Heritage Tourism and ICT for Economic Development in Sudan

The paper discusses the benefits of upgrading archaeological sites to support tourism development, which can make conservation self-reliable. The study takes Taabia Mahdia Fort in Sudan as an example. Upgrading the site by completing the conservation works essential will be a preliminary requirement to enhance the sites’ potential for tourism industry. Taabia Mahdia Fort being a site of national importance it can play an important role in promoting and sustaining the tourism industry of Sudan. The paper also points out, the need for participation of local experts and communities in developing the fort and the environment and facilitating tourists enhancing its possibilities for tourism industry. The data used for this study was collected via semi-structured interviews of authorities and site visits. The responses received from the authorities and local communities confirmed that the governmental investments in conserving such sites to support tourism infrastructure can help to promote the country’s economy extensively. The paper opines that lack of interest in such archaeological sites due to lack of heritage awareness, leads to neglect and deteriorations of the sites and their surrounding which hold great economic potential. Authors put forward some suggestions to improving heritage conservation to promote tourism in Sudan.