Somaliland Tourism Feasibility Study
Dr Sada Mire led a collaborative research project with Horn Heritage Organisation (Somaliland), Dunira Strategy (UK) and The Ministry of Sports, Tourism and Youth Affairs on Somaliland cultural heritage tourism feasibility. The Somaliland Tourism Feasibility Study is a project exploring the possibilities and challenges facing the development of cultural heritage tourism in Somaliland. It includes recommendation for ways forward in the establishing of tourism infrastructure for cultural heritage tourism in Somaliland. The project was launched in Hargeisa with local representatives and other stakeholders. The report on the feasibility study provided suggestions for sustainable tourism. The project was funded by a Comic Relief Common Ground Initiative Research, Consultation and Planning Grant. The project follows Dr Mire’s work on cultural heritage tourism development in Somaliland. It explores existing opportunities with the aim of developing cultural and heritage tourism in Somaliland, as a driver of social and economic development. The grant is funding a feasibility study determining the development potential of cultural and heritage tourism in Somaliland. The project was designed to align local needs and capabilities with the international community’s expectations and market desire. Such an approach is imperative to ensure the genuine sustainable development of destinations. The specific focus for the project is the cultural and natural heritage tourism potential in the corridor between the port city of Berbera and Hargeisa the capital city, which includes the famous rock art site and ancient marvel of Laas Geel.
