Impact of Nature-Based Tourism on Psychological Well-Being: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Nature-based tourism, encompassing activities such as forest bathing, mountain hiking, and wildlife safaris, has gained prominence due to its perceived psychological benefits. This review explores the impact of various types of nature-based tourism on psychological well-being, focusing on stress reduction, overall mental health improvement, and enhanced psychological well-being. The review includes detailed case studies on wild life safaris and forest bathing. The review synthesizes findings from recent literature, highlighting key theories such as Attention Restoration Theory (ART), Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), and the Biophilia Hypothesis, which explain the mechanisms through which nature-based experiences influence mental health. Additionally, the review covers various types of nature-based tourism, including beach tourism, birdwatching, and kayaking, and their associated psychological benefits. By integrating theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence, this review underscores the importance of nature-based tourism in promoting mental health. The findings suggest that nature-based experiences offer substantial benefits for stress reduction, mood enhancement, and life satisfaction. Practical implications for stakeholders include the promotion of nature-based tourism as astrategy for mental health improvement and the need for continued research to explore and expand upon these benefits.