Hot springs in Nepal: tourism management and sustainability / Bhim Bahadur Khadka and Anajani Kumar Malviya

Abstract Hot springs, naturally occurring geothermal phenomena, attract tourists for their therapeutic, spiritual, and recreational benefits. Nepal has favorable geological conditions and hosts numerous hot springs, yet their potential remains underutilized due to accessibility challenges and limited research. This study uses a mixed-methods approach to explore tourist motivations and the sustainable management of hot springs as a tourism resource in Nepal. The study employed content analysis and semi-structured interviews with 60 respondents from six hot spring sites. The study revealed that most tourists visit for medicinal and therapeutic purposes, underscoring their health and wellness benefits. Respondents highlighted the need for improved infrastructure to support sustainable tourism and manage growing visitor numbers. The study emphasizes a shift towards eco-friendly and wellness-oriented tourism, recognizing the importance of sustainable management for the long-term viability of hot springs tourism in Nepal.