ABSTRACT
The Sri Lankan wildlife tourism sector, given the diverse range of wildlife, many of which are endemic, is well placed to attract high yield tourists. Currently, the majority of wildlife tourism experiences occur within the country’s protected areas (PAs). The potential benefits arising from the expansion of this sector are likely to be significant however without proper management there could also be a number of deleterious impacts. The problem for the governing agency, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC), is to effectively manage the delicate balance between the obligations to protect environmental values whilst at the same time provide quality recreational opportunities. The rapid increase in international tourism since 2009 is likely to exacerbate this difficulty for the DWLC. It is estimated that ~30% of international tourists visit a national park (NP) during their stay in the country. In addition, the level of domestic tourism is expected to increase thus putting additional pressures on NPs. This chapter examines the opportunities and challenges associated with wildlife tourism. The data for this study is based on a review of the literature and documents relating to wildlife tourism in Sri Lanka in addition to semi-structured, personal interviews with nine travel and tour executives, three park managers, and one ex-DWLC officer. It is clear that increasing visitation numbers can contribute to the economic development of the country and regions where the parks are based as well as providing sources of the funding for maintaining environmental values of the parks. However, at the present time there are negative environmental impacts occurring as a result from tourism. These impacts are also reducing the amenity value for visitors. The DWLC is attempting to use various strategies to ameliorate the negative impacts caused by visitation however their efforts are hamstrung by the lack of funding.
“…..postulated wildlife tourism may only be sustainable if there are benefits for the local communities.”
