Introduction
Tourism is one of the factors that propel economic growth, especially in regions exhibiting lower indicators of socioeconomic development. In Sri Lanka, cultural tourism is one area that is being developed to sustain rural economies and create employment. The country is among the leading tourist destinations globally with 2.3 million visitors in 2018 (Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, 2019). In recent decades, tourism has been characterized by increased demand for holidays in smaller villages in the countryside. In this paper, a rural homestay project that offers visitors opportunities to interact and experience the local culture is proposed to boost tourist numbers.
Logical Planning and Project Development Models
Maduwa is a place of diverse historic sites and shrines that are emblematic of the Sinhalese culture. In order to diversify the Sri Lanka tourist destinations, a 3S plus culture model is adopted for this project. The sun, sand, and sea tourism framework have changed. Therefore, a restructuring process to provide unique products can be a competitive strength. Sri Lanka’s per-capita tourist spending per day is about $77, which is lower than Asian nations (Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, 2019). To compete effectively, a Maduwa homestay project is proposed. Tourists will put up with a local family for a given duration, and during this time, they will learn the local culture, beliefs, and lifestyles (Ranasinghe, 2015). This sustainable community-based approach will provide tourists opportunities to experience authentic local culture and interact with rural ethnic groups. Visitors will participate in Sinhalese culture through a homestay in Balapitiya. The traditional traveling experience will enable tourists to connect with people more deeply, which will increase re-visits. They will be taught local recipes, jaggery, and the preparation of honey products. Cultural souvenirs will be sold to tourists in markets near the homestay sites.
The project plan will involve the development of infrastructure and training of the local community to provide a homestay experience. The renovation of access roads, buildings, leisure parts, and tourist homestay units will be prioritized. Accommodation providers, handicraft producers, and community nature guides will be the key stakeholders. Local representatives will regulate access of rural residents to markets established within the village and oversee their operations, including cultural events targeting visitors. A community artisans association will be formed to promote local artifacts to tourists. The cultural goods sold will reflect the traditions of the community.
Sustainability Perspectives
The economic sustainability of the homestay project will come from an increased number of first-time visitors and regular tourists. It will strengthen the economy by increasing job opportunities enabling families and the community to earn a sustainable income. According to Aslam, Cooper, and Othman (2016), tourism is among Sri Lanka’s top foreign income earners, accounting for 4% of total earnings. The Maduwa homestay project will transform the local economy by increasing the number of visitors to transform the local economy. The aim is to raise tourist arrivals by 15% and decrease poverty on the island by providing an alternative income source to the locals.
Rural tourism will undoubtedly support the sociocultural dimension of sustainability. It will create pride and attachment to the destination among the tourists and locals. The homestay project will bring different people together, providing opportunities for cultural exchange and the development of cultural and entertainment activities through community unity and teamwork. It will focus attention on safeguarding and enhancing local sociocultural identities.
Environmental sustainability is a key consideration in any economic activity. The homestay project will encompass tree planting activities and forest conservation programs. It will be a means of protecting the environment by revitalizing the natural, cultural, and historical resources of rural regions. It will equally enhance residents’ appreciation of the natural environment, which will promote a community-driven conservation effort. If well planned and organized, tourism and tourist behavior may safeguard the natural environment and the historic areas.
Home-stay tourism will expand infrastructure facilities and promote the protection of cultural resources and traditions. This project will be sustainable since the host community will directly benefit from tourist visits and spending on cultural goods (Ranasinghe, 2015). The quality of visitor experiences will increase satisfaction and revisits. The direct engagement of the local people in home-stay tourism will empower them socially and economically.
Conclusion
The success of tourism is linked to the demand and supply of innovative products. Offering unique attraction sites is key to increasing the number of visitors a country receives. The traditional tourism model of sun, sand, and sea cannot offer Sri Lanka a competitive edge over other Asian destinations. Therefore, a rural homestay option will be a unique offering that will increase the number of visitors. The project will give tourists opportunities to experience the local culture by living and interacting with the locals in Maduwa Island. An increase in the number of visitors will create employment and improve household income, contributing to the economic sustainability of the project. The integrated cultural exchanges will promote make the project socially and culturally sustainable. Conservation activities will contribute to environmental sustainability.
Reference List
- Aslam, L., Cooper, J. and Othman, N. (2016) Sustainable tourism in the global south. Newcastle: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
- Ranasinghe, R. (2015) ‘Evaluation of homestay accommodation supply in Sri Lanka’, International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 2(2), 442-447.
- Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. (2019) Monthly tourist arrivals reports 2019. Web.