The main purpose of this research is to assess the challenges and prospects of religiousrntourism development in Debre Damo MonastelY; Gulemekeda Wereda eastern Tigray,rnand recommends on how best it can be enhanced and replicated in other similar areas. Inrnorder to achieve the objective of the study, both primary and secondwy data wererngenerated by employing qualitative and quantitative methods. Most of the quantitativerndata collected from the local communities, surrounding residential areas, andrntaurists/pilgrims were analyzed using the commonly used sojiware SPSs. The obtainedrnresults were then discussed by using tabulation through percentage, tables, graphs andrnother descriptive statistics. Readily non-quantifiable data that gives support to the ideasrnobtained quantitatively was analyzed qualitatively. Ten resources were identified asrnpotential at/raction for religious tourism development in Debre Damo Monastely. Exceptrnmovable tangible heritages which is kept in secrete by few monks, Ihe rest tourismrnpotentials were being utilized and rated as altrac/ive resource for majorily ofrnrespondents. Absence of inveslment in tourism facility, poor performance of marketing,rnpoor infrastructure development especially road, pure water, health center,rnenvironmental pollulion, low level of local communily participation, begging and lowrnlevel of governmenl intention were identified as challenges of religious tourismrndevelopment in Debre Damo. Despite these challenges, in increase trend of domestic andrninternalional tourists arrival by 15.5% for the last five years was registered in the sludyrnarea. This has contributed to an increase in job creation and revenue of the Monastery.rnMoreover, its geographic location in the norlhern historic route is an opporlunily forrnsustainable religious lourism development. Debre Damo MonastelY has huge religiousrnlOur ism potential and opporlunities despite challenges. Tourist facilities development,rnroad construction and fully involvement of the local communily need to be impiemenledrnby the concerned bodies.rnKey word: Religion, Development, Deber Damo