Mental Wellness in Resilient Destinations

Abstract

ABSTRACTNew shifts in medicine make Mental Wellness a trend-topic for product development. An important aspect of product design is the image projected of the destination of travel for Mental Wellness and its focus on resilience. The concept of resilience can be extended across many areas, providing grounds for a methodological approach that coheres with the concepts of Mental Wellness and Destination Resilience. It is implemented within a Convergent Development model of Mental Wellness within Resilient Destinations. This model is applied to elaborate new Mental Wellness products, which contribute to the destination resilience. Directly derivable products can be implemented in rural areas, thus leading rural stakeholders to a marketable supply quality. The product approach comprises self-sufficiency measures and social interactions within a fulfilling Mental Wellness paradigm. The integrative framework for multi-level Mental Wellness products is elaborated to sustainably incorporate the natural habitat and indigenous knowledge of the destination, in order to interpret recreational resources authentically, ensure an environmentally oriented identity, and initiate co-operative approaches between stakeholders. The prototype of Mental Wellness products and potential design solutions are proposed for experimental destinations in Belarus, thus justifying the contribution that these products can make to the economic growth of transitive and developing regions.