Abstract:
Debre Tabor is very rich in variety of heritage aspects which need to be conserved and transferred for the
benefit of future generations. Heritage management is one of the mechanisms via which to transfer heritage
to the next generations and to exploit their values which in turn, contributes to the development of the
tourism industry. However, there are challenges which hinder the full operation of heritage management.
This study sought to assess heritage potential and management challenges in the study area. The
respondents for the study were local communities, culture and tourism employees, Kebele (a
neighbourhood or a localized and demarcated group of people) administrators, religious institution leaders,
handicraft producers and sellers and tourism business enterprises of the study area. A total of 37
purposively selected interviewees were key informants and 385 households were used for questionnaire
response using a simple random sampling technique to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Both
primary and secondary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires,
observation checklists and document analysis. Qualitative data, specifically free responses arising from
open-ended questions which were coded into a set of categories were developed from identified
commonalities. For all qualitative data, paraphrasing while remaining faithful to the original meaning as it
was given by the respondent have been applied. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive
statistical analysis to show heritage potential and challenges of heritage management as influencing factors
and the results were presented using tables and graphs. The study confirmed, that despite the area being
rich in natural and cultural heritage potential, tremendous challenges exist such as lack of awareness, poor
handling system of heritages, lack of infrastructural development, lack of coordination among stakeholders,
lack of finance and lack of skilled professionals. Based on the findings, all relevant stakeholders ought to
try to capitalize on full heritage potential utilization while averting heritage management challenges in order
to support the development endeavours of Debre Tabor Town in particular, and Ethiopia in general
