Abstract:
Community development is a way of empowering civic activities and strengthening civil
society and their perspective on social, economic, and environmental policy development.
Tourism can play a critical role in empowering local communities. The tourism industry
has many economic, social, and environmental benefits to the rural community. Rural
tourism is a major contributor to rural development. This research aimed to identify the
role of tourism in the context of rural community around Patna. Patna is a rapidly
growing destination and in its early stage of tourist destination life cycle, ponders a range
of opportunities through tourism. It is situated proximity to Deniyaya town just outside of
Sinharaja Rain Forest. It is a rural village belongs to the Wiharahena Grama Niladhari
Division. This research focused on factors influencing the development of the tourism
industry, community development, and outlook. Using purposive sampling, twenty (20)
tourism stakeholders was drawn for the study. Data were collected through in-depth
interviews from the participant; visitors, community members, and government officers
(Grama Niladhari, Economic Development officers). The transcribed detailed interview
outcomes were scrutinized and analysed using thematic analysis techniques. Findings
revealed that lack of infrastructure, lack of government involvement, negative
environmental and social impacts have disturbed tourism and related community
development potentials while tourism seems as an effective tool to improve the income
level of the community. In sum, the study found that tourism has a limited impact on the
Patna community with little improvement in their income levels. Based on the findings it
recommended to improve government involvement, improve infrastructure facilities in
the Patna area. Moreover, effective promotional techniques, promoting tourism-related
community enterprises are some potential areas for future research.
Keywords: Community-based Tourism, Community empowerment, Rural tourism,
Tourism development, Tourism impacts.
