Nature-based tourism activities represent a pure and joyful experience that people often seek when grappling with negative emotions caused by external factors. This research employed a combination of physiological and psychological analyses, specifica...
Nature-based tourism activities represent a pure and joyful experience that people often seek when grappling with negative emotions caused by external factors. This research employed a combination of physiological and psychological analyses, specifically heart rate variability and emotional states, to ascertain whether individuals genuinely experience happiness during nature travel. Participants in the study were asked to report their heart rate variability, negative emotions, and travel-related happiness before and after a two-day nature trip. The outcomes revealed significant changes across negative emotions, travel-related happiness, and heart rate variability. Specifically, negative emotions such as stress and anxiety, along with depression, were notably reduced, while feelings of travel-related happiness increased post-travel. Furthermore, heart rate variability indicators (SDNN, RMSSD, and TP) all showed an elevation, confirming that tourists can indeed undergo a physically tangible experience of happiness through nature-based travel. These findings contribute academically by substantiating the impact of nature tourism on happiness, supported by observable shifts in both psychological and physiological variables over time. In light of these results, we propose a policy aimed at reducing psychological barriers and enhancing the overall quality of the nature-based tourism industry.