Browsing by Author "Karunarathne, A.C.I.D."
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Item Are We Ready to Hit?; The Preparedness of Hotel Sector to Grab the New Normal Market Bloom – Evidence from Major Chain Hotels in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Wijesinghe, B.G.L.T.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Ranaweera, R.A.A.K.The COVID -19 pandemic has made the global tourism industry more vulnerable. Many developing economies mainly relying on tourism are strongly challenged in industry resources and operational procedures hence demands a paradigm change. Consequently, the Sri Lankan hospitality industry is also tremendously affected from this pandemic. Currently, the hotels are seeking to reopen accepting the new normal condition, while adhering to the social restrictions and strict health regulations and emphasizing the importance of assessing the preparedness for the new normal pandemic situation. Hence, the current study was extended in order to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Sri Lankan hotel sector, to investigate the preparedness of the Sri Lankan hotel sector for the operations during the new normal condition of COVID-19 pandemic, and to examine the challenges ahead for the operations of hotel industry in preparing for the new normal condition of COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative research approach was adapted to provide a more comprehensive overview of the context. A representative sample of ten management level employees representing three major hotel chains in Sri Lanka were employed in data collection process selected through purposive sampling. In order to understand the context more deeply and elaboratively, the structured interviews were occupied to gather primary data in this study. The key findings indicated that hotels have been affected severely by the pandemic in terms of financial and operational aspects. Hotels have assessed their departments and established safety protocols to ensure a seamless hotel operation prioritizing the adherence to SLTDA operational guidelines introduced recently. It also revealed that lack of travel motivation of the public, high switching costs, various travel restrictions, challenge of ensuring safety of the guest and staff, human resource management practices, continuity of service quality, and competitiveness as key challenges faced by hotels due to the pandemic. Moreover, focusing more on the domestic segment, additional and redesigned training to employees, contactless services, promoting ayurvedic treatments and immunity boosting foods, are recommended for the Sri Lankan hotel industry. In conclusion, the study revealed that the Sri Lankan hotel sector is well prepared to operate under the new normal condition of COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: Hotel Sector; COVID-19 Pandemic; Preparedness; Impact and Challenges; New Normal Condition; Sri LankaItem Determinants of Length of Stay of Asian Tourists in Sri Lanka; What Makes their Stay Long or Short?(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Premasiri, N.G.B.M.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Tennakoon, T.M.P.S.I.; Sammani, U.G.O.The emerging industry remarks indicated a growing average length of stay over the years in Sri Lankan tourism. Length of stay denotes the amount of time that the tourist spends at a given destination whereas the durations of tourism trip refer to the length of time between departure from and return to home. However, Asia, the top source region to Sri Lanka has continuously reported the lowest length of stay over the years compared to all other regions. Therefore, the current study was carried out to identify the determinants of length of stay of Asians tourists in Sri Lanka in terms of socio-demographics, travel characteristics, destination attributes, and travel motives. Further, this study examined the contribution of travel agencies to extend the length of stay of Asian tourists in Sri Lanka. To achieve these objectives, primary data were collected through structured questionnaires from 150 Asian tourists who visited the cultural triangle and occupied structured interviews for managers of 8 travel agencies who handled the inbound tourism in Sri Lanka with the Asian market. A convenient sampling technique was employed to select tourists and travel agents in the sample. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and, thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Accordingly, the sociodemographics, travel characteristics, and destination attributes indicated a significant relationship with the length of stay of Asian tourists in Sri Lanka. Further, the budget and the free time were two of the most significant reasons for the lower length of stay. Problems with the allocated budget, language barriers, and itinerary changes were the most critical reasons for the lower length of stay as highlighted by the travel agent. Customized and improved tour package, integrated marketing communication, flexible pricing strategies, and, lowering the tax/levy and other charges will make a significant influence on the extended length of stay of Asian tourists’ in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Length of stay, Cultural triangle, Travel motives, Asian tourists, Sri LankaItem Effect of Authentic Atmospherics in Ethnic Restaurants on Consumer Emotions and Revisit Intension (special reference to Sri Lankan, Chinese & Indian restaurants in Colombo district(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Gamlath, D.G.M.H.C.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Sutha, J.Sri Lankan tourism sector has been identified as one of the key sectors propelling the country's economic growth. The Ethnic food market is one of the fastest growing industries globally. In this respect, this study attempted to explore the effect of authentic atmospherics in ethnic restaurants on consumer emotions and revisit intension. Investigating Sri Lankan, Chinese & Indian Restaurants This study gathered information from 300 guests who visited to ethnic restaurants in Colombo by convenience sampling technique. Further, the data were analyzed through Descriptive analysis, Correlation, Simple Regression. Apart from that, Preacher and Hayes multiple mediation assessment model 06 and Process Model 01 used to assess the mediation effect of emotion. The study found that there is a significant relationship between Authentic Atmosphere and Revisit Intension and Consumer Positive Emotions significantly and partially mediates the relationship between Authentic Atmosphere and Revisit Intension. Further, the finding of this study demonstrates Visitor Attitude significantly moderates in the relationship between Positive Emotions and Authentic Atmosphere. Finally, this study recommends to the ethnic restaurants to develop the authentic Atmosphere further in order to retain the customers.Item An Empirical Overview of Contemporary Revenue Management Practices in Hotel Industry; Evidence from Star Graded Hotels in Colombo District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Silva, D.A.C.S.Revenue Management is an integrated systematic approach widely accepted in the global hotel industry to achieve optimum revenue of service organizations through the manipulation of various strategies. Based on the industry specific characteristics, location, and availability of resources the applications of revenue management in different setups are profoundly varied. The solicitation of revenue management has more strategic and technologically driven practice and hence selecting a most appropriate display for the hotel revenue management in competitive business environment is controverted over the years. This study was conducted to understand and critically evaluate the revenue management practices and techniques, comparative to the hotel demographics and use of pricing and non-pricing revenue management tools in star graded hotels in Sri Lanka to deliver an overview of the application of this global concept in the local context. A selfadministered questionnaire consisted with seven sections was distributed among the top managers responsible for revenue decisions of each star graded hotel in Colombo district and collected responses from 45 hotels. Descriptive statistics was used to identify the level of application of diverse practices while ANOVA was used to identify the differences. The results were congregated the demographic data about the sample, various revenuegenerating services in in each hotels, revenue management tools applied at the hotel, revenue management team, RM software and distribution channel management, revenue management process, level of knowledge and application of different metrics and forecasting methods used for revenue management. The findings of the study provide ample indications for policy makers and hoteliers to intensify the importance of different revenue management tools and techniques in the hotel industry to meet the expected revenue hallucinations.Item Empirical Study on Residents Support Towards Sustainable Tourism Development in a Post-war Destination Sri Lanka: Special Reference to Trincomalee Area(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Shanmugarajah, R.; Kumara, P.H.T.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Sammani, U.G.O.Sustainable tourism is one of the niche markets of the tourism industry and a crucial determinant that mostly deals with the local population. The success and sustainability of any development project and the support of the local population in the area has a significant association in various aspects. Sri Lanka as an island has its potential to elaborate the tourism activities to an extent level. Resident support is a key force in any form of tourism because it directly deals with tourism development. Yet few researches related to tourism development in the Trincomalee area have been conductd particularly the community-based tourism in a broader view. The main focus of this study was to identify the existing level of resident support, socio-economic and environmental impacts, and the ways to accelerate the industry towards sustainable tourism. A convenient sampling technique was used to select the 20 local residents as the sample. A qualitative research design was adopted in this research. The information was derived from direct interviews and thematic analysis was utilized for the data analysis. Findings indicated that knowledge of tourism, resident-visitor interaction, and resident’s place image have the most favorable perception and they strongly influence on the existing resident support. Benefits of sustainable tourism were found as direct employment, economic growth, social empowerment, living standard, and cultural exchange. According to the results the negative impacts found were increaded cost of living, cultural influences, illegal activities, pollution, and overcrowding. Furtehr, the results revealed that adequate government support (human capital and financial) and stakeholder participation (community participation) could help to accelerate developing Trincomalee as a sustainable tourist destination. Accordingly, disciplinary actions, community awareness, and adequate government support could help to accelerate the sustainable tourism activities with the resident support. Keywords: Sustainability, Tourism, Resident support, Tourism development, ImpactsItem Evaluate the Quality of Homestay Tourism in Sri Lanka – With Special Reference to Ella(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.Homestay tourism industry is now very popular among travellers with more benefits. This research studied the quality of existing Homestay product in Sri Lanka and explores the expectations, level of met satisfaction and demographic characteristics of tourists and investigates which attributes are important in Homestay tourism in Sri Lanka. Further, this study could be applied to identify the product market match for the Sri Lankan Homestay. The data of this study was collected from Homestays in the Ella- Sri Lanka during January and February of 2013 using survey method. Structured questionnaire was employed with three categories to collect data on the tourists' expectation, perceived performance level and demographic information. 70 tourists were studied and questionnaires were distributed at the check¬out. Descriptive analysis, independent sample t- Test and ANOVA were employed according to respective objectives in this study. The results revealed that demographic characteristic (gender, age, marital status, education level and total household income) are not determined the expectations and met satisfaction of tourists. Most of the Sri Lankan Homestay tourists are females; young; single; well educated but have a lower level of income. Homestay tourists are highly expecting the real home experience but not much luxury facilities. Overall, the Sri Lankan Homestay product addresses the expectations of tourists.Item The Factors Affecting Customer Loyalty on Ethnic Restaurants in Sri Lanka; with Special Reference to Colombo District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Wickramasurendra, K.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Tennakoon, T.M.P.S.I.The strategic importance of food and beverage in the hospitality sector has made a significant growth in the restaurant industry worldwide. Modern customers are looking for more comprehensive experience within the restaurant beyond food and beverages. Hence, ethnic restaurants have been popularized around the world. However, attracting and retaining loyal customers have become a challenge in the sector due to the growing competition. Hence, this contemporary study was conducted to investigate the factors affecting on customer loyalty in ethnic restaurants in Sri Lanka. The data were collected using questionnaires distributed to the customers who visited selected 10 ethnic restaurants in Colombo district. For each restaurant type, 2 restaurants were selected and from those restaurants 30 guests were selected. The research sample consisted of 281 guests using convenient sampling, Descriptive statistics and structured equation modelling was used for data analysis. Results of the analysis illustrated that the most important factor that impact on customer loyalty was restaurant image. Results of hypothesis showed that restaurant image, price perception and quality of the restaurant had a positive effect on the customer satisfaction and customer trust while customer satisfaction, customer trust had a positive effect on customer loyalty. There was a partial mediation effect between independent variables and dependent variable when customer trust and customer loyalty act as mediator. Based on the results, quality of the restaurant and customer loyalty has the highest indirect effect due to the mediators. Lowest number of factor loading is gain by ‘Knowledge of the staff about the menu’ (0.38) and educating and training staff will improve it. This study will help to identify the factors that mostly affecting to the customer loyalty in Sri Lanka relevant to ethnic restaurants and to identify about customer attitudes regarding the ethnic restaurants and their preferences.Item Hospitality and Tourism Management Graduates' Perceptions and Attitudes of a Career in the Hospitality Industry(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.Sri Lankan hospitality industry is surpassing a thriving era than ever before. In the key development contour of the sector, human resource development has been identified as a foremost prerequisite in the hotel sector. There is currently a severe dearth of employees in the tourism and hotel sector in relation to catering the authorities' targets. Tertiary academic stakeholders are currently crossing the threshold to fulfil the essentials fabricating graduates in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Yet, very less number of bachelor holders are working in the hospitality industry as a paradigm. In order to recruit and retain desirable personnel in today's competitive labor market, it is important for employers to understand demands and perceptions of the workforce. The purpose of this empirical study is to identify the perceptions and attitudes of Hospitality and Tourism Management graduates towards a career in the hospitality industry. Sample was undertaken with most recent graduating cluster who are ready to start their career after the academics of four years special bachelor degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from two national universities of Sri Lanka. Graduates' perceptions were identified by means of variouse dimensions utilizing a structured questionnaire and graduates were asked to rate each. Discovering interests, attitudes and perceptions of the recruitment pool, employers will be able to gain competitive advantages and develop successful human resource strategies knowing what graduates looking for. Meantime, Universities and vocational institutes would cultivate sustaining protocols to produce graduates who are physically and mentally fit with the industry careers. Keywords: Hospitality industry, Graduates, Career, Perception, AttitudesItem Identify the Factors Influence on Purchase Intention of Local Foods by Foreign Tourists in Coastal Area in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Fernando, P.W.T.A.; Peiris, H.R.N.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Marasinghe, M.G.A.Sri Lanka is well-known for unique and authentic traditional food varieties and they have become one of the key attractions in tourism over the years. Recently, many initiatives have been taken at different levels contributing to develop and to promote gastronomy tourism. Accordingly, this study was aimed at identifying the inbound tourists’ perception of local foods and to identify the factors that influence local food choice of inbound tourists in the coastal area of Sri Lanka. Primary data were collected from 160 tourists on the South and East coast distributing a structured questionnaire using convenience sampling. Further, in-depth interviews were carried out interviewing 15 local food vendors using purposive sampling. Confirmatory factor analysis, descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis were employed to analyse the data. Results revealed that there is a high potential for local food to promote gastronomy tourism in the country. Further, socio-demographic, motivational, and psychological factors were influenced on the local food purchasing intention of tourists. The purchase intention of inbound tourists in the Sri Lankan context was not affected by sensory appeal and new taste (under the motivational and psychological factors). The study showed that the promotion of local food depends on government involvement whereas a strategic marketing campaign sould be used to bring traditional local food to the international level. Restaurant environment should be familiar to international tourists while maintaining the authentic features of the restaurants. Moreover, tourists were willing to have mild spicy varieties of food and healthy authentic local food. Further, this study directs future researchers to investigate the local food vendors’ perception of local food as a tourism product and tourists’ intention specifically on Ayurveda food in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Gastronomy tourism, Local food, Purchase intention, Vendor’s perceptionItem Impact of COVID 19 Pandemic on Camping Organizers in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Anuka, J.D.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Tennakoon, T.M.P.S.I.Camping is a form of popular entertainment activity and an inexpensive form of alternative accommodation closely associated with nature. Although this sector is far neglected by academic researchers, the segment has been extensively popular and holds a strong interest from travellers around the globe during the last decade. However, subject to the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic over the world, the camping organizers had to completely suspend the operations and struggled to re-start ensuring the health and safety of visitors. Hence, the purpose of this research is to identify the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic situation on camping organizers in Sri Lanka and the strategic initiatives taken in order to re-start the operations in new-normal conditions. The qualitative research approach has been occupied in order to achieve the objectives of the study. Sample units were selected using snowballing sampling techniques and structured interviews were conducted for 12 camping organizers in Sri Lanka until reaching the saturation point. Data collection was carried out from October to December 2020. The data analysis was done using content analysis and transcribed data were coded and interpreted manually. Results of the study revealed the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic situation on camping organizers in Sri Lanka under a few specific areas. Sri Lanka‟s camping organizers face an uncertain future and the hardest hit by economic fallout due to the global COVID 19 outbreak while occurring unprecedented challenges. Moreover, the results reflected that camping organizers perceive a negative attitude towards COVID 19, and the impacts, challenges, and strategies are concluded at the level of their perception. As short term strategies and long term opportunities, the concept of Virtual Reality (VR) camping could be adhered to under the new corona conditions. However, an integrated approach, such as awareness programs that progress to improve risk reduction measures, financial arrangements, and the issuance of a specific license from the government with more cohesion and assistance, would be supportive and adequate for camping operators to fast retrieve in future pandemics. Keywords: COVID 19; Camping; Camping Organizers; Impacts; challenges; Sri LankaItem Impact of Eco Tourism Practices on Customer Satisfaction (with special reference to hotels in Uva province)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Chathuranga, D.C.A.A.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Kulathunga, K.M.M.C.B.Sri Lanka has obtained tremendous ecotourism resources with great potential for further development in modern economy. The study based on two main objectives; to identify the existing situation of eco-tourism practices, and to assess the impact of eco-tourism practices on customer satisfaction. Sri Lankan eco resort hoteliers construct the meaning of eco-tourism practices in various ways. They are more towards nature based tourism, wild life tourism and environment conservation tourism. They were unable to target international eco-tourism standard and attract eco tourists. Because the hoteliers’ practice of the eco concept differs from international practices and standards, they could not meet the expectations of eco tourists. Even though eco-tourism concept main market is eco tourist market, they cater and address to other type of tourists. Comparing to the international ecotourism standard, Sri Lankan hoteliers consider only few practices as an essential components of an eco-tourism practices. Many hoteliers are launching awareness programs and interpretation programs to their stakeholders about the environmental conservation practices of the hotel and the hotel facilities. It is not about the eco hotels and ecotourism concepts. Therefore, need to launch correct awareness programs on the eco concept. Data collection of the study was conducted selfadministered questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed among 100 tourists who accommodated in the hotels in Uva province employing convenient sampling method. Ten hotels were selected using random sampling technique and ten guests were selected from each hotel for this study. Study examined the relationship between eco-tourism practices and customer satisfaction. The findings revealed that the existing situation of eco-tourism practices in Uva province the tourists are satisfied. According to Pearson correlation analysis, strong positive relationship has been proven in between eco-tourism practices and customer satisfaction.Item Impact of Engagement in Leisure and Recreational Activities on the Undergraduates’ Performance; Evidence from Tourism Undergraduates in State Universities, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Edirisinghe, E.A.I.M.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Idroos, A.A.Leisure & recreation is important to reduce stress and enhance the performance of anyone. Leisure is an important tool that is chosen by youngsters who are willing to deal with risk and adventure and their choice is supported by the youngsters who doubt engaging in risk and adventure. Undergraduates are a significant category within the youth and the education system. Learning and assessments, strikes, and financial burdens make them stressed. Hence, there should be some alternatives to overcome such stress, otherwise that will adversely affect their academic performance. Hence this research aims to examine the impact of leisure & recreational activities on the undergraduates‟ performance with the mediating impact of the stress of the undergraduates of tourism degree programs in state universities. The study was carried out quantitatively to get the outcome. Purposive sampling technique and simple random sampling technique was used to select the population and sample accordingly. A total of 200 respondents were given an online structured questionnaire representing undergraduates from tourism degree programs in state universities, Sri Lanka. The outcome obtained from the analysis illustrated leisure and recreational activities including home environment activities, sports, outdoor recreations and leisure tourism activities were individually impact positively on undergraduates performance with the significant P value (P < 0.05) while cultural activities and having high social content activities were jointly impact positively (P> 0.05) on undergraduate performance. Stress significantly mediated the relationship between leisure & recreational activities and undergraduates‟ performance. Their engagement in leisure and recreational activities help to reduce stress and enhance their performance. Accordingly, it can be concluded there is a positive relationship between the engagement in leisure and recreational activities and undergraduates‟ performance. This study shows that there should be an enhancement of engaging leisure and recreational activities as sports, especially the indoor sports activities, because most of the undergraduates are interested in engaging indoor sports when they are free. Furthermore, this study suggests that facilitating undergraduates to engage in leisure and recreational activities within university premises is necessary to reduce their stress. Keywords: Leisure; recreation; undergraduates‟ performance; stressItem Impact of Guests’ Attitude on Green Practices on Boutique Hotel Selection with Special Reference to Galle District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Herath, H.M.R.M.; Fernando, P.I.N.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.Travel and tourism industry has a strong commitment on sustainable operations due to the growing demand from the market. Especially, accommodation sector is more profound on the sustainable practices and has a huge conceive on green practices in the operation. Currently, the boutique hotels are prominently adopting green practices in their operation and make a huge investment on this effort. Hence, this research was conducted to identify the impact of guests’ attitude on green practices, when they select a hotel to stay during their travel. The objectives of this research are to identify the profile of the tourists who accommodate at boutique hotels, to identify the relationship and impact of guests’ attitude on green practices on boutique hotel selection. A sample of 148 foreign tourists who accommodated in boutique hotels in Galle district were selected using convenient sampling and a structured questionnaire was occupied for primary data collection. In order to achieve the objectives, the researcher conducted descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Findings indicated that green attitudes of guests on green practices significantly associated with the boutique hotel selection. According to the regression result, level of responsibility of Business Corporation was the most influential dimension on boutique hotel selection. It implies that guests’ who have the attitude of “level of responsibility of business corporations” are mostly visiting boutique hotels, spread positive word of mouth and willing to pay premium for the green practices. It can be recommended that hoteliers can inform customers through websites, social media and travel agents about their green practices. Further, researcher recommends that hoteliers should develop effective strategies to promote their hotel image, increase retention period and revisit intention by using ecofriendly concepts.Item Impact of Hotel Attributes on Hotel Selection of Millennial Tourists with Special Reference to Supplementary Lodging Establishments in Dambulla(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Randeniya, R.G.S.V.; Ranasinghe, J.P.R.C.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.Millennials, also known as the Generation Y are expected to represent 50% of the travel revenue by 2020 in Sri Lanka. The behaviours, perceptions, motives and expectations of these travellers are different compared to other travellers. Accordingly, the hotel selection of Millennials depends on various factors. This study focuses on the impact of hotel attributes on the hotel selection of the millennial tourists with special reference to supplementary lodging establishments in Dambulla UNESCO World Heritage City. According to the previous research statistics on accommodation choice of the millennial tourists in the Sri Lankan context, the supplementary lodging establishments had received a significant density. The study aims to identify profile of millennial tourists who select supplementary lodging establishments, to examine the relationship between hotel attributes and hotel selection of millennial tourists, and to identify the most and least influential hotel attributes that impact on hotel selection of millennial tourists. Primary data for the study was collected through the self-administered questionnaire. A total of 191 millennial tourists who stayed at supplementary lodging establishments in Dambulla were surveyed. Descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse data. The analysis exposed that there was a positive relationship between all the hotel attributes and hotel selection decision of millennial tourists. Highly influencing factors were price, and the location respectively with a strong positive relationship to the hotel selection of millennial tourists. The least influencing factors were staff service quality and room quality respectively. Based on the results, the researcher recommends for the initiations done towards implementing pricing strategies and location attributes in particular accommodation units, if to influence the demand of the hotel selection of millennial tourists in Sri Lanka.Item Potentiality of Implementation of Revenue Management Techniques in the Travel Agency Operations(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Wijesekara, S.P.; Ranasinghe, J.P.R.C.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.Revenue Management (RM) was popularized globally over the decades as an essential strategy in optimizing revenue in most of the capacity limited industries. The concept was originally derived from the airline industry and it was used not only as a mechanism to increase revenues but also to satisfy the customers’ needs. Airline, hospitality and recreational industries, and many of other service sectors except travel agencies, have been successfully applied RM approaches. Highly competitive and unpredictable challenges in the travel agency operations have created the need of applying new strategic approaches to maximize the revenue due to the higher operational costs and reduced profit margins of Sri Lankan travel agencies. Key objectives of the study include examining travel agents ‘perception on Revenue Management applications in the travel industry, examining the nature of RM practices of travel agencies and identifying the barriers of RM implementation in Sri Lankan travel agencies. A sample of 13 travel agencies from Colombo district was selected for the study based on purposive sampling technique. Structured interview method was applied to investigate perceptions, potentiality of implement as well as barriers of implementation. Collected data was transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results of this study show that, Sri Lankan travel agencies are not familiar with the term of RM and have limited knowledge about RM approaches. All participants have positive perception on RM approach. The benefits of RM applications, advantages of RM to the travel agencies and facilitating factors that need for travel agencies, also were stated in this study. Based on the findings, researchers recommended improving the knowledge on RM approaches, benefits and application of RM approaches among Sri Lankan travel agencies.Item Residents’ Perception on Post War Tourism Development Activities in Northern Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Sivapalan, K.; Wachissara, P.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.The strategic contribution of the tourism sector towards the recovery and development of post war destinations is relatively very high. Northern Sri Lanka was severely affected by thirty years of etnic war and has immensely invested its resources for diverse tourism components moving forward as a most sought travel destination while reaping many benefits. However, this transition has put the community under much pressure and their day-to-day life was significantly affected. Conforming the capacity of tourism development to change resident‟s traditions and way of living. As the northern community was notably going through very sensitive vibrations over years, the impact of fast growing tourism waves on their human life should be carefully managed in order to avoid long term social issues in the area. This study extended to identify the potentials and tourism development in Jaffna. A sample of fourteen local residents was drawn using purposive sampling. Primary data were collected by using structured interviews. Based on the information given, the researcher has developed the research. The researcher has used the thematic analysis method to analyze the data using Microsoft Excel 2010 software. Finally based on the findings of the study, the researcher draw five main conclusions: (1)Peace is play vital role on the development of the Jaffna‟s tourism industry after the civil war.(2)Culture of the Jaffna, poor tourism planning, lack of the community engagement are seen as a major challenges to the development of the tourism in Jaffna. (3) Jaffna residents have stronger cultural perception and they strongly demanded cultural protection. (4)Tourism related infrastructure development in Jaffna is very low when compared with other districts. (5)Land of Jaffna is more polluted by the local tourists than the foreign tourists through the tourism activities. Based on the findings of the research some recommendations have been made that could help to formulate appropriate policy and strategy. Keywords: Postwar destination; potentials; Resident‟s perception; Tourism development; Impact of tourismItem Role of Stakeholders in Promoting Pro-Poor Tourism in Uva Province(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Ranasinghe, J.P.R.C.; Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.Tourism is given a great significance in most of the developing countries around the world as a tool driven for the economic development. Although the poverty reduction is not usually at the core intentions of the tourism agenda, yet tourism is a significant piece in many poor countries and is already affecting the livelihoods of millions of poor people, positively and negatively. Hence, the pro-poor tourism (PPT) is a globally growing concept intended to reduce poverty by increasing net benefits for the poor from core tourism activities in the rural economies ensuring the core elements of sustainability. Badulla District being one of the poorest in the country rich with numerous tourism resources, PPT can be used as a magnetic solution in developing rural economy. Purpose of this study was to identify the role of different stakeholders in developing PPT in the Uva Province. A sample of 20 was selected using convenient sampling technique including 02 academics, 03 government officers representing the provincial tourism, 08 community members and 03 school teachers from Mahiyanganaya, Ella, and Lunugala DS divisions, and 04 tourists from Ella in the study. The semi structured interview method was used to collect primary data. Results from the thematic analysis reviewed that the access for poor to the market is not sufficient in the current tourism hierarchy. Further, the need for a broader policy framework was highlighted with a participatory approach. Awareness on tourism industry and its benefits to the grass root level, necessary actions to fill the skills gap to develop enterprises and local capacity, managing costs and expectations, maximizing collaboration across stakeholders, and participation in decision making were significant highlights by all levels of stakeholders. The pro-poor tourism initiatives will be a successful key to unlock opportunities for the poor –for economic and financial gains, as well as other livelihood benefits.Item Study on Challenges and Success Factors of Independent Restaurants (With Special Reference to Colombo District)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Madhumali, M.N.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Ranasinghe, J.P.R.C.Hotels and restaurants are playing a major role in Sri Lankan economy. Today, many tourists are used to get their foods from outside the hotel which they are accommodating, also many Sri Lankans are visiting to the restaurants for their meals. Because there is a huge demand for the restaurants there is a high number of restaurants which are newly entering to the industry. But at the same time there is a high number of restaurants which are closing at their first three years of operation. The research study is based on main two objectives, to identify the factors contribute to the success of independent restaurants when most of the restaurateurs fail to be success and to identify the challenges face by independent restaurants. The study mainly depends on the qualitative analytical methods. Direct in – depth interviews with the restaurateurs used to collect the primary data. The population of the research study is Independent restaurants in Colombo district, and according to population 20 success restaurateurs taken as the sample by convenience sampling method. Under a phenomenological research design, thematic analysis used in order to achieve the objective of this research. Through the analysis the researcher identified that dedication of the owner and the dedication of the employees are directly influencing on the success of the restaurant. The combination of education and experience playing a vital role, and the innovations. Most importantly the restaurateurs have mentioned that the better relationship with the employees is an essential factor. Because the employees are the image taker of the restaurant to the guest he should be satisfied about the restaurant and he should be a loyal person. Other than that quality service and uniqueness of the restaurant keep the restaurant in the field, sometime the standards of the restaurant.Item A Study on Migration Intention of Operational Level Millennial Employees in Hotel Industry; Evidence from Kitchen Department in Three to Five Star Hotels in South Coast(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Chamaree, V.G.J.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.; Kumara, P.H.T.Hospitality industry, as a service industry, human capital is one of the most significant assets of in the contemporary arena. The human capital brings the stable considerable profits and the long-term management and development. However, there is a growing recognition of international recruitments and international mobility of skilled labour is more popular in the globalized economy. Accordingly, emigration of highly skilled persons has significantly increased over the past decades. Hence, migration of trained professionals has created an acute shortage of professionals in developing and underdeveloped countries and this influence on the industrial sustainability in such economies. Currently, Sri Lanka also severely faces this problem and, especially hotel sector is heavily challenged due to the growing opportunities for skilled labour in the international market. The migration intention of millennial is higher than the old generation. In this respect, this study attempted to explore the migration intention of operational level millennial employees in hotel industry. Primary data collection was done using a structured questionnaire for a sample of 146 millennial employees who work in the kitchen department of three, four and five star hotels located in South coast and convenient sampling technique was utilized. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, simple linear regression and factor analysis were exploited to achieve research objectives. Migration intention do not necessarily lead to actual migration, but it can be used to forecast the future emigration trends. In this study most of the employees were disagreed with the existing situation in the kitchen department. Hence, the results of the study could give some sort of guidance and directions for hoteliers and the government to retain employees in the organization.Item A Study on Purchasing Behaviour of International Tourists on Sri Lankan Foods – with Special Reference on European Tourists to Cultural Triangle(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Madhusankha, W.A.I.; Fernando, P.I.N.; Karunarathne, A.C.I.D.Sri Lanka is a country which can develop many tourism concepts with existing resources such as adventure, religious, Ayurveda tourism etc… Sri Lankan foods one of rich resource which can use to develop gastronomy tourism. According to the records of Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority, European tourists are the highest number of tourists who visit Sri Lanka. Objectives of this research are to identify push and pull factors of local food purchasing behaviour of European travellers, influence of existing pull factors to European traveller’s Sri Lankan food purchasing behaviour and identify the factors to increase European tourists to Sri Lankan restaurants. The analysis mainly depends on the primary data collected by the researcher. 150 European tourists interviewed using stratified random sample technique and convenience sampling technique in Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa areas. Data were collected by distributing questionnaire among European tourists in cultural triangle. Quantitative and qualitative analysis methods employed in data analysis. It addressed push and pull factors and tourists perception on Sri Lankan food purchase. Descriptive analysis and perception analysis methods employed in data analyse. According to the findings of the research there were less influence of push factors on Sri Lankan food purchasing behaviour of European tourists than pull factors. Study identified that European traveller’s keen to having all information on Sri Lankan foods and environment should be clean, comfortable and facilitated for European tourists. Supportive services such as air conditions, amenities, service methods should maintain in well conditions. Reasonable price level should be maintain in restaurants over the country. Food safety should be in proper conditions. Food should free from any type of hazards and modern marketing methods should use for attract more European tourists to Sri Lankan restaurants.