BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

DEPATMENT OF TOURISM AND HOTEL MANAGEMENT

ROLE OF EVENTS FOR LOCAL ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT IN BAHIR DAR CITY

BY

BONTU GUTA ……………………….…..…BDU0700629UR

HELEN BRHANE……………………….…..BDU0700704UR

KIDIST GETACHEW………………………..BDU0700720UR

TEMESGEN EWNETU……………….……..BDU0700799UR

TIBEBU MOGES…………………………….BDU0700809UR

ADVISOR: TADESSE BEKELE (MA)

MAY, 2017

BAHIR DAR, ETHIOPIA

i
 ROLE OF EVENTS FOR LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

IN BAHIR DAR CITY

A SENIOR ESSAY SUBMITTED

TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND HOTEL

MANAGEMENT

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARTS IN TOURISM AND HOTEL

MANAGEMENT

BY

BONTU GUTA ………………………………BDU0700629UR

HELEN BRHANE………………………........BDU0700704UR

KIDIST GETACHEW………………………..BDU0700720UR

TEMESGEN EWNETU……………….………BDU0700799UR

TIBEBU MOGES………………………………BDU0700809UR

MAY, 2017

BAHIR DAR, ETHIOPIA

BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY

ii
 ROLE OF EVENTS FOR LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

IN BAHIR DA R CITY

BY

BONTU GUTA ……………………….…….…BDU0700629UR

HELEN BRHANE………………………….…..BDU0700704UR

KIDIST GETACHEW………………………....BDU0700720UR

TEMESGEN EWNETU……………….……….BDU0700799UR

TIBEBU MOGES……………………………….BDU0700809UR

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND HOTEL MANAGEMENT

APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE OF EXAMINORS

Name Signature Date

_______________________ _____________ _____________

Department head:

_________________________ _____________ ______________

Advisor:

_________________________ _____________ ______________

Examiner: 1

_________________________ _____________ ______________

Examiner: 2

iii
DECLARATION
We declare that the research entitled “The Role of Events For Local Economic Development in
Bahir Dar City” submitted to Department of Tourism and Hotel Management, College of
Business and Economics, Bahir Dar University in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the
degree of Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Management is a record of the original report work done
by our group member and it has not formed before, the basis for the award of any degree.

Researchers name Id No. Signature

Bontu Guta BDU0700629UR

Helen Berhane BDU0700704UR

Kidist Getachew BDU0700720UR

Temesgen Ewnetu BDU0700799UR

Tibebu Moges BDU0700809UR _____

Advisor’s name Signature

Tadesse Bekele ___________

May 2017
Bahir Dar Ethiopia

iv
 Acknowledgements

First of all the researchers would like to thank God for his gift of inspiration and encouragement
at every time in our activity. Secondly we want to express our gratitude to our advisor Tadesse
Bekele (MA) for his support and advice during the preparation of this proposal.

The research team wants to acknowledge all subjects of this senior essay for their assistance
during researchers’ data collection. Finally we would like to thank all our friends for material
and idea support.

v
 ABSTRACT
The study was mainly concerned about the role of events for local economic development in
case of Bahir Dar City. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research
approaches and used descriptive research design. The study used probability and non-
probability sampling techniques namely purposive and accidental sampling technique to
collect data from stakeholders of event tourism. The researcher also used 40 samples. So as
to collect data the study used both primary and secondary data sources. The study forecasts
to find the challenges of event tourism development in the city like crime, prostitution, and
inflated prices, which exists when the time of celebrating events. The study team may
recommend encouraging local communities, private sectors and sponsors participation in
event tourism development activities, then creating awareness for the local community
towards the importance and negative effects of event tourism development in the city.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents Page
Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................................v
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................................vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................................vii
List of Tables................................................................................................................................................ix
List of Figures................................................................................................................................................x
List of Abbreviations....................................................................................................................................xi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the Study.......................................................................................................................1
1.2. Statement of the Research Problems.......................................................................................................2
1.3. Objectives of the Study...........................................................................................................................3
1.3.1 General Objective....................................................................................................................3
1.3.2 Specific Objective...................................................................................................................3
1.4 Research Questions..................................................................................................................................3
1.5 Scope of the Study...................................................................................................................................4
1.6 Significance of the Study.........................................................................................................................4
1.7. Definition of Key Terms.........................................................................................................................4
1.8. Organization of the Research..................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE..............................................................................6
2.1. Definition of Event.................................................................................................................................6
2.2. Typology of Event Tourism....................................................................................................................6
2.2.1 Festival Event...........................................................................................................................6
2.2.2 Sport Event...............................................................................................................................8
2.2.3 Cultural Event..........................................................................................................................8
2.2.4 Religious Event........................................................................................................................8
2.2.5 Business Event.........................................................................................................................9
2.3 Role of Event Tourism Development......................................................................................................9
2.4. Challenges of Event Tourism Development.........................................................................................11
2.5. Conceptual Framework of the Study....................................................................................................12
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.........................................................................................13
3.1. Description of the Study Area...............................................................................................................13

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3.2. Research Design....................................................................................................................................13
3.3. Source of Data.......................................................................................................................................13
3.4. Target Population of Study...................................................................................................................14
3.5. Data Gathering Instrument....................................................................................................................14
3.6. Sampling Technique and Sample Design.............................................................................................14
3.7. Method of Data Analysis......................................................................................................................15
CHAPTER FOUR........................................................................................................................................16
RESULTS AND DISCUSIONS..................................................................................................................16
4.1 Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents.................................................................................16
4.2. Types of Events in Bahir Dar City........................................................................................................18
4.3 Types of Events that Respondents were Participated............................................................................19
4.4 Role of Events for the Development of Local Economy.......................................................................19
4.5. Hazards and Threats Associated with Event Tourism Development in Bahir Dar City.......................21
4.6. Attitude of Local Community Towards Event Tourism Development................................................22
4.7. The Challenges of Event Tourism........................................................................................................23
4.8. Other Challenges of Event Tourism Development in Bahir Dar City..................................................25
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION..........................................................27
5.1. Conclusion............................................................................................................................................27
5.2. Recommendation..................................................................................................................................28
5.3 Limitations.............................................................................................................................................28
References....................................................................................................................................................29
Appendixes..................................................................................................................................................31

viii
 List of Tables
Tables Page No

Table 3.6 Survey of Total Population………………………………………………………….15

Table 4.1 Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents………………………………….16

Table 4.2 Types of Event Tourism in Bahir Dar City………………………………………….18

Table 4.3 Types of Event Tourism that Respondents Participated………………………..…...19

Table 4.4 The Role of Events for Local Economy……………………………………………...20

Table 4.5 Hazards and Treats Associated with the Development of Event Tourism …………..21

Table 4.6 Attitude of the Local Community Towards the Development of Event Tourism…….22

Table 4.5 Challenges of Event Tourism in Bahir Dar City………………………………….…..23

Table 4.9 Other Challenges of Event Tourism…...…………………………………….………. 25

ix
 List of Figures
Fig. 2.1. Conceptual Frame Work……………………………………………………………12

x
List of Abbreviations

BJR: Bahir Dar

CSA: Central Statistical Agency

UNTO: United Nation World Tourism Organization

xi
 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Event tourism is one of the largest and rapidly growing industries in the world. In the early years
of the twentieth century, event tourism has continued to expand. The continuing growth of event
tourism in the past century clearly indicated that the greatest contribution of the sector in its
economic, environmental, social and cultural dimensions. The evolution of the event tourism
industry on recent decades has leads to the emergency of a strong industry favored by the rapid
globalization of markets and communication Allen et al (2002). Event tourism has emerged as
one of the most promising methods of integrating income generation and cultural conservation,
particularly in the developing world Getz (2000, p. 11). Event tourism as one type of tourism
contributes a great role for the world economy and currently many African countries are engaged
and benefited from tourism specifically event tourism.

Many planned events are produced with little or no thought given to their tourism appeal or
potential since that is not always the intended outcome. Sometimes this is due to the organizers
‘specific aims, and sometimes there is simply no relationship established between events and
tourism. Event tourism appeared that the long-standing promotion of one hallmark event, the
annual Exhibition and Stampede, results in small festivals being perceived as insignificant,
overshadowed in the media, and somewhat deprived of sponsorship according to the festival
managers. Events desiring the support or cooperation of tourism agencies, or simply looking for
increased respect, tend to conduct tourism and economic impact studies to ‘prove’ their value in
economic terms.

Although tourism is one of the fastest growing industries today; within the tourism industry
events are getting more and more important (Erfurt & Johnson, 2003). According to Getz (1997),
events have during the last decade become an important means for communities and tourist
regions to gain advantage and meet a variety of economic, social and environmental goals. Due
to the increased competitiveness among tourist destinations, the pursuit and development of
events has become big business (Getz, 2004).

1
According to Getz and Goldblatt (1997), events are ‘a unique moment in time’ and ‘aside from
everyday occurrences’ (Berridge, 2007). Public or private, commercial or charitable, celebratory
or commemorative-events bring people together to share an experience and produce a
measurable outcome (Silvers, 2004). Civic events, conventions, expositions, fairs and festivals,
hallmark events, hospitality, incentive travel, meetings and conferences, retail events, reunions,
social life-cycle events, sport events, and tourism are the examples of subfields of events
(Goldblatt, 2005). People have become more and more interested in events of all kinds and will
travel far away to participate in events that they find interesting.

The event is all about people-people coming together to create, operate, and participate in an
experience (Silvers, 2004). It is an activity that gathers the target group in time and room, a
meeting where a message is communicated and happening is created (Eckerstein, 2002). The
term event is used for describing different activities designed for different purposes. These
activities can be art, sports, tourism and social activities, and can also be activities organized by
giant organizers more professional and more formal (Argan, 2007).

Event tourism although could impact socio-culturally on a host community by way of

strengthening the regional values or traditions, and it also has the potentiality of
introducing social and cultural costs to the host community. Despite the fact that a host- guest
interaction is improved through joint participation in festivals and events, it can also be
strained by events and tourism in general (Getz, 1997).

Event tourism in Ethiopia is considered to be in its lower stage, and it needs many activities to be
done to develop event tourism. Amhara National Regional State is rich with many natural and
cultural resources that can be developed and managed. The region’s capital city Bair Dar is also
rich in both natural and manmade resources and the city itself is a destination for both foreign
and domestic tourists so this is an ideal for the development of event tourism in the city.

1.2. Statement of the Research Problems

Nowadays events play an important role in both employment creation and income generation. It
also plays a great role in income generation and employment creation in the city. Event tourism
can be developed in the city but still not worked very well. Getz (1997), stated that events are

2
temporarily occurrence, either planned or unplanned, and they usually have a finite length which
is normally fixed or published for planned events.
The prime motives for the researchers to conduct this study are different. First, the research team
has experience of organizing event tourism and this has enabled to notice the current
environment of event in Bahir Dar city. Second, there no vivid studies that shows the socio-
economic contribution of event tourism in the city. Third, the research team understands that
event tourism is not developed in collectively structured way and this inspires to find out the
challenges for conducting events. So this study tries to fill the gap in the past researches by
identifying and describing the role of event tourism for local economic development and
challenges in case of Bahir Dar city.

1.3. Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 General Objective

The general objective of this research is to assess the Role of Event Tourism for Development of
Local Economy in the case of Bahir Dar City.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To identify the types of events in Bahir Dar City.

2. To describe the role of events for development of local economy in Bahir Dar City.

3. To identify the challenges that hinder event development in Bahir Dar City.

1.4 Research Questions

The intention of this research was to identify the roles of developing event tourism in Bahir Dar
city. Therefore the study was conducted to answer the following basic questions:

 Which types of tourism events prevails in Bahir Dar city?

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  What are the roles of Event tourism development in Bahir Dar city?
 What are the challenges of Event tourism development in Bahir Dar city?

1.5 Scope of the Study

The study was focus on finding out the roles and challenges of event tourism for local economy
development, and geographically the study is limited to Bahir Dar City.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This research was significant to provide information for researchers, tourism offices, private
sectors that plan and participate in Event tourism, hotels and other Event related private sectors,
volunteer’s population who has participated on Event tourism sector, to increase an involvement
of public and private sector in organizing event tourism, and to identify the problems that hinders
event development in Bahir Dar city.

1.7. Definition of Key Terms

Tourism: The activities of peoples travelling to and staying in places outside their usual
environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not
related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited.

Event: An event is something that happens at a given place and time, a special set of
circumstances, a noteworthy occurrence.
Event Tourism: a contact of varying intensity, during travel, with the natural heritage, arts,
philosophy that increase tourism destinations and their cultural institutions.

Role: a good position, or prospect as for advancement or success.

Challenges: to demand as due or deserved.

4
1.8. Organization of the Research

This research was cover five chapters. The first chapter deals with background of the
study, statement of the problem, objectives of the research, scope, limitations and
significance of the research, definitions of key terms and the organization of the research
study, the second chapter; was provides review of related literature that will be collected by
the researcher, the third chapter; explains about the methodology, description of the study
area, determination of sample size, sampling design and techniques, the subjects of the
study, the research instruments, and data gathering procedure, and data processing method
used in this study, the fourth chapter; provides the details about the result and discussions
from the analysis of the collected data, and the last chapter; is the final part of the study,
consisted of the conclusions and recommendations.

5
CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1. Definition of Event

An event is often described as something that ‘happens’, and therefore, in that sense, it could use
the term event management to describe the organization of everything that happens. Getz defines
an event as ‘an occurrence at a given place; a special set of circumstances; a noteworthy
occurrence’ (Getz, 2007), and this definition embraces a wide range of possibilities with one
important thing in common and they can only occur once.

A unique moment in time celebrated with ceremony and ritual to satisfy specific needs. Event is
an occurrence happening at a determinable time and place, with or without the participation of
human agents. It may be a part of a chain of occurrences as an effect of a preceding occurrence
and as the cause of a succeeding occurrence (Goldblatt, 2005).Events become occasions “for
people to come together to celebrate, to demonstrate, to worship, to honor, to remember, to
socialize…” (Douglas et al. 2001).

2.2. Typology of Event Tourism

The universe of events is very diverse, and any classification is bound to be incomplete. The
seven categories of planned events can be found in every culture and community. They can be
linked by way of economic development and tourism policy, through cultural strategies or by
professional event managers, yet they are often produced and managed in complete isolation
from each other. A great exercise for researchers is to attempt an inventory of all these types of
events an exercise that is bound to result in frustration owing to the large number of events.
Recognizing the importance of categorizing events, Hall (1992) provides a classification of
tourism events discussed below.

2.2.1 Festival Event

Festivals are one of the most common forms of cultural celebration, and while many are
traditional, with long histories, the majorities have been created in recent decades. Many of the
other major types of event, especially art and entertainment, are frequently found within or as the

6
theme of festivals. Art festivals are common, but with considerable diversity in form and types of
art featured. By way of classification, the following categories of art are important: visual (e.g.,
painting, sculpture, handicraft), performing (e.g., music, dance, drama, cinema, storytelling,
poetry; usually involve, performers in front of audiences), participatory (no separation of
performer and audience).Most communities and many organizations host numerous recreational
events such as sport games (rather than formal competitions), social outings and not-for-profit
amusements. The essential difference from related events is in the total orientation to having fun.
Games and sports for fun are marked by participation, are typically non-competitive, or at least
winning is downplayed, and might feature skills development or team building.

Festivals and other "cultural performances" in which cultural elements are displayed are rich in
meaning and provide a "text" - the "reading" of which can educate an observer about the host
culture and community. As explained by Manning, (1983), celebration is performance: "it is, or
entails, the dramatic presentation of cultural symbols." Celebration is public, with no social
exclusion, is entertainment for the fun of it, and is participatory - actively involving the celebrant
who takes time out of ordinary routine, and "does so openly, consciously and with the general
aim of aesthetic, sensual and social gratification".

Crompton and McKay, (1997) stated that “a decision to visit a festival is a directed action which
is triggered by a desire to meet a need. Although they are only one of multiple variables that
explain behavior, motives are the starting point that launches the decision process.” p. 425.
Bewen and Daniels, (2005) defined festival as events in which music is a key part of the event
and the values being communicated, and are often accompanied by other activities related to the
festivals main theme in addition to music.
Falassi, (1987) has summarized contemporary English-language definitions of "festival", of
which the most pertinent is "a sacred or profane time of celebration, marked by special
observances". While traditional festivals often retain religious or mystical roots, contemporary
festivals are primarily "profane", or secular. And although many traditional festival themes have
been retained, including those related to the harvest, countless new themes have been
established.

7
2.2.2 Sport Event

The sport event apart from being a form of tourism has in past time been one of the oldest and
most sustaining activities of the human race. Sport events is a fast growing segment of the entire
events industry just like every other segment, and it entails both individual sports and multi-sport
events. Sport events have a very viable potential of attracting tourist visitors and also generate
media exposure and economic impacts to host nations or destinations. For this reason, most
government event strategies and destination marketing programs have been earmarked towards
it. Apart from benefiting the host government, destination or organization, it also benefits
participants involved and gives entertainment and enjoyment to spectators (Allen et al, 2011).
Sport event provides an economic value to the area due to tourist expenditures (Daniels and
Norman, 2003; Veltri, et al, 2009).

2.2.3 Cultural Event

Getz, (1991) defines a cultural event as a public celebration that may include dance, movies,
theatre, music, arts and crafts. A“ Celebrate” has multiple meanings: to observe a day or event
with ceremonies of respect, festivity or rejoicing (such as thanksgiving celebrations), to perform
a religious sacrament or ceremony (such as to celebrate mass or a marriage), to extol, praise or
acclaim, to make widely known Synonyms include: to commemorate, honor or distinguish
“Culture” pertains to the many and diverse ways that identifiable human societies and groups
live their lives (i.e., their “lifestyle”), organize their affairs (e.g., forms of government and social
conventions) and distinguish themselves from others (e.g., through rituals, celebrations and
traditions).

2.2.4 Religious Event

Travel to attend religious events has increased worldwide, however the research on this subject
still limited in terms of deep knowledge of travelers motivation, interests and needs (Timothy
and Conover, 2006).Many religious festivals occur around the world, although many appear to
have been secularized to some degree. Religious or spiritual symbols are also frequently
incorporated into otherwise secular events, ranging from prayers at public assemblies to the

8
blessing of ships before sailing. One generic type of religious event is the “pilgrimage” to holy
places. Shackley, (2001) identifies them as “liner events” in which the journey might be as
important as the destination in terms of visitor motivations and experiences. Religious events
have become a major tourist attraction, gradually joining the promotional offer of several major
destinations as a way of strengthens the competitiveness of places by highlighting its uniqueness
(Francis et al, 2010).

2.2.5 Business Event

Interest in the tourism value of business events, including meetings, conventions, and exhibitions
(both trade fair and consumer shows) has been intense for so long that almost all major cities
possess impressive convention and exhibition facilities, along with agencies devoted to selling
the space and bidding on events (Boo et al, 2008).Business events are numerous business
meetings on which experiences in business administration and economic and non-economic
activities are exchanged. They are various conventions, congresses, conferences, seminars and
symposiums, which contribute to connecting people and sharing knowledge and information.
These events are of business and commercial nature and make a very strong impact on tourism
and all its activities. Events of this nature are present in larger cities and major tourist
destinations. Events that have the greatest impact on the development of a certain tourist
destination are some "mega" and "hallmark" events that are big, international events developed
primarily to act positively on the profitability and attractiveness of the tourist destination.
However, local events can play an important role in the tourist development and the scope of
tourist traffic at a tourist destination.

2.3 Role of Event Tourism Development

Many destinations are using events as part of their destination marketing strategies as they have
the potential to attract visitors to the destination, gain media exposure, build destination branding
and leverage economic benefits(Carlsen, Getz & Soutar 2000; Chalip et al, 2002).
People have become more and more interested in events of all kinds and will travel far away to
participate in events that they find interesting. According to Getz, (1997) these people form their
own tourism market segment event tourism. Event tourism as a market segment consists of those

9
people who travel to attend events and their companions who act as normal tourists. It includes
also people who can be motivated to attend events while away from home.
Crompton and McKay (1997) suggest that event manager should stress on knowing the motives
of the event attendees, in order to provide better service, as motives are critical in the decision
making process, and thus, leads to greater attendance.
Events can enhance the tourism experience by providing newness, freshness and change, which
sustain interest in the destination for locals, and promote its attraction for visitors. Tour operators
choice of which destinations to promote depends on the agenda of events of destinations and its
popularity and strength built attractions and facilities everywhere have realized the advantages of
‘animation’ the process of programming interpretive features or special events that make the
place come alive with sensory stimulation and appealing atmosphere. Before efforts and
investments are made to develop these events, it is necessary to assess the impact they may have.
These assessments are crucial to the planning process (Williams and Bowdin, 2007).

All events have a direct social and cultural impact on their participants, and sometimes on their
wider host communities as outlined by Hall, (1997). This may be as simple as a shared
entertainment experience, as is created by a sporting event or concert. Burns and Mules (1986,
p.5) suggested that it would ‘be useful to have a standard format by which the events may be
evaluated and compared with each other’. Other impacts include increased pride, which results
from some community events and celebrations of national days, and the validation of particular
groups in the community, which is the purpose of many events designed for senior citizens and
disabled people. Some events leave a legacy of greater awareness and participation in sporting
and cultural activities. Others broaden people’s cultural horizons, and expose them to new and
challenging people, customs or ideas (G.A.J.Bowdin et al, 2001).

The role of event tourism in achieving different kinds of benefits, for example, seen to increase
the attractiveness of destinations to both tourists and the local people, raise publicity and media
coverage of destinations, and enhance destination images. Moreover, events are seen to increase
job opportunities and to work as catalysts in stimulating infrastructure. Events are also
considered as important means to liven up destinations during off-peak seasons and play a
significant role in generating repeat visits to destinations. Event and event tourism although
could impact socio-culturally on a host community by way of strengthening the regional values

10
or traditions, and it also has the potentiality of introducing social and cultural costs to the host
community. Despite the fact that a host- guest interaction is improved through joint participation
in festivals and events, it can also be strained by events and tourism in general Getz, (1997).

2.4. Challenges of Event Tourism Development

There are some challenges of event tourism development. Such as; environmental issues
involved in operating an event; the most obvious being the repercussion of transportation. This
contributes to greenhouse toxic emission as well as other negative effects on natural resources.
The problem can also be found in the volume of rubbish produced and the need for their
disposal. This issue is well discussed by Meegan Jones in 2010 titled ‘Sustainable Event
Management: A Practical Guide’, the author discussed that the major areas of impact of events
are energy, transport, waste management, waste reduction and resource recovery, including
materials purchasing and procurement. High usage of these elements creates undesirable effects
to the ecosystem. For example, using transportation during an event produces an amount of toxic
emission that will affect the ecosystem. As to overcome this problem, the event organizers
should limit the number of vehicles used in an event. For example, providing shuttle busses help
to reduce the usage of smaller vehicles that may only carry little load. Reducing environmental
impact from transportation becomes one of the main problems in event management. Hence, it is
important that event stakeholder’s practices environmental protection during organizing an
event. Pollution is one of the major problems of tourist industry all over the world (UNWTO,
2008). Water pollution; Water surfaces situated in and nearby event areas are usually exposed to
significant environmental threats and pollution, which may be caused by the maintenance of
additional facilities supporting events. Air pollution from event tourist transportation that treat on
the global level; especially from carbon dioxide emissions. Sewage; it is a factor that provides
basic life conditions for both local residents and the natural environment.

The challenge’s that affect a destination like traffic congestion; which resulting from
participation in recreational activities such as sporting events, concerts, and festivals. Terrorism;
it is the systematic use of terror, often violent, especially as a means of coercion in the
international community, however, terrorism has no legally binding, criminal law (UNWTO,
2009).

11
 2.5. Conceptual Framework of the Study

Economic Roles
Economic Challenges
 Job creation
 Boosts local  Budget constraint
economy  Opportunity costs
 Lack of facilities

Event
Socio-cultural Roles Tourism Socio-cultural
 Social cohesion Challenges
 Expanding cultural
 Lack of awareness
perspective Roles Challenges
 Political instability
 Building community
 Traffic congestion
pride

Environmental Roles Environmental Challenges

 Increasing  Pollution
environmental  Environmental
awareness degradation
 Showcasing the
environment

Fig.2.1.Conceptual Framework

Source: Developed by researchers (2017)

12
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1. Description of the Study Area

Bahir Dar (BJR) is a city in north western Ethiopia, approximately 565 kilometers far from
Addis Ababa and it is the area where this research will be conducted. Astronomically, the study
area is located at 11º29' – 11º41' N latitudes and 37º16' – 37 º 27’ E longitudes. The landscape is
flat with some small hills to the east and west. The average elevation in the city is about 1800
(5906 feet) meters above sea level. The city covers an area of about 16000 hectares. Lake Tana
is one of the largest lakes in Africa and it feeds the Blue Nile River and also the largest lake in
Ethiopia situated in the study Area. It covers 3,050 km².

Based on the 2007 Census conducted by the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia (CSA), Bahir
Dar Special Zone has a total population of 221,991, of whom 108,456 are men and 113,535
women; 180,174 or 81.16% are urban inhabitants, the rest of population are living at rural
kebeles around Bahir Dar. At the city of Bahir Dar there are 155,428 inhabitants

3.2. Research Design

In the study the researchers used both mixed (qualitative and quantitative) research approaches
because qualitative research approaches help to explore the issue to understand the fact and also
to answer the research question. The quantitative approach may help to organize and interpret the
respondents. The study used descriptive research design because it helps to gathering data that
describes events and then organizes, tabulates, depicts, and describes the data collection (Glass &
Hopkins, 1984).

3.3. Source of Data

The study used both primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected through
questionnaire and interview and Document analysis was used by the researchers for the purpose
of collecting secondary data. Secondary data was collected from different documents, books and
other related materials.

13
3.4. Target Population of Study

The subjects of this study was selected from entities concerned with organizing events such as
culture and tourism offices, hotels, sport offices, religious institution, cultural clubs and cinemas
which is found in Bahir Dar city.

3.5. Data Gathering Instrument

The data collection instruments of the study were questionnaires which contain different
questions about event tourism. So the engaged questionnaire was distributed among event
organizers and participants in Bahir Dar City. Interview was conducted to collect data from
representatives of the following institutions such as culture and tourism offices, hotels, sport
offices and religious institutions. Books, journals, magazine, and other necessary written sources
were also used as secondary source of data.

3.6. Sampling Technique and Sample Design

In the study, the team was used both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. From
probability sampling stratified sampling and simple random sampling will be employed to select
the samples from different target population found in the study area. Sample was selected from
all of target population proportionally. The grand total of the sample was first determined by
using Yamane formula from the grand population as follows. i.e.

n = N/1+N (e) 2
n= sample size
N= total population
e= calculation error
1=constant number
Given; N=300
e= 10%=0.1
n= 300/1+300(0.1)2
=300/1+300(0.01)
=300/1+3
n =300/4= 75

14
Table 3.6 Survey of total population

Our survey shows that the total population of the target area of this study estimated to be 300 and
this has been detailed below.

Target population(category) Total target population Each sample size

Culture and tourism staff 60 15
Sport staff 32 8
Religious institutions(Sellasie 40 10
and Selam Argiwu Maryam
church
Hotels(Benmas and Addis 80 20
Amba ), Blue Nile Resort
Cultural clubs 52 13
Cinemas (Hyper and Bahir 36 9
Dar cinema)
Total target population 300
Total number of sample 75
Source: Survey, 2017
As the table 3.6, above indicates, the sample size has been determined from different target
population proportionally. The target population of the study is 75 individuals are taken as a
sample size to represent the entire population. To cover the sample size of n=75, to the time and
financially limitation, the researchers used 40 samples from the sample size of 75.

3.7. Method of Data Analysis

At the end of the study, the data that collect from the representative of the given respondent was
analyzed and discussed in detail by using qualitative and quantitative data analyze method.
Qualitative data analyzed through descriptive methods and quantitative data analyzed through
percentage and tabulation.

15
 CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSIONS

This chapter is concerned mainly with the data analysis and interpretation which was collected
through questionnaire and interview. To collect relevant data 54 questionnaires were prepared
and distributed to the stakeholders of event tourism such as, Culture and tourism office of Bahir
Dar city, Sport office of Bahir Dar city, Addis Amba and Benmas hotel, Sellasie and Selam
Argiwu Maryam church, Bahir Dar and Hyper cinema and Cultural clubs of Bahir Dar city.
Totally 40 questionnaires were filled by the respondents. We have also interviewed 2 individuals
from culture and tourism offices, 2 individuals from religious institutions, 1 individual from
sport office of Bahir Dar city and 2 individuals from Addis Amba and Benmas hotel. The study
used a table to interpret the entire work of the study.

4.1 Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents

The table shows the personal information of the respondents who have participated in the study.
By sex, age, marital status and educational level.

Table 4.1 Demographic characteristics of respondents

Sex Count %
Male 25 62.5%
Female 15 37.5%
Total 40 100%
Age
18-30 21 52.5%
31-40 15 37.5%
41-50 4 10%
51 and above - 0%
Total 40 100%
Marital Status
Married 20 50%

16
 Single 20 50%
Divorced - 0%
Widow - 0%
Total 40 100%
Educational Level
Illiterate - -
Literate 3 7.5%
Certificate 4 10%
Diploma 13 32.5%
Degree 16 40%
Masters and above 4 10%%
Total 40 100%

Source: Survey, 2017

As indicated in the table 4.1, male respondents of the study account for 25 (62.5%) while female
respondents of the study are 15 (37.5%). This shows that both male and female respondents are
involved in the study area and majority of the respondents are males. It also illustrates that
majority of the respondents are between the age 18-30 (52.5%) while of the respondents grouped
under 31-40(37.5%), respondents under the age of 41-50 (10%) and 51 and above are (0%) that
means none of the respondents are grouped under this and above age group. As the researcher
understood form the tables above majority of the respondents are young between the ages of 18-
31.The marital status of the respondents that accounts 50% were married while 50% are single
and while none of the respondents are in divorced and widowed status. As it can be understood
from the result the sex distribution of the respondents was equal. It is unusual to see the perfectly
equal participation of females with males in economic activities especially in developing
countries. Similarly the table 4.1 above shows that the respondents in Bahir Dar city are from all
categories of educational levels determined by the researchers. The lower limit of educational
level is determined to be illiterate while the upper limit of educational level is determined to be
masters and above. From the entire respondents none of the respondents are illiterates, (10%)
were certificates and (32.5%) were diploma graduates, while (40%) respondent are degree,
(10%) of the respondents are master’s and above. So the majority of respondents were degrees.

17
4.2. Types of Events in Bahir Dar City

Janiskee (1980) defined events as a short time periods full of attractive and interesting activities
commonly concentrated in a limited geographic area to celebrate a current or an historical fact.
There are different types of events are hosted in Bahir Dar city, such as religious festivals,
cultural carnival, conference, sport events, and trade fairs.

Table 4.2 Types of events

Item Count %
Events prevails in Bahir Dar city
Religious festival 16 40%
Cultural carnival 6 15%
Conference 9 22.5%
Sport event 3 7.5%
Trade fair 6 15%
Total 40 100%
Source: Survey, 2017
As the table 4.2, shows that types of tourism events prevails in Bahir Dar city, that most of the
respondents say religious festival 16(40%), conference 9(22.5%), cultural carnival 6(15%), trade
fair 6(15%) and 3(7.5%) of sport event. The above table mentioned types of tourism events like
sport event, trade fair and cultural carnival are less in ratio when comparing with other types of
events tourism that existing in Bahir Dar city. As result of this the researcher concludes that
religious festival and conference were the major types of events tourism in the city.

18
4.3 Types of Events that Respondents were participated

There are different types of events are hosted in Bahir Dar city. The percentages of respondents
who participate in organizing events are discussed below.
Table 4.3, Types of events that respondents were participated

Events that respondents were participated Count %

Items
Religious festival 18 45%
Cultural carnival 3 7.5%
Conference 8 20%
Sport event 7 17.5%
Trade fair 4 10
Total 40 100%
Source: Survey, 2017
As the table 4.3, the respondents have chosen tourism events that participated in the city. The
respondents say that religious festival 18(45%), cultural carnival 3(7.5%), conference 8(20%),
sport events 7(17.5%) and trade fair 4(10%). As result of this the researcher concludes that
religious festival and conferences are much of the respondents were participated while cultural
carnival and trade fair were less in ratio.

4.4 Role of Events for the Development of Local Economy

Today events have very significant impact on socio-economic development in the world. Events
contribute for sustainable flow of tourist and used to tackle the challenges of tourist seasonality.
The role of the event tourism development for the local economy and community are great.
These positive impacts of event tourism like; improvement in transportation and communication,
expanding cultural perspectives, job creation, boosting local economy, tax revenue,
environmental conservation and protection, and event for building the image of the destination.
Presbury and Edwards (2005) addressing events suggest that they can be very helpful for the
destination mainly for three interrelated reasons;

 Their capability to attract tourists and generate economic benefits

19
  The development of infrastructures and services
 The creation or strengthening of a brand image for the destination.
Table 4.4: The role of event for local economy
Role of event for local Very low Low Medium High Very high
economy No % No % No % No % No %
Events as a cause for - - 2 5 6 15 22 55 10 25
improvement transport and
communication
Role of event in boosting the - - 3 7.5 13 32.5 17 42.5 7 17.5
local economy
Event for expanding cultural - - 1 2.5 13 32.5 20 50 6 15
perspective
Events for job creation - - 3 7.5 9 22.5 22 55 6 15
Tax revenue from event - - 3 7.5 11 27.5 23 57.5 3 7.5
industry
Events to advance cultural - - 6 15 11 27.5 19 47.5 4 10
performances
Events for building the image - - - - 12 30 19 47.5 9 22.5
of a destination
Source: Survey, 2017
The table 4.4, above table shows the statements developed to investigate the role of event for
development of local economy in the study area.
As it is revealed on the table 4.4, respondents (55%) perceive that the events cause the
improvement of transportation and communication. Since, events have an ability to attract many
customers into the town and this leads to the demand for more infrastructural development such
as transportation. Similarly, 42.5% of the respondents have replied as the event tourism has a
role to boosting local economy. The event industry creates many job opportunities for the local
peoples where the event is organized. 50% of the respondents rating as events play a major role
for expanding cultural perspective. This implies events have ability to create cultural exchange
among the visitors and the hostess. It is also explained in the same table that 55% of the
respondents perceive that events can create job for local communities. 57.5% of the respondents

20
are replied that events have ability to maximize tax revenue. In addition to this, the data collected
from interview respondents states that different events provide potential revenues resulting from
those attending it and also offer an opportunity for leisure, social interaction and entertainment
for the community and visitors. The revenue which is collected from event is used for the
development of infrastructures and facilities which is important for event development. Events
bring together different performances throughout its program including a didactic component for
the public (Getz, 1997). As a result, 47.7% of the respondents replied as events have a role to
advance cultural performance of hostess and visitors. Finally, 47.5% of the respondents replied
that events have roles for building the image of the destination. In fact, hosting events can enrich
the image of the area and of it is host community, and increase the number of visitors both at
short-term and long-term (Lee et al., 2005). Based on the above data, the researchers concludes
that tax revenue from event industry, event as a cause for improvement in communication and
transportation, events for job creation, and event for expanding cultural perspectives are the
major roles of event industry.

4.5. Hazards and Threats Associated with Event Tourism Development in

Bahir Dar City

Table 4.5: Hazards and threats associated with event tourism development

Negative effects associated Count %

with event tourism
development in Bahir Dar city
Environmental pollution 18 45%
Traffic congestion 8 20%
Crime 10 25%
Prostitution 4 10%
Total 40 100%
Source: Survey, 2017
According to table 4.5, even though events contribute for development of local economy, there
are negative effects associated with event tourism development in the city, 25% of the
respondents perceive that events create crime. The crimes also targeted at tourists and locals who

21
are believed to have lots of money to spend and carry valuables such as cameras and jewelry.
20% of them replied event results in traffic congestion. The other 45% of them say events bring
environmental pollution. When the hostess and visitors are not used their resource appropriately
such as, the pollution of air resulting from visitor cars. 10% of the respondents they have doubt
that events can encourage the practice of prostitution. In addition to this the data that we get from
interview about the treats of event tourism development; the interviewees says that crime against
tourists and event participants were treats they were also losing valuables to local thieves. The
interviewees also discussed that event tourism has paved way for the increase in prostitution
activities. “Prostitution is somehow increased in the area as members of the community try to
look for money from tourists as well as those who get money from tourism related activities”. As
a result the local community should be trained about the negative impacts of prostitution, such as
psychological imbalance and exposed to transmitted disease (HIV/AIDS).

4.6. Attitude of Local Community towards Event Tourism Development

The attitude of the local communities about developing an event plays a crucial role to attract
different visitors. Their attitudes maybe positive, negative and indifferent depend on their
perception towards events.

Table 4.6: The attitude of the local community towards event tourism development in
Bahir Dar city

Attitude of local community towards event tourism development Count %

in Bahir Dar city
Positive 29 72.5%
Negative 5 12.5%
Indifferent 6 15%
Total 40 100%
Source: Survey, 2017
As table 4.6 shows that the attitude of the local community towards event tourism in the city;
29(72.5%) of the respondents believe that local communities have positive attitude towards
tourism development. 5(12.5%) believe that local communities have negative attitude. 6(15%)

22
of the respondents replied local people are indifferent with tourism development. From this the
researchers conclude that much of the local community have a positive attitude towards
development of event tourism in the city.

4.7. The Challenges of Event Tourism

Table 4.7, the challenges of event tourism

Challenges of event tourism Very low Low Medium High Very high
No % No % No % No % No %
Awareness of local 1 2.5 11 27.5 15 37.5 10 25 3 7.5
communities about event
tourism
The experience of businesses 2 5 10 25 10 25 15 37.5 3 7.5
on organizing events
The coordination among 4 10 14 35 8 20 11 27.5 3 7.5
stakeholders to develop event
tourism
Security problem on 6 15 11 27.5 17 42.5 4 10 2 5
organizing events
The contribution of 2 5 9 22.5 16 40 8 20 5 12.5
government for developing
events
The number of conference 1 2.5 6 15 18 45 12 30 3 7.5
centers in Bahir Dar city
The promotional level of 2 5 9 22.5 22 55 4 10 3 7.5
event industry of Bahir Dar
city
The seasonality of tourist flow 2 5 9 22.5 16 40 12 30 1 2.5
in Bahir Dar city
The number of professional 5 12.5 11 27.5 10 25 7 17.5 7 17.5
event organizers in the city
Source: Survey, 2017

23
The table 4.7 above shows that 65% of the respondents have indicated the communities have low
or medium level of awareness about event tourism. Hence, 60% of the respondents perceive that
local communities have low or medium experience of tourism business. One of the reasons for
low experience in tourism business is low coordination of stake holders including government.
The government’s role is still low to enhance event development in the study area. As the table
4.7 indicates not less than 50% of the respondents have replied as the coordination among the
stakeholders is low. The event industry is also affected by the security problem. The respondents
(45%) believe the situation of security level can be rated as medium. According to table 4.7
above, 25% of the respondents’ rate the security problem is high in the study area. The
contribution of government is crucial for developing an event by funding money. As the table
4.7, above shows that 62.5% of respondents rate the contribution of government in event
industry as low or medium. This implies that the government does not participate in event
industry. In addition to this the data that get from interview indicate that the contribution of
government for developing an event is very low specially in terms of funding money for event
facilities. The tables 4.9, above shows that 75% of the respondents have indicated that
conference centers are medium or high. This implies that lacks of conference centers are the
challenge that hinders event tourism development in the city. As the interview conducted with
culture and tourism office, sport office and hotels, it is possible to say that there is a lack of
facilities such as lack of conference hall, lack of enough stadium, shortage of concerts and hotel
rooms are the challenges that draw back event tourism development, because without the
availability of those facility the industry does not develop and attract tourists. Promotion is very
vital component of tourism business development. Effective promotion can motivate tourist visit
to a particular destination even if there is infrastructural problem (Kauffmann, 2008). Promotion
becomes effective whenever promotion is done through targeting the potential customers using
appropriate media. As the table 4.7, above shows that 77.5% of respondents replied that the
promotional level of event industry is low or medium. This implies that the majority of the
respondents said a low promotional level is a challenge for the development of event industry.
During interview one interviewee said that “bodies in the event industry were expected to
promote event industry, actually they did but it is little. This means the industry is not promoted
very well. This in turn affects the development of event tourism and the income generated from
it”. Therefore it is possible to conclude that limited promotion is a challenge for developing

24
event tourism. It is known that tourism fluctuates from season to season in our country. As the
researchers explained in the table 4.7, above 62.5% of respondents perceive that seasonality of
tourist flow have low or medium that affects the event tourism. So that it is also prevails in the
study area, in which tourists are very high in some months of the year and low in other months.
Using this data it is possible to say that majority of the respondents accepted the fact that
seasonality of tourist flows has affected the development of event tourism. As the table 4.7,
above explained 52.5% of respondents replied that low or medium for the above question that,
number of professional event organizers in the city. This implies that the number of professional
event organizers in Bahir Dar city is small and in addition to this the data that get from interview,
interviewees say that there is a lack of professional event organizers which is not well trained,
well equipped and well experienced for organizing an effective event and this poor performance
may leads to failure of an event.

4.8. Other Challenges of Event Tourism Development in Bahir Dar city

Table 4.8, other challenges to develop events

Challenges that hinder event tourism Count %
development in Bahir Dar city

Lack of money 17
42.5%

Limited infrastructural development 6 15%

Lack of awareness 8 20%

Lack of promotion 9 22.5%

Total 40 100%

Source: Survey, 2017

As it has been indicated in table 4.8, one of the challenges to develop event tourism in Bahir Dar
city is lack of money (42.5%). 15% of the respondents say limited infrastructural development
has affected event development in the town. The rest 20% of them say lack of awareness makes
event stop at stop an infant stage. Finally 22.5% of the respondents replied lack of promotion is
another challenges of event tourism. As a regional city Bahir Dar city could have been promoted

25
for its potential in event industry. Events in the city are not promoted. In addition to this data that
got from interview, infrastructural development like road is not a serious challenge that
participant of event tourism in Bahir Dar can get the city, because there are enough roads that
can bring participants from different areas to the study area.

26
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

Having carried out a research of this magnitude, where findings have surfaced from the analysis,
it is necessary and very important that recommendations are given. The recommendations are
focus on how the positive impacts of event tourism on the city can be increased and also the
possible ways to reduce the negative impacts of events.

5.1. Conclusion

This study is mainly focused to assess the roles of event tourism for local economic development
in Bahir Dar city. The results of this study analyzed the types of events, their roles and
challenges of event tourism development in the city. Event tourism like religious festival and
conference are the major types of event in Bahir Dar city. Although sport, trade fair and cultural
carnivals are also other prevailing events in the city. Event can effectively be a crucial resource
to attract different types of visitors. These different types of events tourism provide revenues,
resulting from those attending it and also offer an opportunity for leisure, social interaction and
entertainment for the community and visitors. All events have a direct socio-cultural and
economic impact locally. These events are improving the image in which spreading positive
attitudes about a destination. Its economic roles was manifested through creating job
opportunities, and this is increasing the level of interest of local people to participate in activities
related to the event tourism; reinforcing traditional values and customs at the destination. To the
visitor, the event is providing a chance for a leisure, social, or cultural experience outside the
normal range of choices or beyond everyday experience.
The finding of this research is indicating that there are many challenges that hinder the
development of event tourism in Bahir Dar city. The following challenges are find out during
this research process and these challenges retard the development of event tourism in Bahir Dar
city. The first and the leading challenge is low promotional level of event industry, small number
of conference centers, and seasonality of tourist flow and lack of money. In addition to this there
are many negative effects of event tourism in Bahir Dar city such as; crime, prostitution, traffic
congestion, and environmental pollution.

27
5.2. Recommendation

Based on the finding of the study the recommendations have been forwarded below in order to
minimize the challenges that hinder event tourism development in Bahir Dar city.

 Creating awareness for the local community and other stakeholders towards the
importance of event tourism. Culture and tourism office of Bahir Dar city should use its
effort to create awareness on local community to have a sense of belongingness about
event tourism.
 Promote the types of event tourism in order to attract different visitors to the destination.
 Encourage local communities, private sectors and sponsors participation in event tourism
development activities.
 The government must participate and contribute for event tourism development in terms
of funding finance for event, and by providing different incentives for event organizers.
 There should be a means where residents are sponsored to come up with events from
their own cultural background; this will impact a lot on the city by way of introducing
new ideas to event organizers in the city and also expanding the cultural horizon of the
inhabitants.
 Encouraging the private investors, larger cooperation’s and the city council to invest in
the development of the event tourism infrastructure. If more finance is made available for
the hosting of events, especially bigger events like sport event, more tourists both local
and internationally will be attracted to the city and the positive impacts will be high.

 Developing and promoting a high-quality, sustainable, and inclusive program of public

events to raise the profiles of the city as a tourist destination of great importance.

5.3 Limitations

The limitation of this study was the shortage of documents related to the title or subject of the
study that will face from making this research, financial constraint-lack of budget to conduct the
study, time restriction-lack of time to conduct the senior research project and to collect the data
to analyze different questionnaire will take time.

28
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 Appendixes
Apendix one

BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND HOTEL MANAGEMENT
QUESTIONNAIRES EVENT TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS
Dear Respondents
This questionnaire will filled out by the stakeholders of event tourism in Bahir Dar City. The
objective of this questionnaire is to collect information about The Role of Events for local
economic development in Bahir Dar City as a partial fulfillment for the BA (Bachelor of Art)
degree program in Tourism and Hotel Management for tourism and hotel management students.
Your genuine response will have great value for our research findings. The information collected
from you will be used only for academic purpose. Your cooperation and truthful answer is highly
needed for validity and reliability of the research. Therefore, we kindly request you to fill this
questionnaire with genuine responses and we would like to thank you in advance.

Instruction
 You are kindly requested to respond to each question by reading attentively
 No need not to write your name and address.
 Write your answers on the blank spaces provided for open ended questions.

 Please put thick () for your answers

31
Part 1: Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents
1. Sex: Male Female
2. Age: 18-30 31-40 41-5 0 51 and above
3. Educational level: Illiterate Literate Certificate College diploma
Degree Master's and above
4. Marital status: Married Single Divorced Widow
Part 2: Based on types and challenges of event tourism related questions

1. Which types of event tourism prevails in Bahir Dar city?

Religious Festival Cultural Carnival Conference
Trade fair Sport events
2. In which type of event have you ever participated?
Religious Festival Cultural Carnival Conference
Trade fair Sport events if others,
3. What are the challenges to develop event tourism in Bahir Dar city? (you can choose more
than one).
Lack of money Lack of awareness
Limited infrastructural development Lack of promotion
4. What is the attitude of local community on development of events in the city?
Positive Negative Indifferent
5. Are there hazards and treats associated with event tourism development in Bahir Dar city?
Crime Environmental Pollution
Traffic Congestion Prostitution

32
Part3: The role and challenges of event tourism
Please rate the following table by encircling on the number provided for your choices. The
numbers are denoted as, 1=very low, 2=low, 3= medium 4= high, and 5=very high.
No Questions Rating scale
Role of event for local economy
1 Events as a cause for improvement transport and communications 1 2 3 4 5

2 Role of Event tourism in boosting the local economy 1 2 3 4 5

3 Event tourism for expanding cultural perspectives 1 2 3 4 5
4 Events for job creation 1 2 3 4 5
5 tax revenue from event industry 1 2 3 4 5
6 Event for environmental conservation and protection 1 2 3 4 5
7 Events to advance cultural performances 1 2 3 4 5
8 Events for building the image of a destination 1 2 3 4 5
Challenges
1 The awareness of local communities about event tourism 1 2 3 4 5
2 The experience of businesses on organizing events 1 2 3 4 5
3 The coordination among stakeholders to develop event tourism 1 2 3 4 5

4 Security problem for organizing events 1 2 3 4 5

5 The contribution of government for developing events 1 2 3 4 5
6 The number of conference centers in Bahir dar city 1 2 3 4 5
7 The promotional level of event industry of Bahir Dar city 1 2 3 4 5
8 The sustainability of tourist flow in Bahir Dar city 1 2 3 4 5
9 The number of professional event organizers in the city 1 2 3 4 5

Appendix two
33
 Interview questions prepared for culture and tourism office
1. What are types of tourism related events conducted in Bahir Dar city?
2. What are the major roles of events for local economic development in Bahir Dar city?
3. What are the challenges of event tourism development in Bahir Dar city?
4. How do you see the current development level of event tourism in Bahir Dar city?
5. Who are the stakeholders of event tourism in Bahir Dar city?
6. In what way the stakeholders should play a significant role for the development of event
tourism in the city?
7. How much the local communities are interested to participate in event tourism in the
city?
8. What measures do you think are to be taken to develop event tourism in the city?

Appendix Three

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Interview questions prepared for hotels

1. What do you know about event tourism?

2. What your hotels participation in organizing event looks like?
3. As the hotels are one of the stakeholders of event tourism, so in what way your hotel
should play significant role for the development of event in the city?
4. What activities are performed by your hotel to host an event?
5. How do you see the level of event tourism development in relation to organizing event in
your hotel?
6. What is expected from tourists who stayed in your hotel and participated in your event?
7. Are there any logistical problems that hinder the development of sport event tourism in
Bahir Dar city?
8. What measures will you take to develop event tourism in the city?

Appendix Four

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Interview questions prepared for sport office

1. What are the potential attractions for event tourism in Bahir Dar city?
2. How do you see the awareness of local communities towards event tourism?
3. How do you evaluate the current status of event tourism in Bahir Dar city?
4. What challenges have you observed in Bahir Dar city in regarding to event tourism
activities?
5. Are there any logistical problems in relation to hosting an event in Bahir Dar city?
6. What measures should be taken to develop event tourism in the city?

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 Appendix Five

Interview questions for religious institutions

1. What do you know about event tourism?

2. What are the major challenges that hinder such religious events such as, timket and
meskel festivals?
3. Whom do you think are responsible for promoting and preserving religious events in the
city?
4. What things are expected from the local community for promotion and preservation of
religious events such as, meskel and timket festivals in the city?
5. What measures do you think to be taken to promote and preserve religious events in the
city?

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