The Role of Tourism in Promoting Regional Economic Activities and Ecotourism Potentials in Kalpitiya

Abstract

Tourism is an important contributor to the Sri Lankan economy which is among the largest earners of foreign exchange earning in Sri Lanka. Civil war in Sri Lanka had negatively impacted on the arrival of tourists into the country within last three decades. Kalpitiya is also one of the areas affected by the dark shadows of civil war, which also have been identified as a more attractive and significant zone of tourism in the country. Recently the arrival of tourists could be identified significantly in the area. Generally, Kalpitiya divisional secretariat (DS) is ranked under the lowest income DS divisions in Sri Lanka. The investigation was a preliminary study on the role of tourism in promoting regional economic activities as well as ecotourism potentials in Kalpitiya to raise income of residents as an alternative source of income. The study mainly based on primary data gathered via having a field survey. Field survey was consisted of two main sections as a visual encounter survey and non-structured interviews. Visual Encounter Survey (VES) applied to identify potentials of ecotourism and tourist attractions in Kalpitiya. Regional economic activities related to tourism in Kalpitiya were identified through both VES method and non-structured interviews. Qualitative data applied for SWOT analysis while Arc GIS 10.1 version and google satellite images used to prepare spatial maps and MS excel used for data analysis. Accordingly, several ecosystems were identified including coastal, mangrove, coral reefs and lagoon which were intermingled. Therefore, Kalpitiya could be identified as an agglomeration of ecosystems. Dolphin watching, kite surfing, bike riding around main city, safaris, islet watching were the main tourist activities in Kalpitiya. Western periphery of Kalpitiya was more popular for eco-lodges and hotel facilities while lagoon-ward eastern periphery could not be seen much tourist activities or hotel facilities. The SWOT analysis found few threats on tourism in the area along with weaknesses of the industry. The interviews revealed that ecotourism in the area are increasing however the regional economic activities need to be modernized. Natural resources; oyster shells, palmyra leaves, bulrush plant and idi were distributed largely which can be used as a source for handicraft creations. Boat services, hotel services and transport suppliers were profited via tourism in the area. Diversification of economic activities identified to increase regional economic activities in reducing Kalpitiya residents’ poverty. Moreover, the study revealed that ecotourism potentials have the ability to increase regional economic activities in Kalpitiya rather than general concept of tourism with a more sustainable ecosystem and tourism approach.