Determinants of tourism development in aksum town

Tourism has become a significant industry in both poor and rich economies because of its important impacts on economic, livelihoods and socio-cultural developments (Shah 2000). Hence the study aimed to assess the basic determinants of tourism development in the study area and to identify the major factors that could help to attract tourists. By using cross sectional data of 2012 household survey in Aksum town. To achieve the objectives of the study descriptive analysis techniques was used. The flow of tourist and income generated from them, in Axum was increased from year 1997-2005 E.C. at an average growth rate of 10.64 % and 7.35% over time respectively and this growth rate is significant at 1 % level of significance, since its f value is 9.7*** and 6.6159*** respectively, so, it is possible to say there is significant increment in tourist flow and income generated from tourism through time in Aksum for the previous nine years. The reason for the constantly incensement of the tourists are the little improvement in promotion, infrastructure and creating conducive environment. The presence of basic infrastructure have played a great - role in stimulating the tourism environment and tourist flow even if, it cannot as its potential. Thus the basic determinants of tourism are infrastructural Development, increasing promotion and Awareness about the historical sites and the term tourism, employing professions (skilled man power) in the sector, focusing on providing service quality and expanding internet services and also working in coordination with other sectors in order to solve some social problems and others. Based on the result, the study recommends that for those areas with no road transportation the potential for alternative carriage or riding transport should be considered. There should be continuous promotional work especially for those historical place found out of the town. In addition there should be strong awareness creation, tourists are not richest persons rather they are visitors for different reasons. Because the reality is kids and bigger consider as tourists have excess money. As mentioned by culture and tourism Agency Aksum cluster, There should be structural change the cluster should be transformed to office in order to handle different things easily, providing solution to problems early. Finally there should be continuous research in identifying new tourist products like culture house and publicized other tourist destination places around the town. That can increase the flow of tourists and then income from tourism.