Tourism has been affirmed as an activity that promotes health and well-being. The present study aims to present a confirmatory analysis of the PERMA model in a sample of Portuguese senior tourists who visited the island of São Miguel (Azores). After approval of the study by the ethics committee (reference 6/2022), a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, PERMA Profiler, and Life Satisfaction Scale—SWLS were applied to 1083 senior tourists (≥55 years) of various nationalities. To evaluate the PERMA model for senior tourism in Portugal, a total of 434 senior tourists of Portuguese nationality were extracted from the sample. The results revealed that most of the participants attributed scores above the midpoint in the five dimensions of PERMA (positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment) and in the satisfaction with life scale. Using scale reliability analyses, we found that some of the dimensions in the PERMA model showed relatively low values both for Cronbach alpha and composite reliability. Several confirmatory structural equation models (single factorial, second order, and five factors) were calculated, as well as the usual adjustment measures, with the five-factor PERMA model presenting the best structure, although with a relatively low fit. The modification of the model by the weight of regressions between some of the items with larger covariances allowed a better adjustment: χ²(73) = 264.960, p < 0.001, χ²/df = 3.63, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.91, IFI = 0.94; GFI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.078, p < 0.001. Although the results revealed that the experiences of senior tourists when visiting the island of São Miguel contributed significantly to their well-being and the modified model presented superior adjustment quality, future studies are suggested to evaluate the quality of the PERMA model applied to tourism.

The present work undertakes a systematic review of the literature and research on the subject, using the PRISMA- P guidelines. The research was carried out in five electronic databases. It was found that there are few publications on inclusive tourism aimed at families with children with diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (n=11). Most of them are qualitative studies. They focus on the needs of families, from which they draw implications in terms of necessary practical responses. Except for a study on the airport context, there are no studies that seek to empirically validate responses or tourist products. The need for empirical validation of tourist offers that are truly inclusive and beneficial to the psychological well-being of families and children is discussed. Some important guidelines/evidence that must be met in inclusive tourism aimed at this population are highlighted.