Potential of Implementing Community Based Agro Tourism in the Minneriya Tank Area of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Community-based agro-tourism offers a transformative impact on rural areas. This study focused on identifyingthe potential of implementing community-based agro-tourism in the Minneriya Tank area in Polonnaruwadistrict of Sri Lanka. Primary data was collected through a survey using a pre-tested structured questionnaire conducted in the Rotawewa village in Minneriya Tank area. The target respondents included local residents in the Minneriya Tank area (n=30) and tourists (n=50) who made visits to this area during the data collection period. Tourists and local residents were selected through non-probability purposive sampling and random sampling methods, respectively. Tools relating to descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis. The study revealed positive perceptions of community-based agro-tourism, in terms of knowledge (p=0.806), attitude (p=0.72), and awareness (p=0.53) and it highlights opportunities and challenges to implement community-based agro-tourism. In conclusion, study highlights a strong interest in implementing communitybased agro-tourism in the Minneriya Tank area