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.
Description
Keywords
Religious tourism, Debre Libanos monastery, and product development