Abstract
The current study is about assessing the practices and challenges of tourism product development evidence from Choke Mountains and its environment. Qualitative research approach has been adopted in the study. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to select key informants. 13 participants were interviewed, and two focus groups were held. The researcher conducted face to face interview by using both structured and semi structured interview questions. With respect to data sources, both primary and secondary data sources were utilized. Interview, focus group discussion and field observation were main data gathering instruments used to collect data for this study. As far as data analysis is concerned, structured narrative analysis techniques were applied. With respect to the result researcher found that Choke Mountain is rich in natural, cultural and historical tourism potential. This study proved that the practice of tourism product development is so limited and need the involvement of all respective stockholders. The other finding of this study indicts that overgrazing, deforestation, illegal community settlement, unlimited use of lands for farming purpose and lack of educated human resource are the major challenges that bottlenecked for practices of tourism product development in the area. The current study is expected to benefit local communities, local & regional government and tourism service providers finally it provides a contribution in the field of research and researcher can use this work as reference. Keywords: Practices, Challenges, Tourism Product Development, Coke Mountain, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/60-02 Publication date: January 31 st 2022
Highlights
According to UNWTO (2010) product development is the creation of products with new or different characteristics that offer new or additional benefits to the customer
As report of WTTC indicates, Tourism in 2017, the total contribution of Travel & Tourism to employment, including jobs indirectly supported by the industry was 6.1% of total employment (1,538,000 jobs) and this is expected to rise by 1.7% in 2018 to 1,565,000 jobs, Visitor exports generated ETB50,447.7mn (USD2,108.0mn), 35.2% of total exports in 2017 and This is forecast to grow by 6.6% in 2018, and Travel & Tourism investment in 2017 was ETB18,490.3mn, 2.4% of total investment
4.2 The potential tourism resources of Choke Mountain and its environments The potential tourism attractions were viewed in terms of examining and identifying essential aspect of natural, cultural and historical tourism resources
Summary
According to UNWTO (2010) product development is the creation of products with new or different characteristics that offer new or additional benefits to the customer. Product development may involve modification of an existing product on its presentation, or formulation of an entirely new product that satisfies a newly defined customer want or market niche. As many scholars agree that today tourism industry has become one of the most important factors in gross domestic product (GDP) contribution worldwide. It plays a significant role in socio-economic development of nations. It is recognized that most of the developing countries generate economic benefits through tourism industry. According to WTTC (2017) report indicates in2017 the direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was USD 2,570.1bn (3.2% of total GDP), and is forecasted to rise by 4.0% in 2018, and total contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was USD8,272.3bn (10.4% of GDP) in 2017 and is forecast to rise by 4.0% in 2018
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