A Study of Impact of Dive Tourism on Community Development: Special References to Southern Province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The study focused on the dive tourism impacts on the host community of Southern province in Sri Lanka. Finding out the impacts of dive tourism will help to reach the positivity and to overcome the negativity of tourism to contribute to community development. This study investigated whether the active local participation is possible and to what extent, how far host communities are exposed to the impacts of dive tourism and the motivational factors of divers. The study covered Southern province and examined many aspects of local community life that influenced by local host communities. The research employed more qualitative techniques and data were analysised using SPSS software. A purposive sampling technique was adopted and data were analysised using descriptive analysis, correlation coefficient, and thematic analysis. The findings showed local communities feel the impacts of dive tourism through positive developments or negative consequences like the rise of real estate costs and increased pollution. This area is a very suitable area for varieties of dive tourism activities and recreational activities. New activities can be introduced and started and can re-built previous activities, especially camping sites, underwater photography, cultural activities, and dive based innovational activities. With the help of the community, these activities can be started and they can get benefits while preserving the environment. Keywords: Dive tourism, Tourism impacts, Community development, Motivational factors