A Study on the Identification of Potentials of Experience-Based Cultural Tourism Development Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
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Date
2017
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Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Promoting the scattered tourist attractions through emerging concepts in potential sites
and developing such sites as marketable tourism products is a contemporary issue
having both theoretical and empirical significance. This study focused on identify the
Potentials of Experience-Based Cultural Tourism Development Polonnaruwa, Sri
Lanka. Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World Heritage) is one of the key tourist destinations
in Sri Lanka, especially for cultural and heritage visits. Danigala Circular Rock,
Angammedilla National Park, Ancient Technology Museum & Wax Museum,
“Bubula” Water Source and Pimburaththewa Lake have been used as the research site.
This study aims to explore the motivation factors affecting tourists to visit the cultural
heritage sites, the roles of stakeholders, opportunities and challenges in developing
Experience-Based Cultural Tourism (EBCT). A convenient sample of 15 tourism
stakeholders and 70 tourists were drawn for the study. Qualitative data were collected
through semi structured interviews from, tour operators, residents, and government
officers. Moreover, quantitative data collected through self-administered questionnaire
from travelers. Going by the mixed method, transcribed detailed interview outcomes
were analyzed using content analysis and explorative factor analysis done to analyze
the questionnaire outcomes. Findings reveal that, safe consumption, learn local culture
and emotional involvement as motivation factors. It was revealed that the stakeholders
have the power to push tourists to experience destinations. In sum, the study found that
lack of demand, promotion, facilities, accommodation, destination planning, tourism
activities, capital, and dry climate as challenges, while, the number of novel recreational
activities as opportunities. Based on the findings it is recommended to introduce
Tourism friendly Government regulations with inventive tourism experiences while
ensuring adequate marketing. Moreover, other destinations that EBCT can introduce
are potential areas for future research.
Key words: Experience-Based Tourism, Cultural Tourism, Polonnaruwa
Description
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Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management degree programme (HTE)