Issues and Opportunities of Rural Area Development with Community Tourism in Sri Lanka

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CONTENTS

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION3

1.1Background of the Study3

1.2Purpose of the Study4

1.3Rationale of the Study4

1.4Aims and Objectives6

1.5Research Questions7

1.6Ethical Considerations7

1.7Structure of the Research8

CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW10

2.1Sri Lanka and Tourism: An Overview10

2.2Conceptual Overview: Community-based Tourism12

2.3Tourism Potentials in Rural Areas14

2.31Agro-based Tourism15

2.32Adventure Tourism16

2.33Health Tourism16

2.34Nature-based Tourism16

2.35Culture-based Tourism17

2.36Spiritual and Heritage Tourism17

CHAPTER 03: METHODOLOGY18

3.1Research Philosophy18

3.2Research Design18

3.3Data Collection19

3.4Qualitative Research21

3.5Assumptions of Qualitative Research21

3.6Confidentiality21

3.7Validity22

3.8Time Frame23

REFERENCES25

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Tourism industry is considered as the fastest growing industry around the globe, as well as, in the developing world (Tosun, 2001). Moreover, tourism is also considered as the major stimulator of economic growth in any country. The tourism industry is growing fast because of the increasing vacation time, rising incomes, rising population globally, reduced travel time, fall in real transport costs and globalisation (Wen & Tisdell, 2001). The developing world has also recognised the positive contributions of this industry in elevating the economic growth (Sharpley, 2000), and has included this industry in their development strategies as a fundamental part (Balaguer & Jorda, 2002). Consequently, many researchers have discussed and produced extensive literature studies on the issues surrounding tourism industry in the developing world, over the last two decades (Fossati & Panella, 2000; Harrison, 2001; Lanza & Pigliaru, 1998; Tisdell, 2001, & Dabour, 2003). The literature studies discussed the aspects of tourism-induced development such as, community welfare, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings (Andriotis, 2002). Hichcock et al. (1993) studied the tourism analysis and asserted that the international visitors are apprehensive of their personal safety at the tourist destination and therefore, tourism industry can only succeed under peaceful conditions. For instance, Sri Lanka is also affected by civil unrest and war.

However, tourism industry is also deemed responsible for the socio-cultural and environmental degradation, as well as, for less value added contribution to the developing nations. It is assumed that in these developing countries, even the small economic gains are not equally distributed among the different social groups. Moreover, the development of local communities has also been ignored. Sri Lanka has also a variety of resources in order for it to become one of the most popular tourism destinations. Moreover, it can be argued that mass tourism development is very much promoted in Sri Lanka according to its prior tourism development strategies (Silva, 2002). The rural areas of Sri Lanka has very attractive palm-fringed and sandy beaches, blue coastal water, well-preserved ruins, attractive landscapes. Moreover, ancient cities of the fifth century BC are also amongst the major attractions of the country. However, Sri Lanka has always encouraged mass tourism by ignoring the environmental impacts and the bottom of the society. Therefore, this study intends to assess and examine the potential of rural area development with community tourism in Sri Lanka.

Purpose of the Study

The major purpose of the study is to identify and examine the issues of community tourism in Sri Lanka. The study will also focus on the natural and artificial resources, aspects of attraction of the destination sites, capacity of communities, ...