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Wellness Tourism in the Himalayas: A Structural Analysis of Motivation, Experience, and Satisfaction in Spa Resorts

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  • Parikshat Singh Manhas

    (The Business School, University of Jammu, Jammu 180006, India
    School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu, Jammu 180006, India)

  • Priyanka Sharma

    (School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu, Jammu 180006, India)

  • Joana A. Quintela

    (Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, REMIT—Research on Economics, Management and Information Technologies, Portucalense University, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of wellness tourism motivation (WTM) on tourist satisfaction (TS) and tourist experience (TE), while also examining the mediating role of TE in the relationship between WTM and TS in the context of luxury spa resorts situated in the Himalayan regions of India. Drawing on an extensive review of the literature, this study proposes a conceptual model that hypothesizes the influence of WTM on TS and TE, as well as the impact of TE on TS. Data were collected through 260 questionnaires distributed to tourists visiting prominent spa resorts to validate the proposed model empirically. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships between the constructs. The results revealed that wellness tourism motivations have a positive impact on both TS and TE. Additionally, TE serves as a mediator, further enhancing the connection between WTM and TS. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on wellness tourism by providing empirical evidence on the unique dynamics of WTM, TE, and TS in Himalayan spa resorts, which cater to a distinct segment of wellness tourists. The results offer valuable insights for tourism operators and policymakers, enabling them to design tailored wellness experiences that enhance customer satisfaction and meet the specific needs of wellness-focused travelers. This research underscores the importance of prioritizing tourist experiences as a strategic tool for fostering satisfaction and loyalty in the luxury wellness tourism sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Parikshat Singh Manhas & Priyanka Sharma & Joana A. Quintela, 2025. "Wellness Tourism in the Himalayas: A Structural Analysis of Motivation, Experience, and Satisfaction in Spa Resorts," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jtourh:v:6:y:2025:i:2:p:118-:d:1680714
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vo Viet Hung & Sandeep Kumar Dey & Zuzana Vaculcikova & Le Trieu Hoang Anh, 2021. "The Influence of Tourists’ Experience on Destination Loyalty: A Case Study of Hue City, Vietnam," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-16, August.
    2. Laura Kemppainen & Veera Koskinen & Harley Bergroth & Eetu Marttila & Teemu Kemppainen, 2021. "Health and Wellness–Related Travel: A Scoping Study of the Literature in 2010-2018," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(2), pages 21582440211, May.
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