African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure (May 2019)
The role of Religious Tourism for Sustainable Tourism Development: the case of Adyame Yordanos Wonkshet Monastery, Ethiopia.
Abstract
Religion for Ethiopia is the basis of everything. It is known that in Ethiopia, religious tourism is one of the most important types of tourism, but we can confidently say that nothing has been done to support it. Though the country is endowed with a variety of religious tourism activities and treasures going back centuries, the role of religious tourism has not been identified and properly utilized in a professional way for sustainable tourism development to be effective. Adyame Yordanos Wonkshet Monastery is one of the most outstanding sites where many religious travelers are going and religious tourism activities are held. Thus, this study has as its objective the assessing of the roles of religious tourism for sustainable tourism development using the case of Adyame Yordanos Wonkshet Monastery. To study this, a descriptive methodology design was employed. Both primary and secondary sources were employed. A mixed research approach was conducted. Data instruments such as interviews, focus group discussions, field observation, questionnaires and document analysis were undertaken. A total of 235 respondents were selected through purposive and convenience sampling techniques. After this, content analysis was undertaken. Findings revealed that the Monastery has an economic roles, as well as socio-cultural, environmental and spiritual roles. To ensure sustainable tourism at the local and regional levels, all the target stakeholders should be integrated and work together regarding the further examining of the role of religious tourism practices at the monastery.
