Journal of Tourism & Hospitality
Open Access

Abstract

Tourism Development Policy as a Means for Promoting Sustainability: Practices from the Ethiopian Tourism Development Policy

Hirut Sintayehu Kassahun

The major purpose of this study is to examine whether and under what conditions tourism development policy can help to promote sustainable tourism development in Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, quantitative and qualitative study approach, and purposive sampling technique were employed for both questionnaire and interview data gathering instruments. Quantitatively, thirty nine sample tourism experts were participated from the ministry, bureau, zonal and city experts and the collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, correlation, ANOVA, Post hoc and independent t-test. The qualitative data were collected from eight experts and analyzed through interpretative and descriptive account of the data; and the major findings of the study are presented. Accordingly, the t-test and ANOVA confirmed that there were statistically significant difference between the understanding level of BA/BSC and MA/ MSC experts and those who have worked under ten years and above in the industry on tourism development policy concepts. Approach to correlation, statistically a significant relation was found between the tourism development policy elements. Regardless of contribution, the ANOVA revealed that there was statistically a significant difference between those who have worked under ten years and above on the role of tourism development policy in Ethiopian industry. Furthermore, the t-test indicated that MA/MSc experts were predominant in understanding the concept of tourism development policy contribution for the sustainable development of Ethiopian tourism industry. Results of data obtained through interview indicated that there was no inclusive and Public Private Partnership and awareness created through the tourism development policy of Ethiopia. Principally, experts agreed that taking other countries’ stakeholder role in the implementation of the tourism policy as a benchmark is far important than starting a new platform. It was concluded that tourism development policy and sustainable tourism are closely related variables and it can play vital roles in the sustainable development of Ethiopian tourism industry. Finally, based on the results of the study, provision of effective, efficient and practical training for experts and creating a platform of stakeholders for the implementation of the policy were some of the recommended points to the sustainable development of tourism in Ethiopia.