Perceptions of Community-Based Tourism Among Locals at Al Kasfah Hot Spring, Oman

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the benefits that community-based tourism (CBT) can bring to Ain Al Kasfah Hot Spring; to investigate locals’ perception of implementing community-based tourism at Ain Al Kasfah Hot Spring and to identify the factors influencing locals’ perception of community-based tourism at Ain Al Kasfah Hot Spring. Design/methodology/approach: Primary data was collected for the research through questionnaire surveys. A sample of 50 locals from the community of Ain Al Kasfah hot spring was collected. The sampling method chosen was random probability sampling. Findings: It was found that community-based tourism provides locals with sources of income, creates jobs, brings authentic experiences to tourists, aids infrastructural development, and protects the environment. CBT contributes to the ‘three pillars of sustainability’, generating economic, environmental, and social benefits, and locals generally hold positive attitudes towards it, which can help the governmental bodies to support community-based tourism in rural areas. Further, results show that ‘Awareness of CBT by the community’ is the only factor that has influenced the ‘Perception of the community towards CBT’. Research Implications: This study will help the community in Al Kasfah Hot Spring understand the potential of CBT. Furthermore, planners that want to develop tourism at Omani hot springs can also use the results of the study to understand the community’s perception and follow more sustainable approaches to tourism development. This research will assist governmental bodies in finding methods of tourism development that will overcome the concerns of locals regarding water distribution. Originality / Value: This study contributes to CBT research by exploring the perceptions of residents in Al Kasfah Hot Spring, Oman—an under-researched destination. Unlike previous studies that focus on tourists or economic impacts, this research highlights local perspectives, ensuring alignment with community aspirations for sustainable tourism development. Keywords: Community-based tourism (CBT), Infrastructure development, Perception of Community towards CBT, Hot Spring Tourism, Awareness of CBT by the community, Mass Tourism.