ANALYZING HOW WELLNESS TOURISM EXPERIENCES AND TOURIST ENGAGEMENT IN SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v6si3.1010Keywords:
wellness tourism, tourist engagement, experiential dimensions, Generation Z, Shah Alam, sustainable tourismAbstract
This study explores how educational, entertainment, and escapist experiences in wellness tourism influence tourist engagement among Gen Z university students in Shah Alam, Selangor. It aims to offer insights that enhance service design, emotional connection, and loyalty among young wellness tourists, contributing to sustainable tourism strategies. Using a quantitative approach, data will be collected via structured questionnaires distributed both online and in person at wellness sites. A pilot test will ensure reliability and validity, and multiple regression analysis will assess the impact of the three experiential dimensions on engagement. Findings are expected to show that all three dimensions positively influence engagement, with escapist experiences playing the most significant role by allowing tourists to disconnect and immerse themselves. This study is original in its focus on spa-based wellness tourism among university students, extending experiential tourism literature by empirically examining how specific experiences foster participation, emotional connection, and repeat visitation in an urban Southeast Asian context.
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