Mekelle: 19 December 2023 (Tigray Herald)
“The comprehensive list of tourism structures, along with strategies for branding and promotion, for Aksum-Tigray Tourism industry. The strategies are presented in alphabetical order:
1. Archaeological Tourism:
Explore and promote Aksum’s rich archaeological sites, including ancient ruins and artifacts.
Develop guided tours highlighting historical significance.
2. Cultural Tourism:
Showcase Tigray’s unique cultural heritage, traditional practices, and artistic expressions.
Organize cultural events and festivals to attract visitors.
3. Dark Tourism:
Dark tourism is defined as the act of tourists traveling to sites of death, tragedy, and suffering in the Tigray genocidal war. opening for visitors and researcher’s.
Sensitively highlight historical sites, such as Al-Nejashi Mosque, affected by conflicts.
Develop educational programs to create awareness about the region’s history.
4. Eco-war Tourism:
Emphasize sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Engage in environmental conservation efforts and showcase ecotourism initiatives.
5. Heritage Tourism:
Promote iconic heritage sites like Al-Nejashi Mosque and the Church of Our Lady, Mary of Zion.
Highlight their cultural and historical significance.
6. Mountain and Landscape Tourism:
Promote Aksum’s picturesque landscapes and mountainous terrain.
Develop hiking and trekking trails to showcase natural beauty.
7. Pilgrimage Tourism:
Promote Aksum as a destination for religious and spiritual pilgrimages.
Provide facilities for pilgrims visiting religious sites.
8. Religious Tourism:
Highlight religious sites such as the Church of Our Lady, Mary of Zion.
Collaborate with religious institutions to facilitate pilgrimage tours.
9. Rock-Hewn Church Tourism:
Feature the unique rock-hewn churches in promotional materials.
Organize guided tours to explore these ancient architectural marvels.
10. Rural Village Tourism: – Showcase the charm of Tigray’s rural villages and their way of life. – Develop homestay programs for a more immersive experience.
11. Sacred Tourism: – Emphasize the spiritual and sacred aspects of Aksum’s religious sites. – Collaborate with religious leaders to enhance the spiritual experience for visitors.
12. Sustainable and Ecotourism: – Implement sustainable tourism practices to preserve the environment. – Develop eco-friendly accommodations and promote responsible tourism.
Branding and Promotion Strategies:
1. Collaborative Marketing:
Partner with travel agencies, both local and international, for joint promotional campaigns.
2. Digital Marketing:
Utilize social media, websites, and online platforms to reach a global audience.
Showcase captivating visuals and stories to attract potential tourists.
3. Cultural Exchanges:
Establish cultural exchange programs with other regions and countries.
Encourage a cross-cultural understanding to attract diverse visitors.
4. Event Sponsorship:
Sponsor and participate in relevant tourism and cultural events.
Use these platforms for brand exposure and networking.
5. Local Community Involvement:
Involve local communities in tourism development and promotion.
Showcase community initiatives and cultural contributions.
6. Public Relations Campaigns:
Develop PR campaigns to highlight positive aspects of Aksum-Tigray tourism.
Address any concerns or misconceptions through effective communication.
7. UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination:
Actively pursue UNESCO World Heritage Site status for key landmarks.
Leverage the designation for international recognition and promotion.
Road Map Strategies:
1. Infrastructure Development:
Invest in road, transportation, and accommodation infrastructure.
Improve accessibility to key tourist destinations.
2. Regulatory Framework:
Establish and enforce regulations to ensure sustainable tourism practices.
Provide guidelines for responsible tourism development.
3. Stakeholder Engagement:
Engage with local communities, businesses, and government bodies.
Foster collaboration for unified tourism development efforts.
4. Tourism Education Programs:
Implement educational programs for local communities and tourists.
Raise awareness about cultural sensitivities and environmental conservation.
5. Visitor Experience Enhancement:
Continuously improve visitor experience through feedback mechanisms.
Train hospitality professionals to provide high-quality services.
6. Crisis Management Planning:
Develop contingency plans for handling crisis situations.
Ensure the safety and well-being of tourists during unforeseen events.
7. Sustainable Resource Management:
Implement strategies for sustainable resource management.
Preserve natural and cultural resources for future generations.
These road map strategies, when implemented strategically, can contribute to the successful development and promotion of Aksum-Tigray as a thriving and sustainable tourism destination.
