Abstract:
Tourism is the fastest growing industry in the world, which is dependent on the natural, cultural
and historical tourism potential. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the potential,
challenges, and opportunities of tourism development in Quara Woreda, West Gondar Zone,
Ethiopia. The research used cross-sectional descriptive research design and a mixed research
approach, both quantitative and qualitative data collection research methods. Primary and
secondary data were used to study the potential, challenge, and opportunity of tourism
development in Quara Woreda. To collect the primary data, questionnaires, interviews, and
observations checklist are used. In addition Secondary data were gathered from books, articles,
official government report and related sources. 215 participants were selected for survey
(questionnaire) by using census sampling. The Quara Woreda Cultural and Tourism Office, Bete
kihinet Office, Church leaders, Alitash National Park tourism experts, Ngusu Washa music club,
Geography and History teachers in high school, and Kebeles administrators were the study's
target population. In addition, methods of analysis for the quantitative data were analyzed by SPSS
version 26, by using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, and mean, while
qualitative data were analyzed by using thematic analysis. The findings from this study showed
that the Quara Woreda has a high potential tourism resources such as, natural attractions like
Nigus Cave, Michael Cave, and Alitash National Park. Cultural tourism attractions like the
Monastery of Wofta St, George, the Monastery of Kuza Eyesus, and Bermil Holly Water. The study,
on the other hand, identified a number of challenges, including a lack of local community
awareness of the tourism industry, lack of standard hotels in the woreda, a lack of infrastructure,
and a lack of promotion activity. Opportunities such as cultural and natural tourism resources;
other well-known destinations such as Cherge Mariam (where Emperor Tewodros was born ;)
Alitash National Park which is governed/managed by the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, Unique
lions in Alitash Park live, monasteries, and caves were identified as success factors for tourism
development in the study area. Therefore, to improve and enhance the tourism sector in the study
area government and other related stakeholders emphasis in minimizing the challenges of tourism,
using the prevailing potentials and opportunities.
