Abstract: | This study assessed the recreational experiences of tourists and aims to discuss the sustainable development of hot spring recreation areas in Taiwan. The study employed questionnaires that included variables measuring importance, satisfaction, sustainable development, and demographic and recreational characteristics. The rate of repeat visits was extremely high. Moreover, tourists strongly agreed that hot spring recreation areas should develop ecotourism programmes. This study concludes that hot spring recreation areas could utilise their natural landscapes, hot spring quality, hotel service quality and proximity to neighbouring destinations to develop themselves. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |