Ecotourism potential and challenges in Dera Woreda, North Shewa Zone, Et

Abstract

This research was conducted in Oromia Regional State, North Shoa Zone Dera woreda with the aim of identifying the potential and main challenges of ecotourism in the study area. Three Kebeles having dif erent potential and actual ecotourism sites were purposively selected. Both the qualitative and quantitative methods were applied in collecting and analyzing the data. Selected 3 Kebeles from these 5 respondents were selected non random sampling method. In addition to Key Informant Interview, Focus Group Discussion and review of secondary sources were made. This work attempted to reveal the presence of potential and actual tourism and ecotourism sites in the study area, and the main challenges of ecotourism and the possible solutions of this challenges which’s/ecotourism in the areas are found to the absence of due attention towards the sector by the stakeholders. The findings of the study indicated that, the majority of (100%) tourism and cultural of ice want to take part in decision making process of tourism in their local area. In general, tourism and cultural of ice want to see decisions about tourism development in their area made by consulting cultural and tourism of ice representative. Cultural and tourism of ice acknowledge that tourism provides employment opportunities, encourages a variety of cultural activities and meeting tourists promotes cross cultural exchange. Therefore, the researcher recommended that, the government organizations should provide trainings; advice and loans so that cultural and tourism of ice can participate in tourism development hinder the expansion and development of ecotourism identified. Hence, the major obstacle of tou