Evaluating the Socio-Economic Impact of Cultural Tourism Development in Anuradhapura District

Abstract

Tourism is a significant global economic sector, contributing approximately 10% to global GDP. This study examines the socio-economic potential of cultural tourism development in the Anuradhapura District, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rich Buddhist heritage and cultural significance. The research aims to evaluate the socio-economic impacts of cultural tourism development on local communities in Anuradhapura District and identify the factors influencing sustainable tourism development. Data were collected from 120 respondents using a structured questionnaire, and statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS. Descriptive statistics revealed that respondents' demographic characteristics, including age, gender, education, and DS division, significantly influenced perceptions of cultural tourism's impact. Pearson correlation analysis showed perfect positive relationships (r = 1.000, p < 0.01) between cultural tourism development and variables such as personal income increase, business growth, infrastructure development, and service improvement. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.530, p < 0.01) was found between tourism development and involvement in decision-making, while a weak positive correlation (r = 0.231, p < 0.01) was observed for job opportunities. Multiple regression analysis highlighted that the perception of benefit distribution in the community (β = 0.942, p < 0.01) and involvement in planning decisions (β = 0.530, p < 0.01) had strong positive impacts on cultural tourism development. Other variables, such as personal income increase, heritage preservation, and quality of life improvement, also showed statistically significant contributions. The findings are consistent with previous tourism studies highlighting the role of cultural tourism in promoting sustainable socio-economic development and heritage conservation.