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

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.

Characterization of Geoheritage and Geotourism Potential of the Fluvial-Glacial Landscapes in the Culebrillas Lagoon (Ecuador)

“…The geotourism approach involves the conservation of geological elements while also raising awareness of terrestrial dynamics through outdoor activities, museums, and visitor centers, these activities being aimed at audiences of different ages [13]. Geotourism as well as nature tourism are excellent prospects not only for knowledge about the environment but also because of being outdoor activities, which benefit post-pandemic physical and mental health [49].…”

The relationship between perceived restorativeness and place attachment for hikers at Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park in South Korea: the moderating effect of environmental sensitivity

“…Since South Korea has a relatively small absolute land area, such programs should be developed so that many people can benefit from green spaces like Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park. Previous research ( Buckley and Cooper, 2022 ) also proposed considerable potential and profitable opportunities for the tourism sector to contribute to nature-based mental healthcare because an individual’s contact with nature can improve their mental health. Therefore, providing programs such as natural therapy to tourists visiting Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park can be expected to improve their mental health.…”

Economic Value of Tourism Through Human Capital Gains

“…They include: personalities and life histories, sensory and emotional experiences, and memory duration and wellbeing fade-out (Buckley, 2022a; R. C. Buckley et al, 2022; Buckley, 2022b; R. C. Buckley & Cooper, 2022; Chark et al, 2022; Chen, Huang, et al, 2016; Chen, Petrick, et al, 2016; de Bloom et al, 2013; Demeter et al, 2022; Hosany et al, 2021; Kroesen & Handy, 2014; Sousa & Gonçalves, 2021; Wang, Hou, et al, 2021).…”

“…These are empirical questions that are yet to be examined within a human capital framework. This will now be possible, as a number of countries implement nature-based therapies, including nature-based tourism, in mainstream mental healthcare (R. C. Buckley & Cooper, 2022; Buckley, Zhong, et al, 2022).…”