Ethiopia is a country which is endowed with an enormous assemblage of ecotourism resources. This makes it a suitable country for the development of community based ecotourism endeavors, to enhance conservation practices, and improve indigenous livelihood. This study aimed to assess the current community based ecotourism practices in Menz Guassa Community Conservation Area. A cross-sectional study design combining both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to describe the existing community based practices. A total of 223 study participants completed a questionnaire, and the data received were analyzed by using SPSS Version 20. Findings revealed that relatively, Menz Guassa offers higher natural tourism activities (i.e. trekking, bird and wildlife watching, climbing) with 4.35 mean, compared to cultural activities. Indigenous community leaders were capable of operating and managing community based ecotourism businesses effectively, and inspiring individuals from the local population to participate in the tourism business. The income generating from community based ecotourism practices contributes to natural resource conservation, cultural preservation, and livelihood improvement. The current community organization specifically established for the management and operation of community based tourism was effective. Community based ecotourism practices to this destination were respectful of the rights, cultural and spiritual practices of the indigenous community.

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Ecotourism is growing niche market with the potential of being sustainable development tool in protected areas. Ecotourism development needs preliminary assessment of the destination resources. This study was done with the objective of assessing ecotourism potential of Maze National Park for ecotourism development. The study used survey research design. Structured questionnaires and structured key informant interviews were used to collect data. Target population of the study was tourism experts. Samples are selected purposefully to gather genuine information from relevant respondents. The result showed that Maze National Park has high ecotourism potential in terms of its natural features, but it has moderate potential regarding provision of site infrastructure and human resource features. The local community residing in the vicinity of the national park has low potential of tangible cultural features but possesses various intangible cultural features which can attract tourists. Hence, the national park has good potential for ecotourism development.

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Ethiopia has very distinct natural, cultural and historic products that could attract visitors from all over the world. Meqdela Amba, a community in Ethiopia, is endowed with a unique historical heritage and outstanding biophysical features. The aim of this study was to identify the major barrier of the Meqdela Amba community based ecotourism development in Tenta district. The study used descriptive research design and also both probability and non-probability sampling methods. The data sources used both primary and secondary data, and the research approaches used mixed research method both qualitative and quantitative research. These were generated by employing qualitative (using key informant interview, focus group discussions and field observation) and quantitative (mainly using household survey questionnaires) methods. Checklists were the main data gathering tools with the total target population being 370. A sample of 193 questionnaires was distributed to local communities and 185 were returned. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, to interpret the result frequency and percentage. The barriers identified to Meqdela Amba community based ecotourism site were: lack of marketing and promotion activity, low level of knowledge and attitudes of local community towards community based ecotourism, lack of cooperation among stakeholders, lack of professional guides, lack of major infrastructure and facilities such as accommodation, electricity, and clean water supply. Attention should be given to reducing the major barriers from Meqdela Amba community based ecotourism site.

Community based ecotourism is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world, and also an economic activity that can encourage local people in developing countries to protect and preserve natural resources. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Wunania Konoye for conservation and community-based ecotourism development. Cross sectional study design with both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to describe the existing situations. A total of 200 participants completed a questionnaire and interviews were conducted with key informants. Data were analyzed by using SPSS Version 20. The three kebeles in the study area (Chirambezo, Kosoye Ambarsa and Gunda Chugie) were rich in natural and cultural attraction, though there was significant difference between Chirambezo and Kosoye Ambaras in this respect. In terms of accessibility, there is significant difference among the three kebeles. The human resources, accessibility and infrastructure were sufficient to develop and promote an ecotourism destination. The area has huge potential to develop community-based ecotourism, but amenities were either poorly developed or nonexistent. Therefore, amenities such as electricity, water supply, security and information centers should be developed based on ecotourism standards.

PURPOSE:The study intends to investigate tour guides' service quality in the World Heritage sites of Gondar City, using Weiler and Black's (2015) four domains of service quality assessment tool.