Community based tourism in Lake Tana growth corridor of the Amhara region of Ethiopia: The missing link among stakeholders and implications to tourism industry

Ethiopia is one of the Sub-Saharan countries experiencing fast growing economy. Ethiopia authorized a structure of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MoCT) to manage the tourism industry. The relevance of the tourism sector was entertained in the strategic pillars of the Growth and Transformation Plans (GTP-2010/11-2019/20). Therefore, this research attempted to assess the policy directions in the country and practice of community based tourism (CBT) in the Lake Tana growth corridor, which is the second rank in Ethiopia, next to Addis Ababa Development Corridor. The paper used comprehensive analysis of primary and secondary data; such as interviews, observations and document analysis. The result revealed that Tana has natural and manmade heritages. The many endemic fauna, flora and heritages attract tourists. The lake has been a source of livelihood and means of water transportation for the catchment communities. Tana is a UNESCO registered biosphere reserve since 2015. Though policy in the general tourism industry is strong; however, there is a gap of directives with regard to community based tourism practices. Both GTPs and the policies did not address the grassroots practice and miss-linked. Therefore, for the maximum utilization of the sector, protection of the environment and expansion of community based Tourism; it needs the collaborative participation of governmental, nongovernmental, and private sectors. The establishment and expansion of inclusive community based tourism practices, and promotion of the sector shall be given maximum attention by all concerned bodies and stakeholders.