Prioritizing Well-being in Tourism: The PERMA Framework
Promoting Sustainable Tourism Through Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement
The tourism industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, contributing to 7% of the world’s exports and 10% of the global GDP, with international tourist arrivals reaching 1.5 billion in 2019. However, the industry faces several challenges, including environmental degradation, overcrowding, and the impact of COVID-19. To address these challenges and create a more sustainable future, prioritizing the well-being of all stakeholders, including tourists, local communities, and industry workers, is essential.
The PERMA model, developed by positive psychology researcher Martin Seligman, emphasizes five core elements of well-being: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement. This framework offers a valuable lens through which to examine the tourism industry and guide sustainable tourism practices that prioritize well-being.
The first element of the PERMA framework is Positive Emotion, which involves cultivating positive emotions and experiences, such as joy, pleasure, and gratitude. In tourism, positive emotions can be promoted through various means, such as marketing campaigns, exceptional customer service, and creating memorable experiences for tourists.
Engagement, the second element of the PERMA framework, involves being absorbed in an activity or task that is challenging and meaningful. Providing tourists with opportunities for immersive and authentic experiences, such as tours that take visitors to local markets or cultural events, or adventure tourism activities, can create a sense of engagement and challenge.
The third element of the PERMA framework is Relationships, which involves fostering positive connections with others. In tourism, promoting social interaction and community engagement, such as organizing social events or providing opportunities for tourists to interact with locals and learn about their culture and way of life, can lead to a sense of belonging and a deeper appreciation for local culture.
Meaning, the fourth element of the PERMA framework, involves having a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Providing tourists with opportunities to contribute to the local community or environment, such as organizing volunteer activities or promoting sustainable practices, can foster a sense of purpose and meaning in their travel experiences.
The final element of the PERMA framework is Accomplishment, which involves setting and achieving goals. Providing tourists with opportunities to learn new skills or achieve personal milestones, such as adventure tourism activities or cultural tours that focus on learning a new language or cooking techniques, can create a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
In conclusion, the PERMA framework offers a holistic approach to promoting the well-being of both tourists and tourism industry workers. By prioritizing positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment, sustainable tourism practices can be created that prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders. The tourism industry can implement the PERMA framework in their policies and practices to foster a more positive and sustainable tourism industry. Ultimately, prioritizing well-being can create positive impacts not just for tourists, but also for local communities, the environment, and the industry itself.
