International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, Vol 5, no 2, pp 1912-1925 February 2024 International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews Journal homepage: www.ijrpr.com ISSN 2582-7421 Employee Wellbeing and Wellness Tourism Sustainability in Sri Lanka: The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction T.M.T.D Munasinghe a , C. Prabuddha b , D. K. T Dangalla c , H. L Neel Wasantha d a Department of Tourism Studies, Uva Wellassa University, 90000, Sri Lanka b Department of Tourism Studies, Uva Wellassa University, 90000, Sri Lanka c Department of Tourism Studies, Uva Wellassa University, 90000, Sri Lanka d Department of Management Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, 90000, Sri Lanka DOI: https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.5.0224.0526 A B S T R A C T This study investigates the relationship between employee wellbeing and wellness tourism sustainability in Sri Lanka, and examines the mediating role of job satisfaction in this relationship. It aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice by exploring the complex dynamics shaping the future of the wellness tourism industry. The study adopts a quantitative research design, using online surveys to collect data from 394 employees working in the Sri Lankan wellness tourism industry using simple random sampling technique. The survey measures employee wellbeing, job satisfaction, and perceptions of wellness tourism sustainability using validated scales. The data is analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and mediation analysis. Furthermore, the results support the hypotheses that employee wellbeing positively affects wellness tourism sustainability, both directly and indirectly through job satisfaction. The findings suggest that job satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between employee wellbeing and wellness tourism sustainability, implying that employee wellbeing not only directly contributes to sustainability but also indirectly enhances it by fostering greater job satisfaction among employees. Moreover, this study provides valuable insights for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and academicians to develop and implement strategies that promote both employee wellbeing and sustainable practices within the Sri Lankan wellness tourism industry. The study also contributes to the growing body of knowledge on employee wellbeing in the tourism sector, particularly within developing countries. By prioritizing employee wellbeing, the industry can improve work-life balance, attract and retain talent, and ultimately deliver authentic and enriching experiences for tourists, contributing to Sri Lanka's economic and social prosperity. Keywords: Employee wellbeing; Job satisfaction; Wellness tourism; Sustainability; wellness tourism employees 1. INTRODUCTION Wellness tourism is a rapidly growing sector that attracts travelers who seek to enhance their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through holistic experiences. Sri Lanka has emerged as a prime destination for wellness tourism, offering diverse natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and burgeoning wellness services. However, the sustainability of this industry depends largely on the well-being of its workforce - the individuals who curate and deliver these transformative journeys for the guests. This research explores the intricate relationship between employee well-being, job satisfaction, and wellness tourism sustainability in the context of Sri Lanka’s vibrant tourism landscape. Wellness tourism, encompassing travel for the purpose of enhancing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, has exploded in recent years, with Sri Lanka emerging as a prime destination. Its diverse natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and burgeoning wellness offerings cater to a global clientele seeking holistic experiences. However, this booming industry hinges on the well-being of its workforce the individuals who curate and deliver these transformative journeys. Research suggests that employee wellbeing, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects, is not only crucial for individual happiness and health but also translates into better organizational performance, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, sustainability (Wang et al., 2021; Nangoy et al., 2020) Despite the recognized importance of employee wellbeing for the success and sustainability of the wellness tourism industry, Sri Lanka's specific context presents unique challenges. Long working hours, demanding work environments, and limited career growth opportunities can negatively impact employee well-being and lead to job dissatisfaction (Jayasinghe & Medagedara, 2020). This, in turn, can manifest in decreased employee engagement, reduced service quality, and ultimately, a decline in tourist satisfaction and industry sustainability. Furthermore, existing research on the relationship between employee wellbeing and wellness tourism sustainability remains limited, particularly in the context of developing countries like Sri Lanka (Siyambalapitiya, Zhang, & Liu, 2018). This research gap hinders the development of effective strategies to promote both employee well-being and a sustainable future for the industry. Therefore, this research aims to address this critical gap by investigating the intricate relationship between employee wellbeing, job satisfaction, and wellness tourism sustainability in Sri Lanka. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions: "What is the relationship between Employee Wellbeing and Wellness Tourism Sustainability in Sri Lanka, and how does Job Satisfaction mediate this relationship?"