ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL RESOURCES FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN LALIBELA TOWN AND SURROUNDINGS, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the potential resources for tourism development in Lalibela Town and surroundings, found in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. With the aim of assessing the natural, cultural and historical potential of the area along with the major challenges facing to the tourism development sector. A total of sixty respondents found in and adjacent to the attraction were selected purposively for the survey. Besides, questionnaire, focus group discussion, key informant interview and field observation was used to strengthen the data acquired through the survey. Enormous tangible and intangible tourism potential resources were exhibited in the study area. Among them11th Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Yimrehane Kiristos some of historical potentials recorded from the study area. While Abune Yoseph Community based conservation area is one the best natural attraction sites; Ashendye, Meskel and Epiphany festivity are among the cultural tourism potentials recorded in the study area. Lack of infrastructure, Lack of local communities’ participation in tourism resources management, lack of promotion, Poor Religious festivals management, lack of effective tourism planning and shortage of educated man power were identified as a major challenge for tourism development in the study area. Hence, the findings of the study revealed that there is huge potential of tourism resource exhibited in the study area which can be one of the best tourism destinations in Ethiopia. However, now a day, those tourism potential resources are facing aggravating challenges. Therefore, the sector stakeholders should give clear priority for those irreversible treasures of the country and conserve them in the way that can be seen by the next generation.