ROLE OF PUBLIC PARKS IN HOLISTIC WELLNESS TOURISM DESTINATION

Pattra Kongpho; Waret Ruttanavisanon

doi:10.53848/vvjournal.v9i2.3228

Authors

Pattra Kongpho Faculty of Liberal Arts, Mahidol University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1382-6962
Waret Ruttanavisanon Faculty of Liberal Arts, Mahidol University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6421-2168

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53848/vvjournal.v9i2.3228

Keywords:

Holistic Wellness Tourism, Public Park, Role of Public Park, Destination

Abstract

While global wellness tourism is booming, local urban public parks remain vital destinations for generating social and economic value. This study aims to analyze the role of public parks as destinations for holistic wellness tourism. This study employed a systematic review of Thai and international academic sources retrieved from the Thai-Journal Citation Index and ScienceDirect. The analysis, which covered publications from 2015 to 2025, synthesized the roles of public parks as destinations for holistic wellness tourism across five principal dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. On the basis of 22 selected articles, these dimensions constitute important pull factors for wellness tourists. Findings indicate that public parks perform roles across all five dimensions of holistic wellness tourism, although the intensity varies by dimension. The social dimension appeared most frequently in the reviewed literature, reflecting the prominent role of public parks as spaces that foster attachment and social interaction. This suggests that public parks simultaneously function as areas of well-being, public spaces, and venues for building social relationships. These findings can reframe public parks from urban green infrastructure to potential holistic wellness tourism resources through a five-dimensional synthesis.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Bangkok Environmental Office. (2024). Public park. Greener Bangkok. https://greener.bangkok.go.th/en/green-space/bangkok-parks/

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. (2024, May 28). ที่ตั้งสวนสาธารณะที่อยู่ในความรับผิดชอบของสำนักงานสวนสาธารณะ สำนักสิ่งแวดล้อม [Locations of public parks under the responsibility of the Public Park Office, Environment Department]. National Housing Information Center. https://gdcatalognhic.nha.co.th/dataset/park [in Thai]

Camtawee, K., & Pothong, K. (2024). The design of sculpture to enhance the landscape and develop as tourist attraction: A case study of Marsh Park in front of tha Chang Municipality, Tha Chang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province. Rajabhat Rambhai Barni Research Journal, 18(3), 140–149. https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/RRBR/article/view/277918 [in Thai]

Chen, A., & Tang, Y. (2024). Exploring the facilitating environment for mindfulness meditation: Establishing a framework through analysis of means and exploratory factor analysis. Mindfulness, 15(10), 2519–2535. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-024-02442-2

Chukan, A., Phetsatit, P., & Sirivisitkul, S. (2025). Public service utilization behavior in Nawamin Phriom Park, Khlongkum Sub-district, Buangkum District, Bangkok. Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Development, 3(6), 646–657. https://so12.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JISDIADP/article/view/4996 [in Thai]

Duangpakdee, K., & Chairatananon, P. (2023). The role of public space and semi-public space for management stress of urban residents: Case study of Benchasiri Park and Quartier Water Garden, EmQuartier Shopping Center. Sarassart, 6(4), 769–783. https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/sarasatr/article/view/265205 [in Thai]

Enssle, F., & Kabisch, N. (2020). Urban green spaces for the social interaction, health and well-being of older people—An integrated view of urban ecosystem services and socio-environmental justice. Environmental Science & Policy, 109, 36–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2020.04.008

Global Wellness Institute. (2024). 2024 Global wellness economy monitor. https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/industry-research/2024-global-wellness-economy-monitor/

Huachiew Chalermprakiet University. (2024, September 15). การดูแลสุขภาพแบบองค์รวม 5 มิติ วิถีใหม่เพื่อสุขภาพที่ดีแบบยั่งยืน [5D holistic health care, a new way for sustainable good health]. https://shorturl.asia/IHt1j [in Thai]

Huanli, X., Mattariganond, D., & Janthranusorn, K. (2021). Zheng He: The construction of collective memory of Zheng He in Zheng He Park in Jinning District, Kunming, Yunnan Province of China. Journal of Language, Religion and Culture, 10(1), 130–156. https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/gshskku/article/view/249997

Irvine, K. N., Warber, S. L., Devine-Wright, P., & Gaston, K. J. (2013). Understanding urban green space as a health resource: A qualitative comparison of visit motivation and derived effects among park users in Sheffield, UK. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(1), 417–442. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph10010417

Jamsuwan, N., & Bejrananda, M. (2023). The behavior of using public space of the new generation: A case of Khon Kaen City. Built Environment Inquiry, 22(1), 73–92. https://doi.org/10.14456/bei.2023.5 [in Thai]

Kaewkerd, P., Suksa-Ard, P., Rawangkarn, N., & Kaewchuay, S. (2021). Reasons of using a public park in Bangkok Metropolitan: Defferent perspectives among generations of users. Journal of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, 47(2), 315–326. https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tahper/article/view/237881 [in Thai]

Karuhadej, P., Dangthongdee, S., Changchenvate, C., Maungtoug, N., & Rakkarn, J. (2019). Perceived exercise behavior in people who exercise at public parks, Bangkok. Vajira Medical Journal: Journal of Urban Medicine, 63(6), 455–466. https://doi.org/10.14456/vmj.2019.34 [in Thai]

Kasetkriengkrai, N., & Thumwimol, V. (2024). The roles of Saranrom Park as a historic garden. Journal of Landscape Architecture and Planning, 6(1), 276549. https://so01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/LAJ/article/view/276549 [in Thai]

Kongwirot, S. (2021). Dog parks that satisfy public parks users: Case study of Bang Khae Phirom Park. Sarassart, 4(1), 165–180. https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/sarasatr/article/view/246873 [in Thai]

Li, C. L. (2020). Quality of life: The perspective of urban park recreation in three Asian cities. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 29, 100260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2019.100260

Mertes, J. D., & Hall, J. R. (1996). Park, recreation, open space and greenway guidelines. National Recreation and Park Association.

Ministry of Tourism and Sports. (2023). แผนปฏิบัติราชการระยะ 5 ปี (พ.ศ. 2566–2570) [Five-year Government Action Plan (2023–2027)]. In Ministry of Tourism and Sports. https://secretary.mots.go.th/download/article/article_20230105120946.pdf [in Thai]

Modernform Health & Care. (2025, June 25). ทําความรู้จักกับเทรนด์การดูแลสุขภาพแบบองค์รวม หรือ Holistic Health [Get to know the trend of holistic health]. https://modernformhealthcare.co.th/what-is-holistic-health-and-wellness-trend/ [in Thai]

Nath, T. K., Zhe Han, S. S., & Lechner, A. M. (2018). Urban green space and well-being in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 36, 34–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2018.09.013

Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning. (2017). แนวทางการจัดการพื้นที่สีเขียวและมาตรฐานอัตราส่วนพื้นที่สีเขียวสําหรับชุมชนเมืองในประเทศไทย [Guidelines for green space management and green space ratio standards for urban communities in Thailand]. https://www.onep.go.th/ebook/eurban/eurban-publication-01.pdf [in Thai]

Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council. (2024, September). Upgrading the spa business toward becoming a wellness tourism destination. https://www.nesdc.go.th/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Report-03.pdf [in Thai]

Office of the Royal Society. (2013). พจนานุกรม ฉบับราชบัณฑิตยสถาน พ.ศ. 2554 [Royal Society Dictionary B.E. 2554] (2nd ed.). https://dictionary.orst.go.th/ [in Thai]

Pintobtang, C. (2024). Community park usage behavior after the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of Benchasiri Park. Journal of Landscape Architecture and Planning, 6(1), 276602. https://so01.tcithaijo.org/index.php/LAJ/article/view/276602 [in Thai]

Quintela, J. A., Costa, C., & Correia, A. (2016). Health, wellness and medical tourism–A conceptual approach. Enlightening Tourism: A Pathmaking Journal, 6(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.33776/et.v6i1.2814

Royamphang, N., Rattana, K., & Pattaratuma, A. (2024). People’s utilization green area in Bang Khae Phirom Park, Bangkae District, Bangkok Metropolitan. Humanities and Social Sciences Journal, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, 15(2), 98–112. https://so01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/humanjubru/article/view/270412 [in Thai]

Sangyuan, N., & Arifwidodo, S. D. (2020). The characteristics of physical activities and satisfaction toward park usage: Case study in Chom Bueng Sub-District, Ratchaburi Province. NAJUA: Architecture, Design and Built Environment, 35(2), C43–C63. https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/NAJUA-Arch/article/view/256379 [in Thai]

Somphong, J., & Khong-uan, W. (2016). The role of Lumpini Park, Bangkok, and its developing plan. Asian Creative Architecture, Art and Design, 22(1), 56–69. https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/archkmitl/article/view/65056 [in Thai]

Taichompoo, S., Thanichanon, P., & Rukveratham, S. (2025). Survey of people’s activities and opinions on area management of Her Majesty the Queen’s 60th Birthday Park (Bangphli Housing Authority), Samut Prakan Province. The Journal of Spatial Innovation Development, 6(3), 16–37. https://ph01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jsid/article/view/260082 [in Thai]

Thammajit, N., Arifwidodo, S. D., Sangyuan, N., & Leksungnoen, N. (2025). Characteristics of pocket park and neighborhood park usage: A case study of Bangkok. Journal of Landscape Architecture and Planning, 7(1), 63–82. https://so01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/LAJ/article/view/282955 [in Thai]

Thanarajthamrongkul, T., & Kieanwatana, K. (2023). Wellness tourism activities development of Ban Sawai So, Buri Ram Province. Rajapark Journal, 17(53), 33–52. https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/RJPJ/article/view/263361 [in Thai]

Thojampa, S., Klankhajhon, S., Kumpeera, K., Mongkholkham, C., & Mawn, B. E. (2023). The development of a wellness tourism program in Thailand: A community-based participatory action research approach with an empowerment theoretical framework. Jurnal Ners, 18(3), 291–298. https://doi.org/10.20473/jn.v18i3.46271

Thongsrikate, I. (2024). The use of public spaces as health promotion for the urban elderly. Srinakharinwirot Research and Development Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences, 16(31), 1–11. https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/swurd/article/view/272081 [in Thai]

Tourism Authority of Thailand. (2023). แผนวิสาหกิจการท่องเที่ยวแห่งประเทศไทย พ.ศ. 2566-2570 [Executive Summary TAT Corporate Plan 2023-2027]. https://shorturl.asia/7GPqg [in Thai]

Voigt, C., Brown, G., & Howat, G. (2011). Wellness tourists: In search of transformation. Tourism Review, 66(1–2), 16–30. https://doi.org/10.1108/16605371111127206

Wang, P., Han, L., Hao, R., & Mei, R. (2022). Understanding the relationship between small urban parks and mental health: A case study in Shanghai, China. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 78, 127784. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127784

Wang, Y., & Chang, Q. (2023). The role of urban parks in affecting health outcomes and the differences between vulnerable groups: Evidence from the central city of Beijing. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 89, 128110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2023.128110

Wilson, B., Neale, C., & Roe, J. (2024). Urban green space access, social cohesion, and mental health outcomes before and during Covid-19. Cities, 152, 105173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2024.105173

World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. (2016). Urban green spaces and health. World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/items/fa2eb466-1013-4773-a999-f029730d7898

World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. (2017). Urban green spaces: a brief for action. https://iris.who.int/items/7a5cdb76-dbc4-4c31-95b7-14446fb844eb

Yaemkwanyuen, C., Kheovichai, K., & Imarom, V. (2024). The public park tourist attraction management model in Bangkok for quality life of hearing loss or cognitively impaired people. Journal of MCU Kanchana Review, 4(3), 326–338. https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/Kanchana-editor/article/view/274827 [in Thai]