examining cross-cultural perspectives and the
integration of digital wellness innovations could further enrich this growing field of study.
