ABSTRACT
Introduction Following the launch of positive psychology within tourism studies (Filep, 2009; Pearce, 2009), investigations in this emerging fi eld have mainly focused on mapping out and delineating characteristics of optimal tourist experiences with some limited discussions of positive and healthy communities (Nyaupane & Poudel, 2012). In an earlier volume, it was concluded that the PERMA theoretical model of fl ourishing (positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and achievement) neatly fi ts diverse outcomes of tourist experiences (Filep & Pearce, 2014). It was argued that such taxonomies, models, frameworks and integrative devices help researchers better understand the value and the complexity of tourism phenomena despite the hurdles of diversity of tourist experiences. Although the PERMA model was developed by Seligman (2011) as a generic model of human fl ourishing and a lifestyle model, its value to tourist experience research is now well documented (Saunders, Laing & Weiler, 2014). This volume has further developed the knowledge on optimal tourist experiences, but goes beyond the tourist in that it has also documented research on worker well-being and host community well-being through the lenses of positive psychology. In the following sections, we attempt to synthesise the core research fi ndings of the book and highlight the authors’ theoretical contributions. We do this in the following manner, following the style of the earlier, related Filep and Pearce (2014) volume. We sought inductively derived generalisations among our studies. The approach adopted amounted to a listing, albeit a listing where the items were delineated on the basis of their apparent relevance. Having benefi ted from our exposure to the studies in positive psychology, we then linked these listed themes, where possible, to some existing classifi cation schemes. The themes are highlighted under each of the three pillars of positive tourism. We begin with the fi ndings of the research studies that deal with tourist experiences.
