Keeping the glow: savoring behaviors that sustain tourist wellbeing

Tourism can elevate wellbeing, yet longitudinal evidence suggests these benefits often fade after tourism. Drawing on savoring theory, this study examines whether four theoretically representative and practically observable behaviors – recalling the trip, talking about it, posting on social media, and purchasing souvenirs for oneself – can help tourists carry tourism-derived wellbeing forward and buffer post-trip wellbeing fadeout. Using data collected across three survey waves in Xiamen, China (during the trip, one month later, and two months later) and latent growth curve modeling, we tracked changes in positive emotions, negative emotions, life satisfaction, and flourishing. Results show that recalling and talking consistently buffered unfavorable wellbeing change, whereas posting and self-souvenir purchasing showed no buffering effects and did not predict recalling or talking. These findings indicate that tourism’s wellbeing benefits are not self-sustaining and depend on repeatable post-trip re-engagement practices, offering actionable guidance for tourism stakeholders seeking more durable wellbeing outcomes.