The Potential for Appreciative Inquiry in Tourism Research |
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Authors: | Sebastian Filep Elleni Bereded-Samuel |
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Affiliation: | 1. Centre for Tourism and Services Research , Victoria University , Melbourne , Australia sebastian.filep@vu.edu.au;3. Office for Community and Industry Engagement , Victoria University , Melbourne , Australia |
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Abstract: | Tourism is an engine of economic growth, but its capacity to contribute to good health is only starting to be documented. This paper describes a forthcoming research project with the Ethiopian immigrant community in the Australian state of Victoria. The project aims to discover if writing about positive holiday experiences that involve visits to friends and relatives improves the community's mental health – alleviates depression levels and increases levels of happiness. The role of holidays in improving mental health is of increasing interest to the tourism industry. This research note highlights the importance of understanding the benefits of holidays for individual well-being; this paper outlines a methodological approach for investigating these benefits. |
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Keywords: | mental health positive psychology depression happiness tourist experiences |
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