Exploring the Impact of Mountain Hiking Trips in Egypt on the Mental Health of Travelers

The growing global interest in mental health has positioned it as a pivotal area of recent academic research, particularly within the field of tourism. In this context, hiking has emerged as a valuable form of nature-based tourism, which has the ability to offer tourists physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Accordingly, the study aims to investigate the potential of hiking trips in Egypt to enhance the three core domains of mental health: emotional, social, and psychological well-being. A quantitative approach was adopted, utilizing statistical tests including Spearman Correlation Coefficient and linear regression analysis on a sample of 327 Egyptian and foreign individuals who actively engage in mountain hiking tours in Egypt. Additionally, the primary method of data collection is a questionnaire that is structured based on Keyes’s (2008) model of mental health. The model was adapted to suit the present study in order to evaluate the mental well-being of participants after hiking trips in Egypt. The results reveal that there is a weak yet positive correlation between frequent participation in hiking trips and enhanced mental health. Besides, the quality of the hiking experience, especially in terms of safety and organizational effectiveness, is considered a significant moderator of the relationship between participation in hiking and improvements in mental health dimensions. Based on the findings, the study provides practical recommendations for tourism authorities, tour operators, and mental health practitioners to strengthen the role of hiking experiences in promoting mental well-being in Egypt.