The Challenges of Sustainable Tourism Development in Ethiopian National Parks, the case of Nechsar National Park (NNP)

Abstract

This study is conducted with the aim of assessing the challenges of sustainable tourism development in Ethiopian national parks. The study used primary data for the problem under study. Using judgmental sampling, 381 tourists were selected from the total tourist population at the destination. And an interview was conducted with experts in the tourism industry. The data collection has been undertaken for 2 consecutive months, February- March 2021. A descriptive approach was used to analyze the data collected. Most of the tourists visiting Nechsar National park are local tourists while Europe takes the largest share in the number of tourists among foreign tourists. Under-development of roads, communication, accommodation, shopping, financial institutions, and other services has been found as a challenge in the development of sustainable tourism at the destination. On the other dimension, the lack of effective marketing to promote the spot and the lack of effective protection for the natural beauty of the destination have been underlined as the challenges confronted in the development of sustainable tourism. Safety and security issues and lack of strong commitment from the government in promoting businesses at the destination had also their own contribution to hampering the development of sustainable tourism. The multi-dimensional challenges that NNP was currently experiencing call for a collaborative effort from suppliers and expert side stakeholders to build a tourism industry that takes social, environmental, and economic attributes into consideration.