Current community based ecotourism practices in menz guassa community conservation area, ethiopia endalkachew teshome. It is an object of intense scrutiny, debate and controversy weaver, 1998. Ethiopias great ecotourism potential disclosed ethiosports. They are promoted by large tour companies, hotels and airlines. Tourism development policy 2009 page 7 because it is believed that tourism has the power and capacity to assist in the ongoing effort to eliminate poverty and accelerate development sustainably, provided ethiopias attractions are appropriately developed and put into service, tourism has been included as one of the means of. Ecotourism in ethiopia e thiopia will always be associated with food aid and the efforts of pop stars since the 1980s to combat the starvation the world ignored. Ecotourism potential and its role for sustainable development. Tourism is a featured component of ethiopias poverty reduction strategy paper prsp, which. The study also identified absence of sufficient accommodation with food and water services as the main ecotourism facility problem in both woredas.
Journal of ecology and the natural environment wetland. Challenges and opportunities of community based ecotourism. An assessment of ecotourism as an effective tool for sustainable forest management. Ethiopia might well be considered the old soul of africa.
It is also stated that the number of tourists visiting ethiopia has. Oromia state is a region blessed with many priceless natural. For the last 19 years, ethiopia has been largely politically stable and serves as the political capital of africa. With a plan to be one of the top five tourism destinations in africa, ethiopia incorporated ecotourism as essential. In this scenario, the key opportunities for the cbi to add value to the tourism value chain in ethiopia are. Role tourism plays in poverty reduction and natural resource management in ethiopia.
Ethiopia is among these countries which are endowed with diverse tourism resources. To obtain an understanding of the current state of ecotourism on zapatera island. This study analyzes strategic intervention options that can inform the implementation process of ethiopia s national tourism development policy in an effort to. Ecotourism, a recent but widely hailed tourism alternative, has high potential to be an instrument for rural economic development and environmental conservation. Conversely, there are increasing challenges that affect the contribution of these wetlands to ecotourism development and biodiversity conservation gebresllassie et al. Despite this trend, cbet is still at its toddler stage in the ethiopian national parks.
The 10 best ethiopia eco tours with photos tripadvisor. An assessment of ecotourism as an effective tool for. This study focuses on the assessment of potentials, challenges and opportunities of bsnp for cbet development. Speaking at the inauguration of a book entitled the fundamentals of community based ecotourism development in ethiopia, minister, amin abdulkadir said the growth and. Facts and figures tourism economy tourismrelated activities 6. People who visit the historic route are, of course, primarily interested in the countrys history and the unusual accomplishments of ethiopians over the millennia.
Uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel extraordinary travel meets endless possibilities responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the wellbeing of local people. Challenges and opportunities for community based ecotourism. It highlights opportunities for tourists and other visitors to experience aspects of the countrys ecology and natural endowments as well as unique features of its archaeology, history and culture. And sadly, ethiopia is once again in the news with images of dying children back on breakfast tv. Who benefits from the ecotourism sector in southern ethiopia. The primary data was collected from 501 foreign tourists in the study area.
There is no argument that in ethiopia, imprisoned by chronic economic problems, yet rich with natural and cultural resources, ecotourism can assist in various. The title of this study ecotourism in lake tana region, ethiopia refers to ecotourisms collective meaning synonymous with sustainable tourism, whereas in the further course of the study ecotourism is also described as a subform of sustainable tourism approaches. Given ethiopia is home to at least 16 types of endemic bird species in addition to other resources as well as old tourist attractions, the revenue its earns is low as a result of. Abstract this study focuses on identifying the challenges and prospects of ethiopian tourism industry. This means that those who implement, participate in and market ecotourism activities should adopt the following ecotourism principles. International arrivals by purpose of visit 2001 to 2012 43 table 2. Ecotourism and sustainable tourism sustainable tourism in international processes 7. The term ecotourism, therefore, refers on one hand to a concept under a set of principles, and on the other hand to a specific market segment. Nov 05, 2008 tourism in ethiopia has always involved features of ecotourism. The company is a member of the ecotourism association of ethiopia and the recipient of numerous travel awards, including certificates of merit from the ethiopian tourism commission in 2004 and 2005. Ethiopian tourism commission figures show that 41,083 visited ethiopia in 2001, rising to 63,246 in.
Fundamental potentials, challenges and opportunities for. The potentials of ecotourism for sustainable use of natural resources, poverty alleviation and food security was assessed in awash national park anp, ethiopia using survey questionnaires and. Visitors to lalibela, axum, gondar, bahr dar and other historical sites essentially buy the interpretation, reinterpretation and reconfiguration or reconstruction of the long and checkered history of these places. The international ecotourism society ties previously known as the ecotourism society tes in 1991 produced one of the earliest definitions. Pdf who benefits from the ecotourism sector in southern. Ecotourism has emerged as one of the fastestgrowing sectors of the tourism market and protected areas are the foundation of it. Ecotourism development needs preliminary assessment of the destination resources. Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect. Communitybased ecotourism cbe is a specific form of ecotourism which is used to describe ecotourism ventures that are characterized by high environmental consideration, increased control and involvement of the local residents, as well as significant benefits. Page 6 above and beyond its economic advantages, tourism promotes better and reciprocal understanding and closer relations among peoples, thereby fostering a culture of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. I am also thankful to national museum of ethiopia, ministry of culture and tourism, ethiopian tour operators association, and various tour operators.
Ecotourism potential and its role for sustainable development and livelihood in awash national park, ethiopia sintayehu w. To assess local communities attitudes towards ecotourism and its ability to influence conservation and sustainable development on the island. Ecotourism is growing niche market with the potential of being sustainable development tool in protected areas. Conservation, development, ecotourism, ethiopia, sustainability. Mariam, ethiopia ermias kifle gedecho hawassa university wondo genet college of forestry and natural resources, school of wildlife and ecotourism, ethiopia the main objective of this study was identifying the challenges of religious tourism development in gishen mariam, ethiopia. In ethiopia, the development of modern tourism as an important economic sector can be traced back to the imperial regime. Challenges and opportunities for community based ecotourism development in ethiopia article pdf available october 2018 with 2,952 reads how we measure reads. Uttama ready 1college of agriculture and environmental sciences, haramaya university 2school of geography and environmental studies, haramaya university correspondence. The former ewco changed its name to ethiopian wildlife conservation authority. Review on ecotourism opportunities and the challenges. May 10, 2012 ethiopia is eyeing harnessing its ecotourism potential as an instrument in poverty reduction, according to the countrys minister of culture and tourism.
It focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, its landscape, flora, fauna and their habitats, as well as cultural artifacts from the locality. Challenges, communitybased, dinsho, ecotourism, goba, opportunities. From then until the overthrow of the regime in 1974, the development of tourism. Ethiopian somali region, in defence of the multinational. Minimize physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts. Tourism vca ethiopia final report september 2018 9 as a result, ethiopia is lagging behind other east african destinations that have developed a more competitive tourism industry and attract higher numbers of international tourists. Ethiopian airlines is the national flag carrier and also market leader in value terms. It is thought to be one of the earliest sites of the emergence of modern humans, making is a hot bed for tourism. Awash national park and simien mountains national park were established figure 2. Financial support from ethiopian development research institute edri is gratefully acknowledged.
However, the wildlife tourism and conservation practices are still at low attention. Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. Communitybased ecotourism cbe is a specific form of ecotourism which is used to describe ecotourism ventures that are characterized by high environmental consideration, increased control and involvement of the local residents, as well. It compares communitybased ecotourism with private investor business. The current status of ecotourism potentials and challenges in. The increasing number of tourists and tour guides on one side and the absence of organized and structured tour agencies in the simien mountains in northern ethiopia was part of the reasons that motivated us to form a tour agency as ethio eco tourism in northern part of ethiopia. Ethiopia s protected areas, which includes national parks, lakes, game reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and other controlled hunting grounds, covers about 14% of the country are most suitable for ecotourism development alemayehu, 2011. Ecotourism society founded in 1990, network ngo dedicated to promoting ecotourism members from around the worldover 90 countries. In ethiopia, wetland ecosystems have a great potential in ecotourism and biodiversity conservation activities mengesha, 2017. This study was done with the objective of assessing ecotourism potential of maze national park for ecotourism development. Traders from greece, rome, persia and egypt knew of the riches of what is now ethiopia, and by the first century ad, axum was the capital of a great empire. Prevailing situation of ethiopia s tourism sector since 1965, when. The earliest analysis on the tourist flows and expenditures in ethiopia was done by unesco 1968.
Opportunities and challenges of tourism development. Ethiopian wildlife conservation organization ewco was established in 1964 under ministry of agriculture. The potentials of ecotourism for sustainable use of natural resources, poverty alleviation and food security was assessed in awash national park anp, ethiopia using survey questionnaires and field observation between january to september 20. Assessing protected areas for ecotourism development. Ethiopia, the oldest independent nation in africa, has a heritage dating back to first century ad. Ministry of culture and tourism ethiopia wikipedia. A study on the environmental impact of ecotourism in can gio mangrove biosphere year 2011 pages 60 ecotourism is a new concept in the tourism industry of vietnam, which essentially developed since past 20 years. Yilma za, reta mm, tefera bt 2016 the current status of ecotourism potentials and challenges in sheko district, southwestern ethiopia. Ethiopian tourism, through effective policy and plans, is expected to make major. I also thanks to the ethiopian wildlife conservation authority for providing different pictures and supporting this ideas. Tourism in ethiopia has always involved features of ecotourism. In longhaul destinations air transport determines as much as 60% of total package cost hotels account for as much as 25% of total package costs the amount of outofpocket expenses varies greatly. Ecotourism training manual for protected area managers.
The government is proving its commitment and willingness to develop tourism through a number of initiatives. The specific origins of ecotourism have been variously traced back. This was when the ethiopian tourist organization eto was founded in 1961. Community based ecotourism development in the nps of. Challenges and prospectus of ethiopian tourism industry. The case of adabadodola, ethiopia maggie wilder submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of. Firdyiwok abebe the authors 2020 abstract ethiopia is a country which is endowed with an enormous assemblage of ecotourism resources. The case of adabadodola, ethiopia maggie wilder submitted in partial fulfillment of. Ecotourism in ethiopia creates opportunities for tourists and other visitors to experience the countrys ecology and natural endowments as well as the unique features of its archaeology, history and culture henze, 2007. Current community based ecotourism practices in menz guassa. Ecotourism, protected area, maze national park, ethiopia introduction ecotourism is one of the most contested subjects in tourism literatures. Role of ecotourism in sustainable development 777 or help undo damage to the environment, and f ecotourists appreciate and respect local culture, traditions, etc. Pdf, university college, oxford, june 2007, also argue that meles profits by negotiating deals nationally, then having them administered regionally.
To foster a proactive and more professionalised commercialisation and sales effort by incoming operators, targeting strategic segments of the leisure market and higherspending tourists in the main european markets. Tourism industry is currently emerging as one of the most important economic sectors in the world. Ethiopia tours was extremely attentive, responsive and gave us a comprehensive, well thought out and customised trip plan covering. The history of tourism is one of the neglected themes in ethiopian history. Developing community based ecotourism to diversify. Review on trends of ecotourism development in ethiopia. What is ecotourism the international ecotourism society. In doing so the ministry closely works together with different national and international stakeholders. Lalibella, gonder, simiens, axum, tigray, mekele, addis and the bale mountains. The contribution of ecotourism for sustainable livelihood. Mozambique, sri lanka, brazil, ethiopia, madagascar, and cambodia more is coming. Pdf ecotourism is a force within the industry that, in its very essence, aims to minimize tourisms negative impacts whilst maximizing tourisms. Ethiopia, due to its magnificent natural and cultural tourism resources, has a huge potential to become one of the sought after ecotourism destinations in the world.
Ethiopian airlines connects africa ld, with new and better infrastructure such as airports, roads, telecommunications and electricity on the ground. From the data covering 19631968, the total number of tourists was very low. In this scenario, the key opportunities for the cbi to add value to the tourism value chain in ethiopia. Opportunities and challenges for communitybased ecotourism.
Ethiopian somali region, in defence of the multinational federalism ahmed deeq hussein 112216 ethiopian somali region is either 1st or 2nd largest region, constitutes of the country, and 3rd largest ethnic group with an estimated total population of 5 million. Roles of tourismecotourism in conservation and development in ethiopia haileab zegeye department of biology, faculty of natural and computational sciences, debre tabor university, p. Challenges and prospectus of ethiopian tourism industry tekabesintayehusheferahu lecturer in banking and finance department, jimma university, ethiopia. Tourism is a featured component of ethiopia s poverty reduction strategy paper prsp, which aims to combat.
Yet, the views expressed in this paper are solely of mine. Discussion ethiopia s has myriad of ecotourism potential and the volume 5 issue 2 143 citation. African journal of hospitality, tourism and leisure, volume 7 4 2018 issn. The fordist and postfordist modes are based on mass consumption, economies of scale and highly standardized in their delivery of services and amenities. Fordist, postfordist, heritage, ecotourism and themed space modes of consumption 4,5. Ecotourism, development, protected area, ethiopia 1. The general objective of the study is to assess the challenges and opportunities for ecotourism development in addis ababa and propose.
Pdf sustainable ecotourism potentials and its challenges. Modern tourism in ethiopia can be said to have started with the formation of a government body to develop and control it in 1961. In ethiopia, protected areas cover a total area of 193, 600 km2, which is approximately 16. Indepth interview with informants, visitor questionnaire survey.
This study was conducted to assess the challenges and opportunities for ecotourism development in addis ababa. Ethiopia is eyeing harnessing its ecotourism potential as an instrument in poverty reduction, according to the countrys minister of culture and tourism. The economy of ethiopia has prospered for many years on agricultural products but currently, the country expands to industrialization and service providing for additional incomes. Ethiopias mountains are almost untouched by climbers ethiopians lakes have many varied features of great interest to tourists. Challenges and opportunities of community based ecotourism development in ethiopia. The ethiopian ministry of culture and tourism is the ministry of the government of ethiopia responsible for researching, preserving, developing, and promoting the culture and tourist attractions of ethiopia and its peoples, both inside the country and internationally. Ecotourism represents an approach to tourism that emphasizes environmental and cultural preservation. Challenges and potentials of ecotourism as a form of. In 20, tourism accounted for 6 % of the worlds overall exports, 9. Increasing the awareness of local communities in and around attraction area towards ecotourism or nature tourism is very important. Although not satisfactory, the trend of ecotourism development in ethiopia is developing from past to present.