Employment and Income Potentiality of Tourism Development in Amhara Region Ethiopia.

Abstract

A few members of less developed countries of sub-Sahara Africa have realized the potential of tourism development for rapid socio-economic development, capable of generating foreign exchange; reduce unemployment and improving the standard of the people. Amhara region of Ethiopia is an example of regions blessed with abundance and diversified tourism sites with potentials of contributing to the socio-economic
development not only of the region but also to the country at large. This paper examines four Tourism Enterprises which include Hotel, Souvenir, Tour guide and Water transport businesses to pin point the potentiality of tourism as catalyst of development. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources, using inventory field survey and questionnaire administration. Data generated were analysed using simple statistical methods as frequencies and percentages. It concludes that developments of Tourism
Businesses are generators of employment and income not only for the entrepreneurs but to the entire region with a high multiplier effect on the national economy.

Keywords: Tourism Enterprises, Employment, Income, Amhara Region and Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies of Management Vol. 1 (2) 2008: pp. 74-82