This book explores the evolving relationship between wellness, wellbeing and tourism, offering a comprehensive framework to understand how these interconnected domains contribute to sustainable global development. It highlights the cultural and communal dimensions of wellness tourism, examining how traditional practices, indigenous knowledge and community engagement enhance holistic health experiences while raising concerns about authenticity and commodification. The volume also addresses innovation and technology, showcasing how transformative design, digital tools and neuroscience are reshaping wellness experiences – while urging critical reflection on accessibility and equity. It also investigates destination development and management, illustrating how wellness tourism can stimulate regional growth, foster environmental stewardship and support community wellbeing, while cautioning against the risks of over-commercialisation and unsustainable growth.
Ranjana Tiwari is a Senior Lecturer in Sunway Business School Malaysia. She is a wellbeing expert and Tourism Case Writing Trainer. A Gold Medallist in her postgraduate studies, Dr Tiwari holds a PhD focused on Tourist Destination Image and Attributes. Her research interests encompass wellbeing, positive psychology in tourism, wellness tourism and destination image.
Catheryn Khoo is Professor, Torrens University Australia. Her work on gender, children and marginalisation in tourism contributes to the discourse and policies on social sustainability.
Timothy J. Lee is a Professor at the Macau University of Science and Technology in Macao, China. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Tourism Research. His research interests include wellness/health tourism, food tourism, cultural heritage tourism and tourism, leisure and hospitality development that incorporates regional branding or values.