The influence of co-creation experience on well-being in spas and the mediating role of empathy

The fast-paced nature of modern life has increased the demand for tourism experiences that contribute to well-being. Spas are accommodations that provide holistic services promoting clients’ well-being across physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Accordingly, this study aims to apply an evaluation framework developed based on the literature to analyze whether co-creation experiences positively influence the spiritual well-being of spa hotel guests, with empathy serving as a mediator. Data were collected through an online survey platform targeting clients who had stayed at spas. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was conducted, with co-creation experience and spiritual well-being modeled as second-order latent variables. All tested hypotheses were confirmed. The results demonstrated that co-creation experience positively impacts spiritual well-being, as does the mediating role of empathic concern.