Practices and Challenges of Tourism Product Development: Evidence from Choke Mountain and Its Environs, Amhara National Regional State

Abstract

The current study is about assessing the practices and challenges of tourism product development evidence from Choke Mountains and its environment. Qualitative research approach has been adopted in the study. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to select key informants. 13 participants were interviewed, and two focus groups were held. The researcher conducted face to face interview by using both structured and semi structured interview questions. With respect to data sources, both primary and secondary data sources were utilized. Interview, focus group discussion and field observation were main data gathering instruments used to collect data for this study. As far as data analysis is concerned, structured narrative analysis techniques were applied. With respect to the result researcher found that Choke Mountain is rich in natural, cultural and historical tourism potential. This study proved that the practice of tourism product development is so limited and need the involvement of all respective stockholders. The other finding of this study indicts that overgrazing, deforestation, illegal community settlement, unlimited use of lands for farming purpose and lack of educated human resource are the major challenges that bottlenecked for practices of tourism product development in the area. The current study is expected to benefit local communities, local & regional government and tourism service providers finally it provides a contribution in the field of research and researcher can use this work as reference.

Keywords:Practices, Challenges, Tourism Product Development, Coke Mountain, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/60-02

Publication date: January 31^st 2022