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

Abstract

The global rise in mental disorders presents new challenges for tourism, an industry inadequately prepared to accommodate tourists with such conditions. Despite increasing scholarly interest in recent years, the study of tourists with mental disorders remains fragmented and underdeveloped. This work critically reviews 38 academic papers on this focal subject, published from 2004 to 2024, employing systematic narrative analysis. It identifies ten themes that map out the existing research across three stakeholder groups: tourists and caregivers, tourism providers, and governments and third parties. The literature synthesis offers an insightful and comprehensive overview of the current state of scientific knowledge in the field. Subsequently, an Inclusive Tourism Management Model is established, integrating the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, delineating challenges, and recommending strategies to ensure accessible and enriching tourism experiences for these tourists. Upon unveiling research gaps, this work proposes 13 research questions to guide theoretical, practical, and methodological advancements.