Abstract:
This research is intended to assess potentials and challenges to the Heritage Tourism Development: A case
of R‟ase Adibarat Ta`ak Negest Atronse Maryam Church. To achieve this objective, the researcher
employed qualitative research approach. The subjects of the study were the local community elders living
in the study area, Mehal Sayint Woreda church dioceses Mehal Sayint Woreda culture and tourism office
employees, servants and leaders of Atrose Maryam Church, and South Wollo Zone Culture and Tourism
department employees. A total of 35 subject of the study were selected by purposive and comprehensive
sampling method as key informants. Both primary and secondary data sources were used to assess the
potentials and challenges of heritage tourism in the study area. Primary data were collected through semi structured interviews, observation and focus group discussion. Then published and unpublished
documents were the secondary sources. The results of the study revealed that Atronse Maryam Church
has huge heritage tourism potentials such as mural paintings, Manuscript books, Silver drums, bronze and
gold crosses and other precious antiquities. Though Different ecclesiastical treasures, different historic
sites and saints‟ tombs found within the church, which made the church to be rich of huge heritage
tourism potentials, but it has not yet been utilized due to lack of tourist facilities such as infrastructures,
lack of heritage conservation, lack of awareness and absence of documentation were among the factors
that hinder heritage tourism development of Atronse Maryam Church.
