Integrating GIS and AHP for sustainable ecotourism site suitability analysis: a case study of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

This study evaluates the ecotourism potential of Bahir Dar and its surroundings using an integrated approach that combines Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Spatial and multi-criteria decision analysis was used to assess suitability for ecotourism development based on six factors: land-use/land-cover (LULC), elevation, slope, aspect, proximity to tourist destinations, and road accessibility. The highest weight was assigned to LULC (49%), followed by elevation (19%) and slope (15%), reflecting their relative influence on suitability. The suitability analysis indicates that 0.07% of the study area falls within the very high suitability class and 12.64% within the high suitability class, identifying the primary priority zones for ecotourism development. Among these priority zones, Area A contains rich vegetation and cultural sites suitable for nature and heritage tourism; Area B includes elevated terrain and traditional churches supporting spiritual and trekking tourism; Area C offers rural green landscapes favorable for community-based ecotourism; and Area D, near the city, provides a mix of religious and scenic attractions for urban-edge ecotourism. Despite infrastructure limitations, the region's natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and strategic location offer opportunities for sustainable tourism aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Overall, the study provides a replicable GIS-AHP framework to support sustainable ecotourism planning, regional development, and environmental conservation.