UWU Repository :: Browsing by Author "Nawarathna, A.M.D.B."

Browsing by Author "Nawarathna, A.M.D.B."

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An Analysis of the Push and Pull Motives for Choosing Sri Lanka as the Wedding Tourism Destination: With Special Reference to Southern Province
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.; Idroos, A.A.
Events are becoming established as an integral and major part of tourism development and marketing strategies. Event tourism could be used to describe this phenomenon and this could be defined as the systematic development, planning, marketing and holding of events as tourist attractions. Wedding tourism has increased popularity over the past decade and is recognized as a significant market segment with a possibility of enhancing effectiveness of the industry by amalgamating two segments as one destination. Tourism motivations are important factors in understanding tourist behaviour in relation to selecting the destinations’ choice, especially for the wedding market. This is already existing niche market which has not been yet capitalized and can be developed as a diversified tourism product and the effects of seasonality can be minimized. Hence, the purpose of the study was to determine the various travel motivations of wedding tourists to Sri Lanka. The primary data collected by the author from 200 foreign tourists applying convenience sampling technique in Southern province. Quantitative data analytical method was employed in analysing the data using Descriptive statistics. The findings reflect that wedding tourists are primarily attracted by the destinations’ attributes such as the famous “sun, sea and sand” which forms part of the characteristics of small tropical islands, followed by other pull attributes. Further, push factors like destination marketing and promotion encouraged tourists to celebrate their wedding function and honeymoon in Sri Lanka. Increasing marketing efforts can prove to be a powerful mechanism in order to encourage the wedding tourism. Moreover, destination managers should better understand the travel motivations of tourists before developing and marketing product and services.
Determining Innovative Event Professional Competencies for Event and Exhibition Industry in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Vishvani, M.H.N.; Ranasinghe, J.P.R.C.; Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.
Event management is an industry that has a wide range of sub-categories made up of different requirements. Creative and knowledgeable employees are essential to survive in the event management sector. Numbers of developing countries and developed countries have upgraded their national skills and competencies standard system to cater to tourism and events. Purpose of this study was to understand the concept of competency and to determine the need for an innovative competency model for the Sri Lankan event and exhibition industry. The objectives of the study were to identify existing awareness of the event and exhibition industry professionals on the need of innovative competencies and to identify the key competencies which are currently practiced by the event professionals. Primary data collected through semi-structured interviews from eleven event and exhibition industry professionals representing eleven organizations out of twenty-eight event management organizations in Sri Lanka with the membership of Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition and Event Organizers (SLAPCEO). This study utilized content analysis in the analysis and the findings of the study reveal that industry professionals have an average level of knowledge regarding the benefits of innovative competencies. But they are using some general competencies in their existing working environment and the researchers could identify five main competencies among them and they can be named as time management, human resource management, marketing skills, work under pressure, and creativity. And four main innovative competency categories emerged from the analysis namely operation management, entrepreneurial skills, and personal characteristics and communication competencies. Based on those four main categories the researcher listed all the identified competencies that were included in the gathered data and developed a competency model. Interpretation and commentary assist event and exhibition industry professionals in Sri Lanka to determine the importance of innovative competencies and the competitive advantage of using them to intelligently capture the opportunities. Keywords: Events and exhibition industry; Innovative competencies; Industry professionals; Event competency model
Event Managers’ Perception on Event Risk Management
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Thejani, P.D.V.; Ranasingh, J.P.R.C.; Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.
The event sector of tourism industry is young, dynamic, growing and maturing at a rapid rate. Every part of event management has potential risks. A good risk management strategy will also cover any other operational areas that are crucial to the event and that may need special security and safety precautions as access control, ticket sales and other cash points and communications. It is unfortunate that the event manager’s profession currently still lacks the standardization tools and procedures necessarily need for the provision of empirical data that would enable event stakeholders to make informed decisions (Goldblatt, 2002). Hence, the purpose of the study was to identify the concept of risk of the event managers, to investigate the perceptions of event managers towards risk management and to identify the risk management characteristics. This research is adopting qualitative methodology underpinned by phenomenology research approach. Primary data collected by the author from 16 informants out of 28 from event management practitioners within the whole different range of event management organizations in Sri Lanka who have the membership of Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition and Event Organizers. And also, semi structured interviews using the quota sampling technique in Colombo district is the main data source and thematic data analysis technique was employed in analyzing the data. The findings reflect the importance of identifying risk for the success of the event and the factors influencing risk perceptions of event managers in the event industry. Further, identified 08 major risk factors as financial risk, technical risk, risk of cancellation the event, weather risk, miscommunication, people attitudes, safety risk and risk of food and beverage in the event industry. Relationship between education and experience with risk perception is also discovered through this research as very influential for the individual’s perception. Future research are suggested in the areas of cultural influence on risk perception, risk perception related to various event types (festivals, sports, mega-events, etc.), and risk management strategies utilized by event planners.
Identifying Push and Pull Factors of Booming Chinese Tourist Arrivals to Sri Lanka: With Special Reference to the Dambulla and Nuwara — Eliya Area
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.
China is a potential origin of international tourists for many tourists receiving countries. In 2014, the number of Chinese tourists arrived in Sri Lanka was 128,166 and increased by 136.1 percent (SLTDA). Although Sri Lanka is receiving an increasing number of Chinese tourists' arrivals annually, it doesn't capitalize on the higher income generation opportunities of it. Most of the Chinese tourists don't stay at luxury hotels and they prefer economy and medium-priced hotels. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to analyze the push and pull factors of booming Chinese tourists' arrival to Sri Lanka and thereby to identify the strategies to gain the maximum yield of Chinese tourists' arrivals. Primary data collected by the author from 100 Chinese tourists interviewed using convenience sampling method in Dambulla and Nuawara-Eliya areas is the main data source. Both quantitative and qualitative data analytical methods were employed in analyzing the data. The study found that both push and pull factors stimulate the higher Chinese tourists' arrivals to Sri Lanka. The major push factors identified were different lifestyles, enhance communication with local communities, physical relaxation, sightseeing, mental relaxation, visit to a new place and increase knowledge about foreign destination. The major pull factors were entertainment, high environmental quality, cultural experiences, traditional foods, natural reserves, natural observation and awareness through internet. Promoting travel experiences about different lifestyles, making documentaries on attraction places and publishing those documentaries via online, enhancing relationship with Chinese film making companies, providing some brochures in basic Sinhala words and phrases, promoting Chinese literacy among shop owners, establishing more shopping opportunities directly affect on gaining a higher yield from Chinese tourists. Keywords: Chinese tourists, Push and pull factors, Sri Lankan tourism
Impact of Information Technology on Service Standards in MICE Tourism in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Dilshan, W.M.M.P.S.; Ranasinghe, J.P.R.C.; Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.; Marasinghe, M.M.G.K.
The Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is an important and growing segment of the tourism industry with great potential. Further, with its exponential growth, many international MICE organizations are using information technology to maintain service standards within the industry. Hence, the objectives of the study were (i) to identify the present situation of using information technology, (ii)to identify the current issues and barriers associated with information technology, (iii) to identify benefits to the company by using information technology, (iv) to examine the factors affecting in improving information technology on service standards in MICE tourism in Sri Lanka. Primary data were collected through structured interviews, using a purposive sampling technique, from 12 MICE managers out of 28 event management organizations in Sri Lanka. All these organizations had membership of Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition and Event Organizers. Qualitative data analytical method was employed and the collected data were transcribed and analysed by using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that present situation of using information technology was not adequate and costly, difficult to convince, tech-savvy employees, and lack of government support as current issues and barriers associated with information technology on service standards in MICE tourism in Sri Lanka. Further, technologized MICE events could be used by organizers as a tool for gaining competitive advantages, cost reduction, time-saving, increase efficiency, and maintaining a good relationship with clients of the company which is affected by service standards in the MICE tourism industry. Moreover, this study identified price factor, government support, tech-savvy personals, and accurate database management system as factors affecting to improve information technology on service standards in MICE tourism in Sri Lanka. Keywords: MICE tourism, Information technology, Service standards
Role of Destination Attributes on Domestic Tourists’ Revisit Intention Towards Wetland Parks of Sri Lanka (Special Reference to Wetland Parks in Colombo District)
(2019) Dilrukshi, K.J.; Tennakoon, T.M.P.S.I.; Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.
Wetland parks have been identified as an alternative travel destination for domestic tourists in general and a major recreational space for urban Travellers. Tourism scholars have concentrated on repeat visitation as an antecedent of destination loyalty. The tourists assess their intention to revisit a certain destination or preference based on the results derived from interplay of multiple factors. However, the scholars have contradictory findings of determinants of revisit intention of tourists. Hence, the purpose of the study was to identify the existing level of destination attributes and revisit intention of the domestic tourists, to identify the relationship between destination attributes and Revisit intention of the domestic tourists and to recognize most significant attributes influence on revisit intention of domestic tourists in wetland parks. The primary data was collected by the author from 240 domestic tourists using convenience sampling technique and questionnaire consist 42 questions from main three sections. Quantitative data analytical method was employed in analysing the data using Descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. The Finding reflects that there is a strong positive relationship with destination attributes and Revisit intention of the domestic tourists towards wetland parks of Colombo district. Further it reveals that, destination attraction, accessibility, amenities, ancillary services, available packages and activities are significantly influence on tourist revisit intention towards wetland parks while destination attraction and the amenities significantly influence on re-visitation of the domestic tourists in a huge manner. Introducing innovative applications and new blogs, launching of new tourist map and promotional social media campaigns directly effect on revisit intention of the domestic tourists towards wetland parks of Sri Lanka.
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.
A Study of Factors Affecting the Business Success of Tourism Related Small and Medium Enterprises in Sri Lanka (with special reference to Central province)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Raazim, M.A.M.; Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.; Gunaratne, Y.M.C.
Sri Lanka is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in world. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) occupy a dominant position in Tourism both at global and local level. Currently, Tourism related SMEs are facing various challenges to survive in the market and they should have the ability to adapt to the changes, as Tourism is one of the fastest growing and dynamic industries in Sri Lanka. Considering the importance of SME sector in Tourism, this study strives to identify the factors affecting the business success of Tourism related SMEs in Sri Lanka. Objectives of this research are to identify the demographic profile of Tourism related SME operators, to determine the factors affecting on business success and to identify the most influential factor which is significantly affect the business success of Tourism related SMEs. SME business characteristics, Firm's strategies, Management know how, Products and services, Customer and market, Resource and finance, Government support and External environment were studied as business success factors used to measure the business success. The study was based on primary data collected from a sample of 75 Tourism related SME business operators selected using convenience sampling method. Questionnaire survey method was applied data collection. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis techniques were used for the data analysis. The results revealed that all the factors studied other than the government support are having positive relationship with the business success, while SME business characteristics was identified as the most significant factor which shows the highest coefficient value of 0.421. Study recommends to Tourism related SMEs to focus on all the affecting factors. Further support from government should be improved in order to acquire more benefits and to overcome the current challenges while ensuring business success of Tourism related SMEs in Sri Lanka.
A Study of the Impact of Visitor Facilities on Visitors’ Satisfaction in Pinnawala Open Air Zoological Garden (Special Reference to Domestic Visitors)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Naleef, M.N.M.; Tennakoon, T.M.P.S.I.; Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.
Tourism has grown as one of the largest industries and sources of income generation in recent years among the countries in Asia. Sri Lanka has proved to be one of the fastest growing tourist destinations. Pinnawala Open Zoo is a zoological garden which is situated closer to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and is the first open air zoo in Sri Lanka. Tourism scholars have concentrated on visitor satisfaction as an antecedent of the facilities available in the zoological garden (Snijder, 2013). According to sustainable development target of 2020, zoo should be as self-sustainable organization and it ensures the income of the zoo increased through increment of visitor popularity. Hence, the purpose of the study was to identify the existing level of visitors’ satisfaction on visitor facilities, to identify the relationship between visitor facilities and visitor’s satisfaction and to investigate the significant factors impact on visitor satisfaction in Pinnawala zoological garden. The primary data was collected by the author from 150 domestic tourists using convenience sampling technique and tested 12 hypotheses. Quantitative data analytical method was employed in analyzing the data using descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis. The finding reflects that there is a strong positive relationship with visitor facilities on visitor satisfaction of the domestic tourists of zoological garden.
A Study on Chinese Inbound Tourists’ Spending Patterns on Accommodations Selection and Shopping in Sri Lanka; Tourism Stakeholders’ Perspective
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Dulanjalee, E.K.A.; Tennakoon, T.M.P.S.I.; Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.
Sri Lanka has been identified as a booming tourist destination in the world. Although, Sri Lanka is receiving an increasing number of Chinese tourists’ arrivals annually, it does not capitalize on the higher spending opportunities. Therefore, maximum profitability cannot be taken by the Chinese market to Sri Lankan tourism industry. Hence, the objectives of the study were to identify the Chinese inbound tourists’ current spending pattern on accommodations selection and shopping and to identify the reasons for lower spending patterns of Chinese inbound tourists on accommodations selection and shopping. Primary data were collected from 22 tourism stakeholders who are dealing with and knowledgeable person about the Chinese market. Structured interviews were conducted for data collection under the qualitative research approach. Collected data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Purposive sampling technique was adopted. The findings of this study revealed that product attributes, salesperson service, trip-related attribute, store policy, service of the staff, travel party type, length of stay, food habits under the parental theme to identify current spending patterns and language barriers. Lack of staff and service quality, price and payment method related issues, product-related issues, bad perception about tour operate the system, lack of facilities, time factor, lack of government support, and Chinese residents’ involvement were the reasons for lower spending patterns of Chinese tourists in Sri Lanka. Further, increasing Chinese language skills of the shop owners and local community, government support, service quality, payment method facilities, effective promotional programs, shopping information and facilities related to shopping and accommodations, etc. will be beneficial to enhance the profitability of the Chinese market. Keywords: Chinese inbound tourists, Spending patterns, Accommodations selections, shopping
A Study on Employee Readiness on Inventory Control Practices in Hotel Industry in Sri Lanka; with Reference to Five Star Hotels in Southern Coastal Belt
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Lakshani, M.K.A.R.; Wijesundara, W.G.S.R.; Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.
The hospitality industry plays a vital role in economic development in any country. Accordingly, to maximize the return hoteliers execute cost controlling strategies that specifically covers the inventory cost. Notably, inventory cost also reflects the significant amount of the total cost of hotel operation. But, paying less attention to inventory control practices by hotels and lack of actual employee readiness in inventory control are major concerns which should be considered by hoteliers. Because, a substantial space is available for theft, pilferages, shortages, wastages, inappropriate accounting, inadequate record-keeping, and other losses. Hence, the present study attempts to identify the inventory control practices in hotels in the southern coastal belt followed by another two objectives; to identify employee readiness for inventory control practices and identify the consequences of employee readiness on inventory control practices towards hotels. Primary data collected from 10 department heads of five-star hotels in the research area and structured interviews were used with the purposive sampling techniques. Data were transcribed and analyzed by using content analysis which is one of the qualitative data analysis techniques. The findings revealed the existing unique inventory controlling practices in each department and issues among those departments related to inventory control. And Also, the study shows that there is a 100 percent influence of employee readiness on inventory control practices in hotels like effective and efficient controlling procedure, time saves, income earning, minimize wastages and accuracy of the procedures. Further, this study recommends addressing the issues affecting the readiness of employees involved in inventory control and achieving an effective control process. This study provides an overview of the importance of increasing employee readiness for inventory control in the hotel industry in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Inventory control practices; Employee Readiness; Hotel industry; Southern Coastal Belt
A Study on Factors Influencing the Decline of Middle East Tourists’ Market in Sri Lanka: Stakeholders’ Perspective
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Costha, K.K.W.M.; Kumara, P.H.T.; Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.; Idroos, A.A.
Many people used to travel when they have their vacation to avoid the consistency of their lives. As declared by Lonely Planet, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s number one destination to visit in 2018. Sri Lanka is a leading travel destination for Middle East tourists. Even though Sri Lanka has paid attention to the Middle East market, it has not been able to achieve a significantly high number of arrivals from the Middle East. Hence, the main objective of this study was to identify the reasons for decline of Middle East tourists’ market in Sri Lanka. The researcher adopted the semi-structured interview to gather data about influencing factors of the decline of the Middle East tourist market. A sample of 15 stakeholders was selected using purposeful sampling method in which hoteliers, travel agents, tour and site guides, representatives from Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Promotion Bureau were interviewed. The views and opinions of the respondents were collected through the interviews. The analysis was done through thematic analysis and the researcher identified safety and security, facilities, attractions, marketing strategies, services, and other issues as the main themes. The findings revealed that the dissatisfaction of safety and security, lack of facilities, lack of manmade attractions, limitation of night functions, dissatisfaction of the hotel and guide services, lack of marketing strategies, and other issues such as terrorism and restrictions have attributed significantly to decline the Middle East tourists’ market in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, implementing new rules and giving special attention for the Middle East tourists’ expectation can turn around the situation and promote the Middle East market. Keywords: Middle East tourists’ market, influencing factors
Study the Impacts of Destination Attributes to Promote Madhu Church as a Religious Tourism Destination
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Kesavan, S.; Fernando, P.I.N; Nawarathna, A.M.D.B.
Tourism is a vital contributor to the economy of any nation, with it being a prime foreign income earner. The three decades war ended in May 2009 in Sri Lanka and it was a remarkable point in the development of the tourism industry in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country. Madhu Church is a place of devotion and rituals visited by Catholics, Hindus and Buddhists of Sri Lanka. Local and foreign investment is constantly flowing into the sector although religious and cultural tourism is not promoted as a special product of the industry. Hence, the purpose of the study was to identify the impacts of destination attributes to promote Madhu Church as a ritual tourism destination. Primary data collected by the author from 150 respondents including 75 of domestic and foreign tourists using judgmental sampling technique. And also, primary data was collected by using selfadministered questionnaire. Quantitative data analytical method was employed in analyzing the data. Data analysis was employed, using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Findings of the study revealed that, there is a strong positive relationship between the destination attributes and the promotion potential. And also, barring the available tourism packages, destination attraction, accessibility, amenities and activities done in the region strongly influence the promotion potential level.

Browsing by Author "Nawarathna, A.M.D.B."

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