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Tourism as a Tool in Nature-Based Mental Health: Progress and Prospects Post-Pandemic

Author

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  • Ralf C. Buckley

    (School of Environment & Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4215, Australia)

  • Mary-Ann Cooper

    (Instituto Profesional de la Fundacion Duoc UC de la Pontificia, Universidad Católica, Viña del Mar 2336, Chile)

Abstract

The healthcare sector recognises the role of nature in mental health. The tourism sector is equipped to take people to national parks. The conservation sector gains support from visitors. Theoretical frameworks for mental health benefits from nature tourism include: tourism destinations and activities; tourist personalities and life histories; sensory and emotional components of tourist experiences; and intensity and duration of memories. Mental health deteriorated worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recovery of global economic productivity requires immediate, accessible, affordable mental health measures at national scales, and nature-based approaches provide the best option. Different countries have adopted a variety of public, private, or voluntary mechanisms. Some focus on design of activities, others on provision of facilities. Costs and implementation depend on key research questions: marginal benefits of nature tour guides or psychologists compared to self-guided nature experiences; comparisons between repeated brief visits and one-off nature holidays; effects of biodiversity, flagship species, and scenic or wilderness quality; and differences between individuals, depending on personalities, life histories, and mental health status and symptoms.

Suggested Citation

  • Ralf C. Buckley & Mary-Ann Cooper, 2022. "Tourism as a Tool in Nature-Based Mental Health: Progress and Prospects Post-Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13112-:d:940012
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    3. Lilyana Bardukova, 2024. "Health and Wellness Tourism: Current Trends and Strategies in the Bulgarian Tourism industry," Economics and computer science, Publishing house "Knowledge and business" Varna, issue 2, pages 22-36.
    4. José Luis Sánchez-Cortez & Kathleen Vélez-Macías & Vinicio Macas-Espinosa & Clelia Naranjo-Freire, 2023. "Characterization of Geoheritage and Geotourism Potential of the Fluvial-Glacial Landscapes in the Culebrillas Lagoon (Ecuador)," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 4(3), pages 1-16, July.
    5. Imelda Avecillas-Torres & Sebastián Herrera-Puente & Miguel Galarza-Cordero & Fernanda Coello-Nieto & Karina Farfán-Pacheco & Byron Alvarado-Vanegas & Stephany Ordóñez-Ordóñez & Freddy Espinoza-Figuer, 2025. "Nature Tourism and Mental Well-Being: Insights from a Controlled Context on Reducing Depression, Anxiety, and Stress," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-18, January.

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