Analysis the Current and Future Potential of Tea Tourism in Sri Lanka: The Special Reference from Haputale Region

Abstract

Tea tourism represents an emerging niche in sustainable rural development, combining agro heritage, cultural experience, and ecological appreciation. Despite Sri Lanka’s global reputation for tea production, scholarly attention to tea tourism as a strategic sector remains limited. This study investigates the current landscape and future potential of tea tourism in the Haputale region an ecologically rich and culturally significant area in the central highlands. The research aims to identify the perceptions of key stakeholders and the critical factors influencing the development and sustainability of tea tourism. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative data from 100 structured questionnaires with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Respondents included domestic and international tourists, tea estate workers, local residents, tourism operators, and government officials. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, incorporating descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression techniques. The findings reveal significant perceptual differences between stakeholder groups. Independent samples t-tests indicated that international tourists rated infrastructure lower than domestic tourists (M = 3.0 vs. 3.4; t = 2.21, p = 0.029). ANOVA results showed significant variation in perceptions of infrastructure adequacy (F = 3.58, p = 0.009), community involvement (F = 4.12, p = 0.004), and sustainability awareness (F = 2.69, p = 0.037). Correlation analysis demonstrated strong associations between infrastructure adequacy and future tourism potential (r = 0.71), and between community involvement and sustainability awareness (r = 0.68). Multiple regression analysis confirmed infrastructure (β = 0.452), community involvement (β = 0.244), and sustainability awareness (β = 0.233) as statistically significant predictors of perceived future tourism potential (Adjusted R² = 0.477, p < 0.001). The study concludes that Haputale possesses substantial but underutilized potential for tea tourism. Strategic investment in infrastructure, participatory governance, and sustainability education are essential to realizing this potential. This research makes an original contribution to the tourism literature by offering a statistically validated, stakeholder-informed framework for developing tea tourism in post-plantation economies.