A systems theory approach to the well-being effects of tourism in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

The synergy between the fields of public health and tourism around the emerging theme of well-being is evident from global, European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) perspectives. It is suggested that a vision where public health and tourism strategy are allied will not only contribute to a region economically in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment, but will also provide sustainable well-being for residents and tourists alike. As a result, there is potential for well-being to be incorporated as a resource to create new products. Research on the well-being impacts of tourism is limited and there remains a dearth of literature on the significance of these benefits. Therefore, to better understand this area there is a need for a more in-depth exploration and analysis. As a result, the aim of this research is to critically investigate the well-being effects of tourism on the individual within the UK. This study employs an exploratory mixed methodological research approach whereby the first empirical study (inductive stakeholder focus groups) contributed to the development of the second empirical study (deductive consumer questionnaire). Focus groups (n=11) were used to understand how tourism investors view the concept of well-being in relation to tourism and the potential to adopt it as a tourism product resource. Findings validated by a wider group (n=50) exposed the barriers and enablers of implementing well-being in this way. The potential for businesses and policymakers to transform these barriers into enablers was also identified. In addition, study findings were mapped onto the study’s theoretical framework (a systems theory approach, a model extracted from the public health sector and applied here in a tourism context). A postal questionnaire (n=240) was utilized to measure the well- being effects of tourism guided by elements of a systems theory approach. Results indicate that infrastructure and health/tourism services together with the tourist’s expectations of the holiday lead to increased well-being in terms of an individual’s relationships with family and friends as well as their emotional well-being. This research makes a contribution to knowledge by using a systems theory approach to quantitatively measure the well-being effects of tourism on the individual. It is a challenge taking a model from one discipline and transferring it to another therefore the limitations of the systems theory approach are debated. From an academic perspective the interdisciplinary nature of this research is innovative and demonstrates how tourism and public health can be brought together, which is an emerging area of interest. Moreover, research findings provide a more holistic view of tourism and well-being, as the well-being impacts on mainstream tourism are examined. The research influences policy by identifying the appropriate links among tourism, well-being and policy with the potential to create healthier, more sustainable communities at tourism destinations. Finally, data from this research aids tourism/business practice and development by embedding a well-being philosophy for tourist destinations whereby tourism can be promoted and marketed as a healthy lifestyle experience due to the positive benefits that may be realized.