Potential of enhancing agro-tourism in agrarian land gurubeula matara, Sri Lanka

Abstract

There are various forms of activities and resources linked with the agricultural sector towards agro-tourism. Since the tourism sector has been emerging as one of the country's key economic contributors, a link between tourism and agriculture would be mutually complementary for both sectors while rendering potential benefits to the rural farming community. Therefore, this study's objective was to explore an existing case of agro tourism with the intention to find out innovative elements of agro tourism, catalyzers, and obstacles that come in the process of agro-tourism development. The case study methodological approach was applied in this research utilizing interviews and mixed-mode methods, combining in-depth, semi-structured interview questions. Over the years, the step by step progression of tourism activities in Gurubeula was an evolutionary process for which the external influences were minimal. Innovations came from within that is interlocked with the existing system well. There is much potential for agro-tourism development at the site and the incorporation should be done with care with the least disturbance to the system. Further case studies regarding agro tourism will expose unique characteristics of individual cases that will enrich the knowledge base for a local model of agro – tourism development.