TOURISM POTENTIAL RESOURCE IN INJIBARA TOWN AND ITS SURROUNDING, AWI ZONE, NORTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries that provide services and sales of goods for visitorswho came from outside of the destination area for a period of more than 24 hours and less than one year. Ethiopia is a country which is endowed with the vast array of tourism resources including cultural, historical, and archaeological and natural resources. The main purpose of this study was to identify the potential tourism resources in the case of Injibara town and its surrounding. To accomplish this study, the researcher used both quantitative and qualitative method of data analysis and presented in the form of tables, figures, frequency and percentage and also the researcher used non-probability sampling technique that is purposive sampling. The study used a total of 60 samples to conduct and survey data based on primary and secondary data sources through different instruments including questionnaires, key informant interviews and field observation. The target population was Awi zone culture and tourism office employees and adjacent kebele residents. Based on the finding the study showed that Injibara town and its surrounding has verities of potential tourism attractions such as cultural, natural and historical attractions. The study also identified major problems of tourism development including lack of infrastructure and facilities, lack of promotion, lack of awareness and lack of skilled manpower. Finally, the study recommended that, the tourism sector should be run by professionals and the government sector and others concerned bodies need to give awareness to the local community about the benefits of potential tourism resource