INTRODUCTION Globalization can also be simply described as the movement of goods, ideas, values, and people around the world. The term was first used in the early 1950s to recognize the increasing interdependence of economies and societies around the world. Globalization, however, has existed for centuries by way of evolving trade routes, including the slave trade, colonization, and immigration. 1. MEANINGS OF GLOBALIZATION Globalization is a difficult term to define because it has come to mean so many things. In general, the term refers to the trend toward countries joining together economically, through education, society and politics, and viewing themselves not only through their national identity but also as part of the world as a whole. Globalization is said to bring people of all nations closer together, especially through a common medium like the economy or the Internet. Globalization is the process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide. As a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, globalization is considered by some as a form of capitalist expansion which entails the integration of local and national economies into a global, unregulated market economy. Globalization has grown due to advances in transportation and communication technology. With the increased global interactions comes the growth of international trade, ideas, and culture. Globalization is primarily an economic process of interaction and integration that's associated with social and cultural aspects. The term globalization derives from the word globalize, which refers to the emergence of an international network of economic systems. One of the earliest known usages of the term as a noun was in a 1930 publication entitled Towards New Education, where it denoted a holistic view of human experience in education. The term 'globalization' had been used in its economic sense at least as early as 1981, and in other senses since at least as early as 1944. Theodore Levitt is credited with popularizing the term and bringing it into the mainstream business audience in the latter half of the 1980s. Since its inception, the concept of globalization has inspired competing definitions and interpretations. Its antecedents date back to the great movements of trade and empire across Asia and the Indian Ocean from the 15th century onward. Due to the complexity of the concept, various research projects, articles, and discussions often stay focused on a single aspect of globalization. Sociologists Martin Albrow and Elizabeth King define globalization as "all those processes by which the people of the world are incorporated into a single world society." In The Consequences of Modernity, Anthony Giddens writes: "Globalization can thus be defined as the intensification of worldwide social relations which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events occurring many miles away and vice versa." In 1992, Roland Robertson, professor of sociology at the University of Aberdeen and an early writer in the field, described globalization as "the compression of the world and the intensification of the consciousness of the world as a whole. Current globalization trends can be largely accounted for by developed economies integrating with less developed economies by means of foreign direct investment, the reduction of trade barriers as well as other economic reforms, and, in many cases, 2. THE INFLUNCE OF GLOBALIZATION ON TOURISM 2.1 terrorism, Safety, and Security Terrorist attacks and political unrest globally have certainly disrupted tourism, but not halted it. The area’s most affected, of course, are those where unrest has occurred and has been the focus of extensive media attention. A global terrorism index produced by the Vision of Humanity organization shows a fivefold increase in terrorist fatalities. The Islamic State (ISIS), Boko Haram, the Taliban, and alQaida are groups responsible for many of the 18,000 terrorism-related deaths in 2013, which represented an increase of 60% over the previous year. While safety and security may not be the driving reasons for tourists selecting a particular destination, certainly a lack of safety and security often eliminates a location from travelers’ “wish lists.”Safety and security for travelers is becoming more important as countries move to protect their citizens. Government agencies around the world produce advisories and warnings for their citizens to stay away from dangerous locations and political unrest. Travel advisories serve as warning systems for people from specific countries to avoid particular destinations because of actual or potential threats to citizens. The focus on safety and security has had several impacts on travelers. Most notably, security at most airports has been increased in an effort to protect people and planes. Screening procedures can take longer and some items are no longer allowed on board. Other security requirements, such as showing passports and providing fingerprints, have been implemented for entry into some countries. While all acts of terrorism cannot be stopped, the tourism industry is attempting to provide as much safety and security as it can. 2.2 Increased Awareness of New Destinations Another influence of globalization on tourism is a greater awareness of destinations and the range of leisure activities, sites, and cultures to visit around the world. Generating knowledge of a destination is obviously a key first step in marketing a destination, and this is achieved by way of travel shows, films, blogs, and other forms of communication. The competition to attract visitors is fierce considering the sheer number of places available for travel; it can be easy to get lost in the noise of global competition. 2.3 poverty Globalization has contributed to increased demand for goods and services and overall economic growth, with the result of global poverty having decreased over the years. However, at the same time, the gap between the richest and poorest has expanded. A significant portion of the world’s population is simply unable to participate in, or benefit from, tourism. The economic gains from a tourism economy in a developing country such as Honduras versus a developed country such as Canada is unequal. Simply put, not everyone has the same opportunities to profit. Environmental costs are also unevenly distributed in the world, with poor countries lacking the resources to adapt to impacts such as - droughts, increased disease, soil erosion), and shouldering the majority of the repercussions of phenomena such as global warming. 3. Tourism is a Pro Poor industry Pro Poor tourism is set up in developing countries as a means to improve the local economy for local people. It enhances the linkages between tourism businesses and poor people; so that poverty is reduced and poor people are able to participate more effectively in tourism development. The aims of pro-poor ranges from increasing local employment to involving local people in the decision making process. Any type of company can be involved such as a small lodge or a tour operator. The most important factor is not the type of company or the type of tourism, but that poor people receive an increase in the net benefits from tourism. Pro-poor tourism is broadly defined as a tourism development approach that generates net benefits for the poor .This includes economic as well as environmental, social and cultural dimensions. Tourism is becoming a significant and growing economic sector in most developing poor countries .It is an integral component of many sustainable development strategies. However, recent debates have arisen over the actual effect the tourism industry has within developing countries, and to what extent it actually helps the poor. Tourism can contribute to the well-being of the poor through generation of jobs, income-earning opportunities, and indirectly by infrastructure developments, opportunities to interact with cultures, gain access to new markets, and encouraging conservation of natural and cultural assets. By enhancing local livelihood, tourism can enable communities to survive rather than seeing the out-migration of their youngest and brightest citizens. Seeking positive outcomes for the poor requires close attention to demand, product quality, marketing, investment in business skills and inclusion of the private sector. Tourism still allows wealthier people to benefit more than the poor. “The ‘fairly poor’ are more likely to receive benefits than the ‘poorest’, who lack the capital and skills to exploit economic opportunities. Although tourism is a profit-driven business dominated by the private sector, it supports the thought that tourism offers better prospects for pro-poor growth than most other sectors. Tourism offers better labour-intensive and small-scale opportunities. Projects at a local level can be very beneficial to some communities and individuals. Their wellbeing should be central in pro-poor tourism efforts. However, the bigger picture remains unfortunately a tremendous and complex problem. Tourism itself may bring immediate economic benefits to the poor, but it does not necessarily offer a longer-term solution to the challenge of poverty. Unless structural changes will be made the hopes for reducing poverty in many parts of the developing world remain poor indeed. Schilcher (2007) suggest that we may also need a shift in policy, from a focus on growth, to equity. 3.1 The support of tourism in developing countries Tourism in many developing and least developed countries is the most viable and sustainable economic development option, and in some countries, the main source of foreign exchange earnings. Part of this income trickles down to different groups of the society and, if tourism is managed with a strong focus on poverty alleviation, it can directly benefit the poorer groups through employment of local people in tourism enterprises, goods and services provided to tourists, or the running of small and community-based enterprises, etc, having positive impacts on reducing poverty levels. Tourism in the recent years has been characterized by two main trends; firstly, the consolidation of traditional tourism destinations, like those in Western Europe and North America; and secondly, a pronounced geographical expansion. There has been a substantial diversification of destinations, and many developing countries have seen their tourist arrivals increase significantly. Arrivals to developing countries accounted for 46% of the total international arrivals in 2011. Tourism has become a major player in the economy of developing countries. 4. Pulling and pushing factors affecting tourism in Ethiopia Push factors are defined as internal motives or forces that cause tourists to seek activities to reduce their needs, while pull factors are destination generated forces and the knowledge that tourists hold about a destination. Most push factors are intrinsic motivators, such as the desire for escape, rest and relaxation, prestige, health and fitness, Adventure and social interaction. Pull factors emerge due to the attractiveness of a destination, including beaches, recreation facilities and cultural attractions. Traditionally, push factors are considered important in initiating travel desire, while pull factors are considered more decisive in explaining destination choice. The pull factors are active sports environment, unique natural environment, safety, sunshine, inexpensiveness, cultural activities, entertainment, sightseeing, local culture, different culture and cuisine and uniqueness of small towns/villages/mountains. 5. World cultural and natural heritages of Ethiopia 5.1 world cultural heritages of Ethiopia Cultural property includes the physical or "tangible" cultural heritage, such as artworks. These are generally split into two groups of movable and immovable heritage. Immovable heritage includes building so (which themselves may include installed art such as organs, stained glass windows, and frescos), large industrial installations or other historic places and monuments. Moveable heritage includes books, documents, moveable artworks, machines, clothing, and other artifacts, that are considered worthy of preservation for the future. These include objects significant to the archaeology, architecture, science or technology of a specified culture. ROCK HEWN CHURCHES OF LALIBELA Dubbed as the ‘New Jerusalem’, this is one of the most breathtaking sites included in this list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in Ethiopia. Located in the Amhara Region, this site boasts of 11 monolithic cave churches that were built in the 13th century. The churches are located within a traditional village with circular-shaped dwellings. The city of Lalibela itself is considered important for the Christian community in Ethiopia since it is a place of pilgrimage and devotion Fasil Ghebbi covers an area of about 70,000 square meters. To its south lies Adababay, the market place of Gondar, where imperial proclamations were made, troops presented, and criminals executed; it is currently a city park. Fasil Ghebbi is enclosed by a curtain wall which is pierced by twelve gates. These are, in counter-clockwise order: Fit Ber (also called Jan Tekle Ber) opening onto Adababay; Wember Ber (Gate of the Judges); Tazkaro Ber (Gate of Funeral Commemoration), which had a bridge destroyed by fighting during the reign of Iyasu II; Azaj Tequre Ber (Gate of Azaj Tequre), which once was connected by a bridge to Adababay Tekle Haymanot church; Adenager Ber (Gate of the Spinners), which was linked by a bridge to Qeddus Rafael church in the weaver's section of Gondar; Qwali Ber (Gate of the Queen's Attendants), next to the modern entrance to Elfin Giyorgis church inside the Enclosure; Imbilta Ber (Gate of the Musicians); Elfign Ber (Gate of the Privy Chamber), which gave access to the private apartments of the Fasil Ghebbi; Balderas Ber (Gate of the Commander of the Cavalry); Ras Ber (Gate of the Ras), also known as Qwarenyoch Ber (Gate of the Qwara people); Ergeb Ber (Gate of Pigeons), also known as Kechin Ashawa Ber (Gate of the Gifts); Inqoye Ber (Gate of Princess Inqoye, the mother of Empress Mentewab; and Gimjabet Mariyam Ber (Gate of the Treasury of Mary), which leads to the churchyard of Gimjabet Mariyam church. AXUM The ancient city of Aksum is located close to the northern border of Ethiopia. The ruins of this ancient city were recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to its cultural importance. In fact, this city marked as the heart of the ancient Ethiopia that also reflects the power of the kingdom at that time. There are several ruins in the ancient city that include royal tombs, ancient castle ruins, monolithic obelisks, and giant stelae. Konso Cultural Landscape This is another cultural site on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ethiopia. It is an arid property of stone walled terraces and fortified settlements. This cultural tradition has been around for over 21 generations (over 400 years) in Ethiopia. It is an excellent example of how the settlements and the humans living in the region adapted to the dry and hostile environment in the Konso highlands. Within the site, you will also find wooden statues that were put up to honor key members of the community. In fact, they have innovated the use of stone steles that indicate the passing of important leaders of the community. Harare Jugol This historic and fortified town is located amidst a plateau with deep gorges. The fortified town is also surrounded by savannah and deserts. The walls that surround this sacred city were built from 13th century and completed by the 16th century. It is also believed to be the holiest city for Islam due to the rich collection of important Islam monuments notably including 82 mosques and 102 shrines. But above all, this town is culturally significant in Ethiopia as it showcases the fusion of Islamic and African traditions in a single town – both in terms of urban development, layout, and overall character of this town. Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region This property included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ethiopia consists of eight component sites. The main site is the Fasil Ghebbi palace compound. Meanwhile, the other seven sites are located within the city of Gondar. These sites include a monastery, church, thermal area, bath, and a palace. Gondar was established as the capital of Ethiopia by King Fasil during the 17th century. By the 18th century, the site was transformed from a camp into a fortified compound. 5.2 WORLD NATURAL HERITAGES OF ETHIOPIA Natural heritage" is also an important part of a society's heritage, encompassing the countryside and natural environment, including flora and fauna, scientifically known as biodiversity, as well as geological elements (including mineralogical, geomorphological, paleontological, etc.), scientifically known as geo diversity. These kind of heritage sites often serve as an important component in a country's tourist industry, attracting many visitors from abroad as well as locally. Heritage can also include cultural landscapes (natural features that may have cultural attributes). UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ethiopia Lower Valley of the Awash This site is not only important for Ethiopia but also for the entire African continent. This site holds the largest and most important collection of palaeontological sites. The oldest of the remains on the site date back to more than 4 million years ago. This site is the perfect example of human evolution since the conception of humankind history. The biggest discovery on the site took place in 1974 when 52 skeletal fragments allowed the reconstruction of the famous Lucy. Lower Valley of the Omo This prehistoric site at the lower valley of the Omo is famous all over the world. Several fossil remains were discovered on this site near Lake Turkana. The most notable fossil discovered here is the Homo gracilis. It was fundamental in the study of human history and evolution. Included in this site is Fejej and Konso paleontological research sites wherein there are sedimentary deposits found that researchers trace back to the plio-pleistocene period. Simien National Park This national park comprises the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia. It is the only natural site in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ethiopia. It is also among the first sites in Ethiopia to be recognized by UNESCO (inscribed in 1978). It was recognized for being the refuge for many endangered species living among the Simien Mountains including the walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf. However, it was also included in the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger in 1996.