Outdoor Tourism and its Influence on Mental Wellbeing

Abstract

This study examined the influence of outdoor tourism on mental well-being, focusing on visitors to Naltar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The research was motivated by increasing global concerns about mental health and the growing interest in natural and accessible approaches to enhance psychological well-being. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 50 participants actively engaged in outdoor tourism activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring lakes and meadows. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) was used as the primary tool to measure mental well-being. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with normality tests confirming non-normal distribution, leading to the application of non-parametric statistical approaches. Results revealed that the majority of participants reported frequent or consistent feelings of optimism, relaxation, confidence, usefulness, social connectedness, and cheerfulness, demonstrating that outdoor tourism positively contributes to both emotional and social dimensions of mental health. While some participants reported lower levels of well-being, the overall findings strongly support the psychological benefits of engaging with natural environments. The study concludes that outdoor tourism serves not only as a recreational activity but also as an effective means to promote mental well-being. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, tourism planners, and mental health advocates, emphasizing the need to promote and sustain outdoor tourism as a complementary approach to enhancing psychological health.

Keywords: Outdoor Tourism, Mental Well-Being, Gilgit Baltistan.