Effect of Environmental and Socio-Cultural Impacts Caused by Tourism on Residents’ Lives with Special Reference to Ancient City of Anuradhapura

Abstract

Tourism is one of the biggest and fastest-growing sectors in the global economy and has significant environmental, cultural, social, and economic effects, both positive and negative. Yet, relatively few studies have addressed the effect of tourism on residents' lives in Anuradhapura as a major touristic destination in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura ancient city is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the first kingdom of Sri Lanka, well known for its ruins depicting early Sri Lankan civilization. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether the impact of tourism makes changes on residents’ lives in the ancient city of Anuradhapura. The survey design was quantitative and based on an empirical study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the residents of Anuradhapura Ancient city area. A sample of 120 respondents was selected to collect data from the residents. The data was analyzed using SPSS 21 statistical software. Descriptive statistics and Inferential statistics were applied to examine the effect of environmental and socio-cultural impacts caused by tourism on residents’ lives. According to the research findings, environmental pollution, social problems, and congestion & crowding out caused by tourism make significant environmental and socio-cultural changes on residents’ lives in Anuradhapura ancient city area. The results showed that tourism creates significant environmental and socio-cultural changes in residents’ lives in Anuradhapura's ancient city area. Further, this study provides elements for long term benchmark monitoring and observation relating to the resources of the tourism sector.