Estimating the outdoor recreational value of Shabil hot spring using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM)

Shabil hot spring, located in Meshkin district of Ardabil province, has numerous attraction properties that give it a distinctive rank among the recreational areas of Ardabil. Estimating the outdoor recreational value of this area is more important and allows decision makers to better realize the environmental values and enables them to devise appropriate development programs for ecotourism. This study was carried out to survey the outdoor recreational value of Shabil hot spring. To achieve the objectives of the study, the contingent valuation method is applied. Moreover, Logit model with maximum likelihood was used to determine the variables that affect willingness to pay of individuals. The primary data was collected by 384 questionnaires which have been completed by visitors of Shabil hot spring. The offered amount of willingness to pay was designed by single bounded dichotomous choice. Findings: The per capita average of willingness to pay was estimated to be about 36,800 Rials and the outdoor recreational value of the spring was calculated as 10,303,748,000 Rials. Discussion and Conclusion: It is expected that increasing the income and providing the public welfare facilities are important factors to enhance willingness to pay based on the significance of income in the estimated model and the information acquired from the visitors.