Public-private collaboration in the Tourism Industry in Northwestern Ethiopia.

Tourism has become an important socio-economic development tool in many parts of the world, including developing countries such as Ethiopia. To sustainably develop the existing and potential destinations, collaboration among key stakeholders is of high importance. Amongst these key actors, the private and public sectors are the leading ones. This study was conducted at the two World Heritage Sites of Ethiopia: Gondar and Lalibela, and the UNESCO registered Biosphere Reserve of Lake Tana, including the UNESCO Learning city of Bahir Dar. These destinations are strategically located in Northwestern Ethiopia, in the Northern historic route of the country which receives the largest number of international visitors of the country. The study area is famous for unique cultural, historical, religious, religious and natural attractions. The necessary data for this study were mainly collected using a semi-structured in-depth interview methodology. The researchers used a purposive sampling technique and the total samples selected were 35, which was based on theoretical saturation. It was found that the public and private sectors in the tourism industry in the three destinations, were not working together to the level expected. They were working only in limited areas, and hotels were found to be better participants in the collaboration process. The major challenges for the feeble collaboration are associated with the government’s limitations in commitment, financial and manpower capacity. For better public-private collaboration, the government should take the leading role and create a conducive environment for collaboration with the private sector, so that tourism can be developed in a way that benefits visitors, businesses and the destinations and remains sustainable