Religious Tourism Product Development in Debre Libanos Monastery, Ethiopia

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Date

2013-06

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

This study discusses about religious tourism product development in Debre Libanos Monastery. To explore this research topic, the thesis examines three key concepts: the salient features of the Monastery for religious tourism; the challenges and opportunities presented to religious tourism product development in the area; and sustainable development of religious tourism product. To achieve these systematically, an extensive review of related literature is made and the thesis employs multiple methods (survey, interviews, focus group discussion, fie/d observations, and informal discussions and participation). Such an approach improves the validity of the findings and successfitlly addresses the central research questions. Both quantitative and qualitative data generated fi'om these techniques are analyzed, integrated, and are used to complement each other. Based on the findings obtained fi'om multiple methods, this research concludes that the key attractions, its uniqueness, the outstanding attributes and the appealing religious activities of the site are the salient Jeatures oj this religious tourism destination that give a very interesting, spiritual and enlightening experience for visitors. Constraints such as inadequacy and poor quality oj Jacilities and services, gradual expansion oj inappropriate activities and developments, challenges on monastic life, administrative problems, community settlement, and natural disaster and human caused problems are the challenges presented to religious tourism product development in the area whereas the area's endowment with amazing attractions, religious values oj the site, respect Jar nature, and its location are the opportunities Jar the deve/opment. Community perception and support Jar re/igious tourism product deve/opment, collaboration among stakeholders, protection oj the area's religious, cultural and environmental values, sustainable marketing and promotion oj religious tourism products and setting up appropriate interpretive programs are the fundamental considerations to ensure sustainable religious tourism product development in the area. Key words: Religious tourism, Debre Libanos monastery, and product development.

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Keywords

Religious tourism, Debre Libanos monastery, and product development

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