Examination of Tourism Regional Development Contributing to Well-being

Examination of Tourism Regional Development Contributing to Well-being

Associate Professor (Faculty of Engineering)
TAKASAWA Yumi

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the values of travelers have shifted. The future of tourism may offer new value by focusing on experiences that contribute to physical and mental well-being, which, in turn, contributes to a sense of happiness. Based on this perspective, and grounded in the theory of Well-being, we are examining local tourism that utilizes regional resources and unique local cultures, aiming to quantitatively assess visitors' subjective happiness and physiological indicators while also enhancing well-being.

In an empirical experiment conducted at hot spring resorts in Yamagata Prefecture, the study found that while bathing itself tends to increase physical fatigue, it also reduces negative emotions and increases positive emotions. Furthermore, the tendency to feel more positive emotionally was stronger when visitors combined bathing with walking around the hot spring town or hiking in the surrounding natural environment. These results suggest that, in addition to hot spring bathing, encouraging interactions with nature and activities like walking can contribute to visitors' well-being.

▲Tendo Wellness Nature Walk

▲Tendo Wellness Measurement