The Role of Hot Spring for Domestic Tourism Development: The Case of Wondo Genet Hot Spring, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

Nowadays, the use of natural hot spring is one of the fastest growing sectors of world tourism. Tourism to hot springs led to economic development in many countries, the industry was affected by the emergence of other tourism destinations. Hence, this study aimed to fill this gap by to investigate the role of hot springs for domestic tourism development in Wondo Genet hot spring, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia as study context. The study employed exploratory research design and qualitative research approach. Both secondary and primary data were obtained through field observation, semi-structured in-depth interview, and focus group discussions. Key informants were selected purposively from government experts, local community representatives and Wondo Genet Local Ecotourism Tour Guide Association. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 key informants and 2 FGDs were held with local communities and experts. Qualitative data gathered through semi structured interview and FGD were analyzed thematically. The results of the study demonstrate that, the current state of the hot spring tourism practice is very low. Moreover, the study revealed that hot spring tourism has economic, socio-cultural, environmental, tourism and health contributions. Similarly, the results of the study identified the drivers of hot spring tourism such as; natural resources, cultural resources, health, safety and security and special attractions. The major barriers in related with the hot spring tourism development were infrastructural development, stakeholder coordination, and lack of budget, lack of marketing, poor government commitment and lack of awareness were identified as barriers to domestic tourism development in Wondo Genet hot spring. Hence, there is a need to develop the required infrastructure, improve service delivery systems, strength stakeholder integration, undertaking promotional and awareness creation activities. These findings assured that the responsible bodies should be integrated to use the contributions of the hot spring for domestic tourism development by enhancing the management and conservation issues.