Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Community Based Tourism carries greater number of advantages to the wider community by
improving the living standard in rural areas. Nilgala and in the periphery of Gal Oya National Park
are places where poor household population live though the areas is rich with natural cultural and
historical attractions, values and places promising for developing Community Based Tourism. This
study mainly focuses on finding the potential and challenges for Community Based Tourism
Development in Nilgala and in the periphery of Gal Oya National Park and exploring benefits of
promoting Community Based tourism in Nilgala and in the periphery of Gal Oya National Park. In
order to achieve objectives, this research adopted to the qualitative approach and primary data were
collected from 11 several key stakeholders in Nilgala and in the periphery of Gal Oya national park.
Semi structured interviews were used with a purposeful sampling technique. A qualitative data
analytical method was employed and the collected data were transcribed and analyzed by using
qualitative content analysis. The findings of the study revealed about the socio-cultural, economic,
and environmental benefits of Developing Community Base tourism related to the Nilgala and
periphery of Gal Oya National Park. Absence of Infrastructure Facilities, Poor Government
Cooperation. Lack of Human resources and Lack of E-Commerce Awareness, less awareness,
Economic Problems, Poor Knowledge about Concept were the challenges for developing
Community Base tourism. Moreover, tourism assets and tourism attributes which can be converted
in to effective tourism products were identified as the potentials for Community Base Tourism
Development in Nilgala and periphery of Gal Oya National Park. The recommendations of this
study included directions to avoid Challenges and ways to develop the tourism in Nilgala and
periphery of Gal Oya National Park.
Keywords: Community Based tourism, potential, develop, qualitative study, community
empowerment
