Tourist Well-Being and Sustainability: Balancing Pleasure, Meaning, and Practicality

The well-being of tourists is shaped by experiences that are pleasurable (hedonic), meaningful (eudaimonic), and functionally beneficial (utilitarian). While these dimensions of well-being have been studied independently, their combined impact on sustainable travel behavior remains underexplored. This study examines their interplay in two contrasting contexts: Kistefos Museum, Norway (a reflective culture-nature attraction), and Surfers Paradise, Australia (a high-energy coastal hub). Using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) Theory, this research study employs participant observation to analyze real-time emotional engagement and sustainability choices. The findings support prior studies and suggest that while eudaimonic tourist experiences foster sustainability-oriented behavior, hedonic engagement primarily enhances satisfaction without necessarily promoting responsibility. Utilitarian motives such as cost and convenience may either support or counteract sustainable choices.