DIGITAL WELLNESS TOURISM: ENHANCING WELL-BEING ON THE SUNSHINE COAST THROUGH TECHNOLOGY-NATURE INTEGRATION

Authors

  • Madura Thivanka PATHIRANA School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University
  • Malshika de SILVA School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University
  • Upuli WARNAKULA School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University

Keywords:

Digital Wellness, Nature-Based Tourism, Health Data Privacy, Tourist Engagement, Sustainable Tourism

Abstract

This study examines the intersection of wellness tourism and digital technologies on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, investigating how technology enhances well-being in nature-based tourism settings. Focusing on the integration of wearables, health apps, and personalized data, the research investigates the impact on tourist engagement, satisfaction, and ethical considerations surrounding health data privacy. Qualitative methods, including interviews with tourists, wellness operators, and health specialists, reveal that personalized experiences driven by real-time data can significantly improve engagement and motivation in wellness activities. However, concerns about data security and privacy, as well as the need for a "digital detox," must be addressed. The study provides recommendations for wellness tourism operators on how to integrate digital tools while maintaining ethical data handling practices. Ultimately, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of how technology can enhance nature-based wellness tourism, promoting sustainable and responsible practices that enhance well-being and customer satisfaction. This study is crucial for those seeking to enhance the quality of tourism services through the integration of new technologies and protective measures against health data misuse.

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Published

2025-09-20

How to Cite

PATHIRANA, M. T., SILVA, M. de, & WARNAKULA, U. (2025). DIGITAL WELLNESS TOURISM: ENHANCING WELL-BEING ON THE SUNSHINE COAST THROUGH TECHNOLOGY-NATURE INTEGRATION. Thai Science, Technology and Health Review, 1(2), Article 1. retrieved from https://he05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/TSTHR/article/view/5038

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Thai Science, Technology and Health Review

Section

Articles

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