The Role of Hot Springs in Attracting Tourists: A Case of Geyser in Noorabad-e-Mamasani

The present study aimed at analyzing the role of hot springs of Nurabad-e-Mamasani in attracting tourists. Based on the stated goal, this study is an applied-developmental research; while on the basis of its nature and method, it is a descriptive and analytic one. The required data were collected using documentary and field methods. The population included 40,000 tourists visiting Nurabad Mamasani's hot spring in 2014, from whom 385 were sampled for the study. In order to analyze the data, SPSS and Excel software, chi-square tests, and Spearman's test were used. SWOT model was used in order to determine the strategies and methods of hot spring for tourism development. The findings showed that climatic and topography features, eco-system unique conditions, vegetation cover, and especially hot springs were regarded as tourism attractions of the area; additionally, medicinal effects of Nurabad Mamasani's hot springs were shown to have a significant effect on attracting tourists to the area. But some shortages and the lack of facilities in hot springs have led to tourism rate decrease resulting in the total lack of infrastructure underdevelopment in Nurabad Mamasani's hot springs. Using the SWOT model, the researchers proved that Nurabad Mamasani enjoys numerous potentials for hot springs tourism development due to its 20 strong points and opportunities with a weighted rating of 3.33 and 41.3 respectively. However, there are 18 weaknesses and threats in this region with the weighted ratings of 86.3 and 21.3. Finally, the researchers suggested reviewing and defensive strategies in order to resolve the existing problems. The research result was that reviewing the present policies is more effective to preserve the existing strengths of the area.