Abstract:
Camping is a form of popular entertainment activity and an inexpensive form of alternative
accommodation closely associated with nature. Although this sector is far neglected by academic
researchers, the segment has been extensively popular and holds a strong interest from travellers
around the globe during the last decade. However, subject to the outbreak of the COVID 19
pandemic over the world, the camping organizers had to completely suspend the operations and
struggled to re-start ensuring the health and safety of visitors. Hence, the purpose of this research is to
identify the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic situation on camping organizers in Sri Lanka and the
strategic initiatives taken in order to re-start the operations in new-normal conditions. The qualitative
research approach has been occupied in order to achieve the objectives of the study. Sample units
were selected using snowballing sampling techniques and structured interviews were conducted for
12 camping organizers in Sri Lanka until reaching the saturation point. Data collection was carried
out from October to December 2020. The data analysis was done using content analysis and
transcribed data were coded and interpreted manually. Results of the study revealed the impact of the
COVID 19 pandemic situation on camping organizers in Sri Lanka under a few specific areas. Sri
Lanka‟s camping organizers face an uncertain future and the hardest hit by economic fallout due to
the global COVID 19 outbreak while occurring unprecedented challenges. Moreover, the results
reflected that camping organizers perceive a negative attitude towards COVID 19, and the impacts,
challenges, and strategies are concluded at the level of their perception. As short term strategies and
long term opportunities, the concept of Virtual Reality (VR) camping could be adhered to under the
new corona conditions. However, an integrated approach, such as awareness programs that progress
to improve risk reduction measures, financial arrangements, and the issuance of a specific license
from the government with more cohesion and assistance, would be supportive and adequate for
camping operators to fast retrieve in future pandemics.
Keywords: COVID 19; Camping; Camping Organizers; Impacts; challenges; Sri Lanka
