Paper short abstract:

This presentation reports from the University of Addis Ababa on the extensive research, teaching, and development work on new strategies of community based cultural tourism in Ethiopian villages and cities. Aims of the project include the generation of fuller utilization of the various natural and cultural resources in Ethiopia that will provide the basis for enhanced benefits to livelihoods and local economies.

Paper long abstract:

This presentation reports from the University of Addis Ababa on the extensive research and development work that has given rise to the publication of a new book on community based tourism development in Ethiopia, the successful running of a Masters' course and associated research work on new forms of independent tourism development in Ethiopia, and a British Council/DfiD funded project on tourism development led by Feseha and Selwyn from Addis and SOAS which will lead to a major pan African conference in May 2013 and from thence the implementation of new tourism strategies implied by the work. The hope is that a full utilization of the various natural and cultural resources in Ethiopia will provide the basis for enhanced benefits to livelihoods and local economies. Apart from exploring modalities of basing independent rural tourism on community organizations, the paper will explore the potential for developing cultural routes throughout the country. In this context, as in others, the paper responds to aspects of the Call text by exploring how the new approach to tourism in the country uses, presents, re-presents and interprets aspects of Ethiopian 'culture'.