Enhancing domestic tourism in Kataragama and.Yala, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Tourism has become a niajor source of income, employment generator, government income earner etc. but its potential has notbeen much explored particularly in relation to domestic tourism. With a view to investigate enhancing domestic tourism in Sri Lanka, this paper deais with a detailed analysis of the barriere to growth of domestic tourisam and to identify the problems and prospects of domestic tourism with particular emphasis on the Kataragama Sacred City and the Yala (Ruhuna) National Park. The study is mainly based on a sample survey of 200 domestic tourists and 100 individuáis representing Service providere in the two sites. The study identifies problems of supplying drinking ater,accommodation, meais, transport, communication, and information Services prevailing in the study area. Investments by private partios are not at a satisfactory level due to inadequacy of investments by prívate parties. The study makes a series of proposals in order to facilítate the increase in arriváis and to obtain full participation of domestic tourism.in the social and economic development in the study area.