Threats for Sri Lanaka Tourism

 Threats for Sri Lanaka Tourism

Natural disaster

Natural disasters - floods, rains, etc. impact hugely the tourism industry of the affected destinations. Sri Lanka was affected by Tsunami in December 2004. Approximately 40,000 lives were lost and much damage was done to properties along the coastal area. Sri Lanaka took nearly two years to recover fully from this disaster. The country has a Tsunami warning system in place and has revised its crisis management plan. During the time of Tsunami two-third of districts in east and south coast were hardly affected. The mangrove forests and coral reefs were reduced and damage by this Tsunami. The larger of coral sections were broke down and destroyed the balance of ecological system. And some coral have been moved from the reef. Many coral colonies were totally buried in sand. Some soft corals reef were entirely destroyed by this natural disaster. Therefore our natural resources are destroyed by the disaster. And this may affect the tourism industry.

Weather changes  

The climate changes and global warming have  become increasing over the last twenty years. The scientists, environmentalists, and public makes researching the cause and impact of climate change, they found that environment is most affected by those negative climate changes. Scientists say climate changes are effect from an increasing sea temperature, increasing sea level, and harsh storms. Those environments mostly threaten the coral reefs life. These negatively impact trying to turn down biodiversity, coastal protection and income from tourist. Climate, the natural environment and personal safety are three primary factors in destination choice and global climate change is anticipated to have significant impacts on all three of theses factors. Climate is also a principal driver of seasonality in demand, which has been described as one of the most problematic features of the tourism industry.    

Threats of Tourism industry

• A survey by Sri Lanaka Tourism Development Authority has highlighted the possibilities of a major impact on national cultural values with a large number of tourists visiting the country.
• Potential negative cultural impacts are more generally related to areas that had been less attractive to tourism earlier.
• Although tourism revenues help maximize economic benefits to local communities. a continuous growth in this sector places a great stress on remaining biologically diverse habitats and indigenous cultures.
• Uncontrolled tourism growth can also cause environmental degradation, destruction of fragile ecosystems and social and cultural differences, undermining the basic of tourism.
• Export Development and international Trade Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said last year " the government is not prepared for the negative effects which might occur due to mass tourism".
• He also said Sri Lanaka has no fear in case of " sex tourism" as the country's culture dose not approve such trade, and the government would step forward to prevent such events if necessary.
• It is however, necessary to protect this resource base as tourism in one of the world's largest and fastest growing industries.    

National Parks and Bird Sanctuaries

Sri Lanka has nine national parks and seven bird sanctuaries, which house several endangered species. The famous national parks include Kamana National Park, Yala National Park, Uda Walawe National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Minneria National Park and Wasgamuwa National Park. Most of these parks are located in the central and southeastern parts of the country.