Progress in research on tourists with mental disorders: A critical review and the way forward

Mental Disorders and Tourism

Mental health disorders are increasingly recognized as a leading global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 12.5% of the global population is affected by mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These disorders significantly disrupt individuals’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes, leading to impairments in their daily functioning and well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this crisis, with a significant increase in the occurrence of anxiety and depression.

Tourism, often praised for its benefits in improving well-being, offers not only short-term emotional rewards but also long-term improvements in mental health. Studies show that tourism activities can stimulate brain function and provide a sense of life satisfaction. However, existing research on the well-being benefits of tourism has largely focused on neurotypical, physically healthy individuals. The needs of tourists with mental disorders have largely been neglected, despite their growing market presence.

Research Gap

The research focuses on tourists with mental disorders and the challenges they face in the tourism industry. These individuals struggle with stigma, discrimination, and exclusion, all of which can hinder their ability to access tourism services. The changing needs of these tourists, due to their mental disorders, requires a more inclusive and flexible approach to tourism service provision. The absence of inclusive tourism services has significant implications not only for the individuals affected but also for the tourism industry.

This research is essential because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state of literature on tourists with mental disorders. By proposing an Inclusive Tourism Management Model, the study outlines strategies to improve the tourism experience for this underserved group, offering practical recommendations for the tourism industry, policymakers, and caregivers.

The study highlights a significant gap in the literature regarding tourists with mental disorders. Research on this topic has been fragmented, with studies focusing on specific disorders (e.g., autism, depression, dementia) or particular aspects of the tourism experience (e.g., accessibility, caregiver responsibilities, infrastructure) but without an integrated, holistic framework. As the research indicates, ‘The diverse range of mental disorders, each characterized by distinct needs and experiences, leads to a disjointed research landscape.’

Stakeholder Approach

This study adopts a stakeholder approach, which includes three main groups: tourists and caregivers, tourism providers, and governments and third-party entities. The research critically reviews existing studies, synthesizing the knowledge across these stakeholder groups to develop a more inclusive tourism management model. This approach recognizes that ‘each stakeholder plays an important role in shaping tourism experiences’. The model emphasizes the need for cooperation among stakeholders to ensure that tourism services are accessible, supportive, and enriching for individuals with mental disorders.

Inclusive Tourism Management Model

A key contribution of this research is the development of the Inclusive Tourism Management Model. This model integrates the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders and proposes strategies for overcoming barriers to travel faced by tourists with mental disorders. It is grounded in the understanding that, as one study participant noted, “Tourists with mental disorders often experience disruptions in emotional regulation, cognitive processes, and behavior, making travel an overwhelming experience” (Hu et al., 2024). The model calls for a shift toward designing inclusive tourism experiences that take into account the specific needs and challenges of these tourists, including accessibility features, appropriate accommodations, and supportive services.

This text is inspired by the article Progress in research on tourists with mental disorders: A critical review and the way forward, written by Yangyang Jiang, Cenhua Lyu, and Balaji Makam S., published in Tourism Management (Vol. 107, 2025).

Balaji Makam S. is a Professor of Marketing at Rennes School of Business. His research focuses on service marketing, customer experience, and digital transformation. He explores how businesses can enhance accessibility and inclusivity for diverse consumer segments.