Abstract:
Cultural heritage is the most significant potential for tourism development. Both tangible and
intangible cultural heritages are remarkably attracting visitors to destinations and it is also
considered as an essential tool that achieves economic growth. This paper is intended to explore
the potentials of the cultural heritage of Benishangul Gumuz Regional state particularly Metekel
Zone for tourism development. Specifically, this study aimed, to assess the potentials of the cultural
heritage of Metekel Zone, and investigate the challenges of cultural heritage tourism development
of Metekel Zone. For these goals, the researcher was employed a qualitative research approach
and exploratory research design. Total of 39 informants were selected for interview purposively
through non-probability sampling techniques. The primary data obtained from semi structured
interview and field Observations. Whereas secondary data from published and unpublished
Document analysis. The thematic data analysis technique was used by this study in order to
achieve its objectives and draw conclusions.
The Results of this study revealed that Metekel zone has numerous unutilized and unstudied
plentiful cultural heritage potentials for tourism development. However, it is now in the hands of
the uninformed local community and currently in a condition of severe challenges. As a
consequence, there is no tourism development, and the local community of Metekel zone was not
benefited from the fruits of tourism due to many prevailing challenges. Poor infrastructural
development, absences of promotional work, low budget allocation, absence of peace and stability,
poor integrations of stakeholders were Some of the challenges of cultural heritage tourism
development.
This study recognized that Success accompanied by challenges. How big the challenges are, it
could be a way to see the future cultural heritage opportunities of Metekel zone for tourism
development. Thus, Collaborative efforts of all tourism stakeholders, their readiness, and
commitment at all levels could alleviate the challenges that act as impediments on the Utilizations
of these magnificence potentials of the cultural heritage of Metekel Zone for better-quality tourism
development.
