Engaging With Ethnic Minority Tourism for Tourist Hedonic and Eudaimonic Well-Being

Cultural differences significantly shape tourists' psychological and behavioral responses. This study investigates how perceived cultural distance influences tourist engagement, memorable tourism experiences, and well-being—both hedonic and eudaimonic—in the context of ethnic minority tourism. Based on 527 valid survey responses from recent visitors to ethnic minority destinations in China, the findings reveal that cultural distance positively affects engagement and experience, which in turn enhance well-being. Tourist engagement and memorable experiences mediate the relationship between perceived cultural distance and well-being. The study contributes to tourism and consumer psychology literature by clarifying the complex effects of cultural difference and offers practical insights for tourism operators and policymakers.