ASSESSING ECO-TOURISM POTENTIAL AND SOCIO- ECONOMIC IMPACTS IN DAMBETHENNA ESTATE, SRI LANKA

Abstract

Dambethenna Estate in Haputale is an ecologically rich landscape with significant yet underutilized potential for eco-tourism development in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. This study evaluates the estate’s eco-tourism potential and examines the socio-economic impacts of the existing tourism activities on local communities. A mixed-method research design was employed, incorporating questionnaires, interviews, field observations, and spatial analysis. Fifty residents from the Dambethenna Grama Niladhari Division were surveyed to assess socioeconomic effects, while another fifty local and foreign tourists were consulted to evaluate tourism demand and satisfaction. The Weighted Sum Method (WSM) was applied to determine tourism potential across physical, environmental, and social dimensions, supported by SWOT analysis and Chi-square testing. Results reveal that several sites, including the Dambethenna Tea Factory, Dambethenna Viewpoint, Samimalee Viewpoint, and Samimalee Temple, possess high eco-tourism potential (0.71), while newly identified attractions such as Catherine Seat I and II show moderate-high potential (0.69). Despite strong environmental appeal, social and infrastructural constraints particularly limited accessibility and lack of land ownership among rural residents, restrict community participation and tourism-driven socio-economic benefits. Chi-square tests further indicate no significant link between tourism growth and improvements in household income or social well-being. Overall, while Dambethenna Estate demonstrates substantial ecological and landscape value, realizing its eco-tourism potential requires improving accessibility, strengthening community involvement, and adopting structured, sustainable tourism planning. The findings highlight actionable opportunities for enhancing regional development through eco-tourism.