Travelling remains a challenge for many people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and mental disorders. A research project from Edith Cowan University aims to address this issue by proposing the concept of ‘travel therapy’, which sees tourism as a means of improving mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Jun Wen, a researcher from the project, highlights the need for the tourism industry to cater to this vulnerable group, who are often overlooked despite being a significant market. He emphasizes the importance of training staff to be aware of the needs of these travellers and implementing initiatives throughout the tourism industry chain to accommodate them.

Additionally, Dr Wen believes that technological advances could play a great role in making tourism accessible for people with health conditions. By developing virtual products, all travellers can be present in a destination and enjoy the fun and health-related benefits of tourism.

Read the full article “Travel Medicine in Hospitality: An Interdisciplinary Perspective” in the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management.

Written by: Jill Walsh

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