Challenges of Religious Tourism Development: the case of Gishen Mariam, Ethiopia

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The main objective of this study was identifying the challenges of religious tourism development in Gishen Mariam, Ethiopia. In-depth interview with informants, visitor questionnaire survey, direct and participant observation and informal discussion were employed in order to gather the necessary data. Poor transport infrastructural development, absence of government attention, settlement, unsuitable church administrational structure, and absence of tourism product development were identified as main challenges that have been hindering religious tourism development in the study site. To make Gishen one of religious tourist destination road infrastructure should be developed by government. Besides church and people need to strive to develop religious tourism products.