A Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis of Changes in Tourists' Well-Being in China 2011-2022

Analyzing the overall trend of changes in the well-being of Chinese tourists and its relationship with societal transformations is essential for understanding the psychological shifts of these tourists. This study utilizes cross-temporal meta-analysis and a time-lagged approach to examine 56 studies employing the General Well-Being Scale as the principal tool for evaluating the well-being of Chinese tourists from 2011 to 2022, with the objective of ascertaining whether trends in well-being levels among Chinese tourists and their macro-social indicators clarify discrepancies in tourists' well-being. The results demonstrate a strong positive link between the well-being of Chinese tourists and the year, signifying an annual increase. The well-being of Chinese tourists is markedly positively associated with economic conditions (per capita income and consumption levels) and social connectedness (urbanization rate, employment rate, and life expectancy); these five social indicators are essential determinants of its variations. This study contributes by elucidating the trend of well-being among Chinese tourists at the group level and confirming that five categories of social variables significantly influence their well-being. It can aid destinations in enhancing relevant social and economic policies, inventing tourism products, and accelerating the development of the tourism industry, thereby substantially boosting the well-being of Chinese tourists.