Hot Springs Beyond Healing: Recreational and Economic Potential of Harbu Hot Springs for Health Tourism, Northeast Ethiopia

Thermal spring tourism, which combines natural geothermal waters with recreational activities, has garnered significant academic interest due to its health benefits and leisure opportunities. In Ethiopia, many people prefer traditional healing practices, such as bathing in sacred waters and thermal springs, over conventional medicine, reflecting a strong cultural connection to hot springs. This trend underscores the need to explore the broader benefits of thermal springs beyond their medicinal uses. The study investigated the recreational and economic advantages of Harbu hot springs, emphasizing its potential for developing health-oriented tourism. A convenience sampling method was employed along with a mixed-method approach. Qualitative data were collected through two focus groups and thirteen semi-structured interviews, while 117 participants contributed quantitative data. Observations supported the data collection process. In total, 142 individuals took part in the study. Results indicate that the area has significant potential for health tourism development. However, challenges such as insufficient accommodation, theft, poor sanitation, and management issues persist. These findings can serve as a basis for future research and offer valuable insights to motivate stakeholders to adopt proactive measures.