Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management degree programme
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Browsing Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management degree programme by Subject "Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management degree programme (HTE)"
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Item Adoption of Information Technology Adoption with Suppliers and its Impact on Performance in Travel Agency (with Special Reference to Travel Agencies in Colombo District)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Fernando, W.A.C.Sri Lankan tourism sector has been identified as one of the key sector enhancing the country's economic growth. Across the industries, firms have adopted e-business initiatives to better manage their internal business processed as well as their interfaces with the environment. E-business can be described as online presences of business. With the development of the technology, travel and tourism industry has also been changed. Most of tourists are getting towards online methods and this is creating a competitive environment to the traditional travel agencies. It is important for travel agencies to maintaining a better relationship with suppliers to deliver a quality service to the customers. Hence, the main purpose of this study is to examine and test a moderating effect of supplier relationship quality which integrate the Information Technology (IT) with suppliers (i.e. e- procurement and e-communication) and operational performance in the context of the SME travel agency with special reference to Colombo District. And also, this model was focused to identify the IT adoption level of SME travel agency's operations, to examine the relationship with between IT adoption and operational performance and to identify the IT adoption impact on operational performance in SME travel agencies. Primary data was collected from the sample of 72 SME travel agencies in Colombo district registered under Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and random sampling method was adopted to find the respondents. Hence, descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation and coefficient, multiple regression analysis were used to analyze data and Adrew Hayes process macro was utilized to identify the moderation role of selected variables. Researck finding indicated that e-procurement and e-communication have a positive relatiOnship with operational performance. Further, e-procurement significantly and positively influences on operational performance while there is no significant effect found between e- communication and operational performance. Furthermore, supplier relationship quality moderates the effect with the e-procurement and operational performance of SME travel agencies. As per the results it has suggested that, even IT adoption of SME travel agencies are in a considerable level, furthermore traditional travel agencies should develop their IT practices with the suppliers and strengthen the relationship quality with suppliers to survive in the travel and tourism industry. Keywords: IT adoption, e-business, operational performance, e-procurement, e- communication, supplier relationship quality, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)Item Analysing the Relationship of Factors Affecting on Tourists' Buying Behaviour of Handicraft Products (With Special Reference to Galle District)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Darshani, K. L. R.Handicraft products are one of the important products which can market in tourism and hospitality industry and create unique expressions of skills, traditions, culture and local material used of the country. Handicrafts industry is a major form of employment in many countries and play significant part of the export economy. Buying behaviour of products depend on many factors and identification of affecting factors much more important for all the parties of the particular market. Therefore in the handicraft industry has great opportunity to obtain benefits through understanding factors and tourists' buying behaviour of handicraft products. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between affecting factors and tourists' buying behaviour of handicraft products in Galle District. Marketing mix factors, situational factors and personal factors considered as affecting factors of the buying behaviour of handicraft products. The target population for this study was all the Local and foreign tourists who visit handicraft shops in Galle District and from the data, a sample size of 100 was selected from 10 shops and selected 10 tourists from each shop using convenience sampling method. Primary data were gathered using questionnaire with five point likert scale. Descriptive statistics, Karl Pearson Coefficient of correlation analysis used to analyse the data collected. Results disclosed marketing mix factors, situational factors and personal factors have positive relationship with tourists' buying behaviour of handicraft products. The study recommends that there is need effective market segmentation and targeting based on consumers' personal factors. In addition handicraft shops should engage with the global market and trends to reach the potential market. Key words: Tourist, Handicraft, Buying behaviour, Marketing mix, Situational factors, Personal factorsItem An Analysis of the Relationship between Human Resource Management Practices and Employee Retention in Hotel Industry (With special reference to Star class hotels in Western province)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Bandara, S.J.M.E.K.S.The hotel industry is one of the emerging industry in Sri Lanka which plays a significant role in Sri Lanka's economy. The principal challenge in the majority of industry organizations face is to retain employees for a long period of time within the intensive competitive environment. Human resource management practices are primary and crucial factors which cause to employee retention and effective Human Resource Management practices assist organizations to retain their valuable employees. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to explore the relationship between human resource management practices and employee retention and to identify highest and least influential factor on employee retention. Four dimensions of human resource management practices: recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal, and compensation and incentives were used for the study. The sample size is 120 permanent operational level of employees in hotel industry. The total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to permanent operational level of employees in hotel industry and they were used for data analysis procedures. The data were analyzed by using Pearson correlation coefficient and Multiple linear regression techniques. The results denoted that all four dimensions of human resource practices (i.e. recruitment and selection, training and development, and compensation and incentives) had a strong positive relationship on employee retention. And compensation and incentives was the highest influential factor while training and development was the least influential factor on employee retention. Finally, this study suggested that management of hospitality sector needs to pay more attention on human resource management practices which makes satisfy employees and which cause for retain in the organization. Keywords: hotel industry, human resource management practices, employee retentionItem Analysis of Tourism Destination Competitiveness in Nuwara Eliya Region; from Supplier Perspective(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Karunarathna, H.D.C.M.Destination is important factor that determine the number of visitation of tourists to the area as the choice of destination selection for holiday. Tourism will achieve a profitability position on the tourism market if destination recourses are managed duly and if a destination is advisable of gaining and maintaining competitive advantages. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) statistical report 2016, tourist occupancy rate in high country gradually increased from 2005 to 2016, by 36.6%-75.24%. As well as Nuwara Eliya and Rathnapura are major tourism destination in high country. This study mainly focuses on analysis of existing destination competitiveness in Nuwara Eliya Region to identify the tourism potential and future improvements from supplier perspective. The model has been developed based on the five destination attractive determinants in tourist destination. According to the model investigate that the Destination competitiveness is the dependent variable and under that there were five sub independent variables, inherited resources, created resources, supporting factors, destination management, and situational conditions. This study is useful to tourism stakeholders and industry managers / personnel as well as it serve as a guide for other destinations seeking to understand their competitiveness. Research is mostly based on Primary data and researcher used convenience sampling method was used to collect the data from the 50 tourism industry stakeholders who are in the Nuwara Eliya region. Data were analyzed by using SPPSS. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and the multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that destination management and situational condition are existing destination attractive determinants in Nuwara Eliya region .as well as there is a positive relationship between destination attractive determinants and destination competitiveness in Nuwara Eliya region and created resources are the most significant destination attractive determinate out of the five determinants Key words: Destination attractive determinants, tourism industry stakeholders, Destination competitivenessItem Analyzing the Potentials of Promoting Rail Cruise Tourism in Sri Lanka; with Special Reference to Up-Country Rail Line(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Kapugeekiyanage, K.W.P.Up country rail line is a unique rail line which the journey starts at 14 feet elevation at Colombo and then ascends to the summit level of 6226 feet above sea level. The length of the railway line from Colombo to Badulla is about 180 Miles and enriches with beautiful sceneries. In terms of engineering marvel and scenery, this line - especially the UVA railway line from Peradeniya via Gampola, Ulapane, Nawalapitiya, Nanu- Oya, Ambewela, Ohiya, Idalgashinna, Haputhale, Diyathalawa, Bandarawela, Damodara and Hali-Ela to Badulla is considered to be one of the finest train journeys in the world. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the potentials to promote luxury rail cruise tourism in up country rail line in order to attract more tourist through novel tourism strategies. Specific objectives include examining the possibility of developing rail cruise tourism in Sri Lanka and what are the main challenges of implementing rail cruise tourism in Sri Lanka. For this mixed-method research, Key Informant Interviews were conducted with the officer at Sri Lanka Railway officers and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to collect qualitative information while a survey with 100 tourists was conducted to collect quantitative information essential for the study. The respondent was selected based on Convenient Sampling and a structured questionnaire were sued to collect the data. Mainly, descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to accomplish the objectives of the study. The result of the study revealed that Sri Lanka has potentials to promote rail cruise tourism and tourists had a positive perception about rail cruise tourism in Sri Lanka. However, results also reveal that there is a number of barriers related to infrastructure, organizational and technological barriers in relation to promoting rail cruise tourism in Sri Lanka. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the possibility of promoting rail cruise tourism in Sri Lanka and hence government intervention to resolve the barriers related to rail cruise tourism is highly recommended. Keywords: Rail-cruise tourism, Niche tourism, Sri Lankan railway, Sri Lanka TourismItem "Assessing the impact of marketing mix factors to the development of Gem tourism in Sri Lanka"(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) BUDDHIKA, H.L.C.In the tourism market environment it is very important to find new opportunities and target new customers. As a result of that consider about different niche market segments. Sri Lanka is country which has a great potential for gem tourism with its resources. In SL there are different gem sites. Among them Kandy, Ratnapura, Colombo are the very popular for gem tourism. Hence, gem tourism is one of the niche markets in the tourism, that can be developed and promoted within the SL' that has not yet reaped the benefits from the full potential. Since, marketing mix factors are critical in any form of tourism to create a successful tourism destination, the main purpose of this study to identify the impact of the marketing mix factors to develop the gem tourism in SL from the perspective of gem tourists who are visiting to SL. A conceptual framework has been developed based on the 7 p's in marketing. The study mainly depends on the primary data that has been collected by the researcher. The convenience sampling method was used to collect the data. This study based on both quantitative and qualitative data were used. As a quantitative data analysis techniques researcher were used Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis r and the multiple linear regression analysis. And also as a qualitative data analysis techniques researcher was used thematic analysis. According to the result of this study product is a most significant factor. Key words: gem tourism, marketing mix, seven P's, gem touristsItem An Attitude Assessment of the Tourist and the Service Providers to Promote Tea Tourism (Special Reference to Tea Tourism Establishments in Nuwara-Eliya District)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Suhindan, R.Tourism is one of the economic pillars of Sri Lanka as it is small island with more attractive destinations. Many aspects of tourism are being developed with the advancements in knowledge in tourism and technology. Tea tourism is one of the niche tourisms which can be a main profit-making sector when it is promoted. This study is conducted to analyze the attitudes of tea tourists and service providers towards the promotion of tea tourism in Nuwara Eliya district and to analyze the impact of tea tourists and service providers in promoting tea tourism. This was done by the questionnaire survey method, for that, 200 of tea tourists and 21 of service providers are selected and requested to fill the questionnaires. Samples were chosen from seven tea tourism establishments in Nuwara Eliya district. Individual descriptive analysis was done to analyze the demographic factors. Results revealed that, there is a significant relationship between the awareness of tea tourists on tea tourism and tourist's satisfactory level of visit (P<0.05), there is a significant relationship between the accessibility and tourist's satisfactory level of visit (P<0.05) and there is a significant relationship between the attraction and tourist's satisfactory level of visit' (P<0.05) Also there is a moderate positive linear relationship was observed between the awareness and tourist's satisfactory level of visits according to the Pearson correlation values. Therefore, promoting the parameters under each potentiality: Awareness, Accessibility and attraction can directly increase the satisfactory level of tea tourists, thus increase tea tourist arrivals in Nuwara Eliya district. Key words Tea tourism, Tea tourists, Tourist 's attitude, Tourist's attraction, Awareness, Sri LankaItem Challenges & Opportunities of Rural Tourism During The Covid -19 Pandemic In Sri Lanka: A Local Community Perspective(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Sewwandi, A.A.D.N.T.ABSTRACT The tourism industry is one of the most successful and fastest-growing sectors in the world today. It generates a large amount of foreign exchange for the Sri Lankan economy. While this tourism industry has the potential to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities across the country, it has also helped to alleviate the poverty of the people as well as facilitate infrastructure development. Although the Sri Lankan tourism industry was hit hard by the terrorist attack on Easter Sunday. As the tourism industry began to rise in the aftermath of this attack, it became even more difficult due to the worldwide epidemic of COVID- 19. As a result of the global epidemic, countries around the world implemented travel restrictions, limited flights, and maintained social distancing, making it impossible to support the tourism industry. Tourist arrivals were low due to measures taken to control the epidemic. As a result, the rural tourism sector, including the Sri Lankan tourism industry, was severely affected. Hence, this study is especially focused on identifying the challenges & opportunities of rural tourism during the COVID -19 pandemic in Sri Lanka from the local community perspective. Furthermore, it explores the community expectations after a month of a f pandemic. Primary data was collected by the researcher from 13 local community members in the Dambulla area of Sri Lanka. 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 using qualitative content analysis. The study revealed information regarding general and specific challenges, opportunities they have gained through it, and expectations from their point of view. The findings of this research will assist the Sri Lankan government and other institutions in better understanding how rural tourist activities engage with the epidemic and contribute to rural livelihoods. The Sri Lankan government and the National Tourism Development Authority can use the findings of this study to help them engage in rural tourism in the future. This research recommendation will help keep the rural tourism industry afloat in the future and introduce new innovative opportunities by instilling a positive attitude toward them. Keywords: Tourism industry, Rural tourism, Community perspective, COVID- 19, challenges, and opportunitiesItem Challenges and Opportunities for Community Based Tourism Development in Kithulgala(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Ranasinghe, D.M.Tourism is one of the world's fastest-growing industries and is a major source of income for many countries similar to Sri Lanka. CBT aims to create a more sustainable tourism industry focusing on the receiving communities in terms of planning and maintaining tourism development. Kithulgala is one of the top tourist attractions which comprises with high level of biodiversity and adventure hotspot. Due to the hydro power plantation project, tourism will be drop down in future, especially white water rafting. In addition to white water rafting there are natural attractions and adventure activities available in Kithulgala. This study especially focuses on identifying challenges, opportunities and community perception towards the CBT development. The study is adapted the mixed methodology and the data is generated through questionnaire and interviews. The questionnaire consists with two set of surveys: one focusing on the hoteliers and boat operators another on tourists. The simple random sampling method was used to select hotels and boat operating companies and convenience sampling method with 50 hoteliers and 50 boat operators, 50 tourists and 10 community members were interview. Quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis with the support of SPSS 21.0 version and qualitative data analyzed by using thematic analysis. According to the results lack of community interest, hydro power plantation project, lack of governments involvement, lack of awareness and training, lack of marketing and promotion activities and lack of infrastructure identified as challenges and there are number of opportunities identified as increasing revisit intention ,improvements of desire to explore remote locations, introducing novel adventure based activities, focusing on positive recommendations of the visitors and providing facilities to different experience about local culture .Finally Some precious recommendations and suggestions as production diversification, enhance government involvement, develop marketing and promotional activities and adapt to sustainable practices. Key words: Community Based Tourism, community perception, Challenges, OpportunitiesItem CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES ON ADOPTING OF TOURIST INFORMATION KIOSKS IN CULTURAL TRIANGLE IN SRI LANKA: TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS’ PERSPECTIVE(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Jayaweera, H.P.M.S.KABSTRACT When new technologies were developed, new technologies and applications are created. The information kiosk is a popular technological technique. The tourist information kiosk was the more popular and effective technological technique in the travel and tourism industry. Several countries used tourist information kiosks in their travel and tourism businesses. It was an emerging technology to travel and tourism industry. Hence, the central focused of this study was to identify the existing usage of TIK in cultural triangle and explore the challenges and opportunities on adopting Tourist Information Kiosks in cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka. The Purposive sampling method was used to collect primary data from thirty (30) tourism stakeholders in cultural triangle Sri Lanka. In addition, qualitative data analytical method was employed, and the collected data was transcribed and analyzed by using Content analysis. The study’s findings revealed that in cultural triangle, there was problem regarding the information providing to visitors. As well as, there is no usage of Tourist Information Kiosks in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The Kandy they used TIK but it not utilized the correct way. The Environment issues, theft, unemployment and maintenance and update were challenges for adopting TIK in Cultural Triangle. Stakeholder awareness, willingness, language barriers, inexperienced employees were opportunities to adopting TIK in cultural triangle Sri Lanka. Further, update and maintenance in timely manner, consider about physical access of TIK, the TIK content should suitable for users, implement TIK with cover to protect from environmental issues, maximize the TIK experience cultural triangle in Sri Lanka. Key words-: Information Kiosk, Tourist Information Kiosk, Cultural Triangle, Tourism stakeholders, Tourist DestinationItem Challenges Faced by Small and Medium Sized Hotels in Implementing Environmentally Sustainable Practices; with Special Reference to Batticaloa District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Anujan, M.ABSTRACT Environmental sustainability has received a significant attention in the hotel industry in recent years. Such practices extend an additional core value to the business processes while enhancing the overall customer experience and industry sustainability as well. However, incorporating environmentally sustainable practices to the hotel industry needs a substantial commitment and investment. This study was endeavored to discern the barriers faced by small and medium sized hotels when implementing environmentally sustainable practices. Accordingly, energy consumption, water consumption, Co2 emissions and waste management practices were considered as the main environmentally sustainable activities. The study was employed with inductive reasoning, and data were obtained from ten small and medium-sized hoteliers in Batticaloa district of Sri Lanka through purposive sampling techniques. The data collected through structured interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. The results revealed that the high cost of implementation and maintenance are the biggest barriers to device environmentally sustainable practices and systems. Moreover, lack of suppliers/resource or equipment, complicated government policies, lack of knowledge and skills, consequences of COVID-19 and the Easter Sunday Attack, lack of support from the local governments, were the major barriers faced by the small and medium sized hoteliers to implement environmentally sustainability practices. However, hotel characteristics and the experience of staff were significant determinants of the adoption of good practices. The medium-sized hotels have more involvement to implement environmentally sustainable practices and implementing environmentally sustainable practices were burdensome for small hotels. As a significant component of the Sri Lankan accommodation supply, small hotels should be motivated to adopt environmentally sustainable practices sufficiently extending needed financial support, knowledge and the government support. Key Words: Environmental sustainability, Sri Lanka, Hotel industry, Tourism, Barriers, Small and MediumItem Community Based Tourism as Tool for Rural Economic Development in Hiniduma(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Mahaarachchie, S.L.Tourism can make a significant impact on rural communities as the customer comes to the facility or product creating a room for direct selling/engagement for the host communities. Accordingly community based tourism emerged as a possible solution to the mass tourism in developing countries, which thus became a strategy for communities in order to develop rural economies. Therefore, this research exploited the opportunities for rural economic development through community based tourism in Hiniduma area and identifying the most influencing challenges when developing community based tourism as a new concept. The research adopted the quantitative approach to data analysis, especially using multiple regression analysis. The primary data were gathered by using standard format questionnaires. The sample consisted of 120 respondents who are engaging with different kind of community based tourism activities in Hiniduma. The major objective of the study is to identify the potentials for rural economic development through Community based tourism in Hiniduma. The result of the analysis indicates that, there is a higher potential for rural economic development through Community Based Tourism. In addition in that study include two hypothesis. According to hypothesis testing researcher identified that there is an impact on Socio economic factors to the rural economic development. As the second objective of research aimed at identifying the most influencing challenges for CBT.The study found that lack of knowledge about CBT concept, lack of e-commerce awareness, lack of financial support from financial institutes, lack of family members support, and also lack of money to invest as the major challenges in developing community based tourism in Hiniduma. Keywords - Community Based Tourism, Rural economies, Rural economic development, Socio economic factorsItem Community perception & support for Wildlife Tourism, empirical evidence from Udawalawe National park(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Weerasinghe, K.S.Wildlife-viewing has become a popular nature based tourism sector worldwide providing opportunities for tourist to enjoy wildlife in natural habitats such as protected areas. The main purpose of this study is to examine local residents' attitudes and participation in tourism and to explore factors which affect residents' support and participation in tourism in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka. This study tests the Structural Equation Model between community perceptions and opinions about the impacts of tourism, community participation and further to determine their willingness to support for wildlife tourism. The study is descriptive in nature and is based on a quantitative methodology to investigate the relationships between different constructs. The study site is called the Udawalawe National Park. Therefore, the population of this study represents the natives who are living in the Udawalawe area. For the sample size of this study was 160 citizens in Udawalawe area. Convenience and quota sampling methods were adapted methods from identified and independent sample frames to collect quantitative data from the respondents the questionnaire included with the community involvement and interest in tourism and community perception on tourism development impacts. It was made up of close-ended questions and five-point Likert scale type questions. The data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the SPSS. The result reveals that there is a significant relationship between community participation and community perceived impacts. Hence, there is a significant relationship between community participation and support for wildlife tourism and there is no significant relationship between the perceived impact and wildlife tourism support and it also indicates a negative relationship. The results of factor analyses of tourism impacts identified two factors: Socio and Economic factors. But in the final result there is no statistically significant relationship and it also indicates a negative relationship. It can be concluded that community participation can be increased by the education level of residents to understand their right and need for greater participation in the decision-making process. Also, outbound parties have greater responsibility to make their contribution, to increase the involving the socio and economic factors in wildlife tourism. Keywords: Wildlife tourism, Community participation, Community perceived impact, Tourism Support,Item Community Perception on Tourism Development: A Case Study of Riverston, Matale, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) JAYAKODY, S.P.M.B.Abstract Riverston; for its natural and cultural significance, tourism industry emerged there and expanded with more community engagement. Riverston being a Community Based Tourism site, this study aimed at discovering the perception of Riverston community on tourism development further focusing on the market opportunities, challenges and strategies for the way forward. Data was collected from Riverston community who engage in tourism through in-depth Interviews with semi structured questions, and the sample was selected based on Convenient Sampling technique. Data was analyzed through content analysis. The findings disclose that challenging the authentic culture, traditional livelihood shifting towards tourism, lack of awareness and knowledge of the tourism industry among the community, impact of legal restrictions on the community to go for tourism, lack of education that has impacted on unplanned tourism industry are the Socio- cultural categories that have been recognized. Impact of Changing the livelihood to tourism and new tourism SMEs on good living standards, in place of the income generated from Chena and cardamom cultivation banned in the area replaced by tourist income and the employment opportunities generated, rustic Riverston getting developed in terms of infrastructure with the tourism development and that benefiting the living conditions of the community are the Economic categories identified. Further, results indicate Forest Conversation policies have impacted the community's living in high magnitude and the challenge for the cultivators shifting from agriculture to tourism has been highlighted which has resulted unplanned tourism procedure. In addition, timely need for a well-planned sustainable tourism approach and awareness from ground level tourism practitioners was underscored by the data set. Key Words: Community perception, tourism development, Riverston, challenges, suggestionsItem Community-Based Tourism - an Analysis of Barriers and Opportunities in Mannar(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Croos, J.T.TTourism is a vital contributor to the economy of Sri Lanka, as it being a prime foreign income earner. With a gradual yearly growth, tourism industry is steadily securing a spot in the economy of a nation. The purpose of this study is to explore the opportunities of community- based tourism (CBT) in Mannar towards existing barriers. The communities in Mannar, who are dependent on natural resources, have not been affected by tourism in terms of economic and social welfare in a positive way. Several tourism development initiatives have been designed without any mechanism to incorporate their knowledge and needs in the process. The communities in Mannar, who are also highly dependent on natural resources, have not been affected by tourism in terms of economic and social welfare in a positive way. Their livelihood has remained as sub-standard as ever before. The research has three major objectives, to analyze the current situation of CBT in Mannar, to analyze the barriers of CBT in Mannar and to analyze the opportunities community-based tourism in Mannar. Data collected by the researcher from 15 members in government sectors, private sectors and the community members. Structured interview questions were used with purposeful sampling technique. Qualitative data analytical method was employed and the collected data were transcribed and analyzed by using thematic Analysis. Findings of this study has shown that, there exist several opportunities and barriers for CBT in a community. Some of these opportunities are; eradication of poverty, increase income, community empowerment, enhance standard of living of local community and job opportunities. It was also found that, there are certain barriers that serve as hindrance in the implementation of CBT. For example; lack of adequate consultation of stakeholders, illiteracy, lack of tourism and business skills, top- down development and poor and unfair partnership agreement. Key words: Current situation, Barriers, OpportunitiesItem Contemporary Practices of Hoteliers to Facilitate Differently-abled Guests: with Special Reference to Star Class Hotels in Colombo District, Sri Lanka.(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Maduka, J.M.N.ABSTRACT People with disabilities are becoming more common throughout the world, and it is possible that disabled people will participate in the travel and tourism industry. As a result, tourism workers should prioritize accessible tourism. The SLTDA (2018) reported that 2,333,796 tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2018. Every year, 88 percent of people with physical disabilities take vacations, and 15% of the world's population (1 billion people) has some form of disability (WHO, 2018). The study leads us to know how hoteliers are being ready to facilitate differently-abled community when come to the hospitality sector and will get an idea about the how far hoteliers know about this new tourism trend. Perception of hoteliers towards the differently-abled community, contemporary practices used to cater differently abled community and strategies used to capture the new markets are the main things could identify as objectives of study. The study is primarily based on primary data gathered from hoteliers. Primary data were collected from 5 respondents in selected star class hotels in the western province who had registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in conjunction with the purposeful sampling technique. The qualitative data analytical method was used, and the collected data were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. According to the study's findings, the differently-abled guest market is a new emerging market in Sri Lanka. It is a somewhat complex industry, and Sri Lankan hoteliers must seize opportunities for potential developments in this new market. In the Sri Lankan context, five-star hotels have necessary accessible facilities, but there are not enough facilities for the differently-abled community below five-star hotels. There is a lack of literature about the differentl- abled market in previous studies, and Sri Lanka has a lack of accessible accommodations for differently-abled guests. Other findings include a lack of strategies for managing differently-abled guests and a lack of modern practices for gaining a competitive advantage. Finally, the study revealed that more research should be conducted in order to gain a better understanding of this market. Learn from other countries, develop staff knowledge, skills, and attitudes, develop and implement new contemporary practices, and develop strategies to manage differently-abled markets. Keywords: Accessible tourism, disabled tourist, hotels, Differently-abled community.Item Cultural Heritage Tourism development: A Study on the Influential Affecting Factors, Challenges, and Opportunities with Special Reference to Mannar District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) DIAS, S.J.ABSTRACT Cultural heritage tourism is one of the Sri Lanka's most rapidly rising segments. CHT, encompass all aspects of travel that allow visitors to learn about other cultures' histories and lifestyles. Northern Province of Sri Lanka has great potential to attract tourists with its cultural heritage sites. Therefore, developing cultural heritage tourism in Northern Province is very important. Hence, the objectives of this study are identifying affecting factors, challenges and opportunities. The qualitative approach was used for this study. The sample is selected from tourism stakeholders. Primary data was be collected from structured interviews. 15 tourism stakeholders of Mannar district were selected to conduct structured interviews. Content analysis method was used to analyse the data collected. The findings of the study reveal that infrastructure facilities, integration and accessibility, hospitality and treatment, bio-diversity, promotion and diversification, identifying markets and uniqueness, and government support as the major factors that Mannar district has to pay attention in promoting the CHT sector. Moreover, findings identify erroneous promotional activities, Lack of proper planning from the officials, lack of proper awareness among the natives as challenges and enough and more resources, cultural harmony among the populace, and availability of well-educated youngsters as opportunities associated with Mannar CHT promotion. Furthermore, study identifies the importance of having a specific CHT strategy for Mannar district. Long-term planning of infrastructure, Identifying the importance of participation of the necessary parties in the decision-making process, conducting awareness programmesatn all possible level, accepting private sectors in the promotion of CHT, forming information or tourist guiding centres, religious places support of CHT, and promoting unique products and resources by exhibiting them are suggested as recommendations to the CHT industry. The outcome of this study will be very useful to the government and policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and local residents who are involving in the tourism industry. Keywords: CHT, Development, challenges, Opportunities, Mannar districtItem Destination Image and Destination Loyalty: Comparison between Asia Pacific and European Tourists(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Senarath, S.M.U.C.Sri Lankan tourism history begin with the 4th century Chinese Fa-Hien traveler who visited Sri Lanka as early. Today tourism is a booming industry and play a crucial role in Sri Lankan economic growth. The supreme goal of the tourism is to gain more & more revenue and benefit to the country and anticipate the high contribution to the GDP. Sri Lanka is filled with many of natural and man-made attractions and attract many of tourists from different regions. According to the past tourist statistical report Western Europe emerged as the as the primary source of region for Sri Lanka tourist arrivals and south East Asia is the second place. But near past few years released tourist statistical reports stated that tourist arrivals from Asia continued to be the main source and Western Europe continued to be the second source of Tourism in Sri Lanka. In this respect, this study attempted to explore the difference between Sri Lankan Destination Loyalty among Asia Pacific and European tourists. Investigating the tourists who visit Western province from Asia Pacific and European regions. Because the researcher found that there is empirical and knowledge gaps in this context. In order to conduct the study, Researcher set two Objectives to identify the role of destination image on the destination loyalty among the Asia Pacific and European tourists and to identify the difference between destination loyalty among Asia Pacific and European tourists. Study is mostly based on primary data and researcher used convenience sampling method to collect data collected from 180 tourists 90 from each both regions visit to Western province by using Structured Questionnaires. Then, in order to achieve the objectives of the study researcher use Descriptive analysis and PLS-SEM model. By these researcher found tourists from both regions were highly satisfied with the existing level of cognitive destination image and affective destination image on Western province and there were some differences in both region's tourists on destination image among destination loyalty in Western province. Finally according to the findings of the study which can recommend that if features of Western province Destination Image develop further more in creative and effective manner, the tourists' satisfaction and revisiting levels will be increased. Key words: Destination Image, Destination Loyalty, Asia Pacific Tourists, Europe TouristsItem Determinants of Restaurant Revenue Management; Revenue Per Available Seat Hour (RevPASH) Analysis for Registered Tourist Restaurants in Colombo District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Bandara, D.G.G.P.S.Revenue management is a sophisticated form of supply and demand management. Its primary focus is managing customer demand through the use of variable pricing and capacity management to maximize profitability. Most of the restaurant owners and managers are trying to increase their revenue, but they use wrong determinants to measure the revenue. This research aims to identify the determinants of revenue per available seat hour (RevPASH) in registered tourist restaurants in Colombo district. RevPASH is a performance metric in the restaurant industry. Researcher has identified two research questions and based on that two objectives were developed. Research was conducted as quantitative study and used questionnaire as a data collecting technique. Sample size was 75 registered tourist restaurants in Colombo district. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used to analyse the data with the support of SPSS 22 version. Results revealed a weak positive relationship between total number of employees in restaurant, services & facilities of restaurant, centrality of the restaurant corresponding to the location and RevPASH, And also, there was no relationship between total number of covers in restaurant, restaurant grade, restaurant establishment year, restaurant refurbishment, distance to the main road from restaurant with RevPASH in registered tourist restaurants in Colombo district. According to that result, restaurant owners and managers in registered tourist restaurants in Colombo district should consider about the total number of employees in restaurant, services & facilities of restaurant and centrality of the restaurant corresponding to the location to increase the RevPASH of the restaurant. Keywords: Revenue management, Restaurant industry, RevPASH, Performance metricItem Determinants of Volunteer Motivation on Conference Events in Sri Lanka; Special Reference to Tourism Undergraduates of State Universities In Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Liyanage, L.K.P.G.ABSTRACT The events industry is one of rapidly growing industries with clear tourism synergies. Events have the potential to boost the tourism sector, attract media attention, encourage development, and inspire infrastructure modifications, including the formation of new partnerships. The conference event sector is growing as an important component of the MICE industry. The demand for both paid and volunteer employees increase as the number of conferences grow. Undergraduates are playing a major role in the volunteer sector. They are motivated to volunteer at the conference events for a variety of reasons. Hence, this research was conducted to determine the undergraduates’ motivation factors, which affect for volunteering at conference events in Sri Lanka. This study's population did consist of 3rd and 4th year undergraduates pursuing hospitality and tourism-related degree programs at state universities. There were 425 students in the population. Sample size was 202 students and stratify random sampling technique was used in selecting the sample. Structured questionnaire with closed-end questions was used as the prime data collection method and questionnaire was distributed among the sample via a Google form. In addition to that, quantitative approach was used to conduct this study and collected data were analyzed by using SmartPLS software. The outcome obtained from the analysis illustrates that there is a significant positive relationship between determinants and volunteer motivation. Undergraduates were interested in volunteering at conference events because of altruistic and value-driven benefits, instrumental or career-related benefits, and socio-or ego defensive benefits. Furthermore, this study suggested that facilitating undergraduates to engage in volunteering at conferences during their university period gains more benefits for their future career as well as their personal life. Key words: Volunteer, Motivation, Conference Events, University Undergraduates