Strategic Myopia of Tourism Development in Sri Lanka; A Critique

Abstract

This paper critically evaluates the contemporary tourism development of Sri Lanka. Review of literature was the approach used to build up the core view of strategic myopia on Sri Lankan tourism development. Sri Lanka being an island country with a rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and a significant number of wildlife reserves, increasing tourist activities are perceived as a means to bring in much needed foreign exchange to improve the quality of life of local people. Absence of strategic direction as to how the Sri Lanka tourism sector needs to develop for future in a vigorous and sustainable manner is a myopia. A comprehensive, collaborative and nation-wide driven, focused development plan is a timely need. The positioning of Sri Lanka in the international arena, regaining its glory and combating diaspora against the nation are of utmost importance parallel to the product development. Hence, strongly rooted and established tourism information system driven by broad socio-economic stimuli of Sri Lanka is a primary need to position Sri Lankan tourism development in a strategic direction. A harmonized approach through development agencies (both public and private), universities, research institutes, tourism sector organizations, NGOs and so forth is imperative for the above. Achieving sustainable tourism is a continuous process which requires constant monitoring of impacts, introducing the necessary preventive and/or corrective measures whenever necessary.

Keywords: Tourism Development, Sustainability, Strategic, Sri Lanka

JEL Classification: L80, L83, M10