Cultural Tourism Potential and its Development Challenges in Harari Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The Harari Region offers a rich cultural experience, including well-known historical sites, vibrant festivals, traditional arts, and unique culinary offerings, attracting tourists worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess cultural tourism potential and development challenges in Harari Region. A descriptive research design employed both qualitative and quantitative research approaches to describe the existing phenomena. The study employed probability and non-probability sampling techniques to obtain a representative sample and targeted groups. The respondents to this study were culture and tourism office experts, tourist guides, Museum Staff guides, Souvenir Shop sellers, and local communities. Qualitative data is collected through semi-structured interviews and observation, while quantitative data is collected through questionnaires. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 using frequency, percentage, and charts, using both primary and secondary data sources. The study finding reveals that despite the region’s rich cultural heritage, there are development challenges like inadequate infrastructure, insufficient promotional efforts, lack of awareness, poor handling systems, limited documentation, financial constraints, and urban pressures. The findings suggest that stakeholders should utilize cultural tourism properly while avoiding development challenges to support the Harari region and Ethiopia’s development efforts.