The Impact of Health and Wellness Tourism on Tourists’ Physical, Mental, and Emotional Balance

Tourism focused on health and wellness has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, as more and more individuals seek to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health during their travels. This type of tourism fuses rest and relaxation with activities and services designed to promote the well-being of travelers. In this context, the research is based on a meticulous approach that incorporates the use of statistical techniques and data analysis. Data were collected from a sample of tourists and hotel professionals located in the coastal region of Ecuador. The variables examined covered aspects related to health and safety in health and wellness tourism destinations, as well as the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of tourists. The results highlighted the relevance of health protocols, health infrastructures, access to medical services, and other health and safety related factors in the well-being of tourists. The findings obtained have significant implications for the health and wellness tourism industry, as well as for tourism destination management. They indicate the need to adopt a new model of tourism consumption that promotes health and safety, especially valuing tourism resources in rural and sustainable areas, including nearby destinations. In addition, they highlight the importance of safety, health, and traveler satisfaction in the promotion of tourism destinations. This research provides valuable information for the tourism industry and decision-makers in developing strategies and policies related to health and wellness tourism. The results can be used to improve tourist experiences and encourage a healthier and safer approach to tourism. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.