A healing journey with animals

Researchers have recognized animals' psychotherapeutic roles in mental health, emphasizing the importance of human–animal interaction and relationships. However, empirical evidence supporting the mental health benefits of animals in a tourism context is lacking. To address this gap, a mixed-method approach featuring a triangulation design was used to determine how human–animal interaction can enhance mental health–related indictors during animal-based tourism. Quantitative data revealed that human–animal interaction during such tourism experiences indirectly relates to tourists’ self-efficacy, self-esteem, and feelings of depression, mediated by the human–animal relationship. Meanwhile, qualitative findings showed that different types of human–animal interactive activities uniquely affect mental health–related outcomes in the tourism context. Our research affirms the significance of human–animal interaction and relationships in tourism: they can provide participants with emotional and cognitive benefits. The findings of the study inform relevant policies, and guide tourism product design.