Browsing by Author "Pathirana, M. T."

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An inquiry into achieving social sustainability from boutique hotels in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2020) Pathirana, M. T.; Herath, H. M. R. P.; Scott, N.; Gardiner, S.
Achieving social sustainability is a challenge while managing the internal and external pressure in a hotel. In Sri Lanka majority of the boutique hotels has not paid attention to the importance of social sustainability and to its impact of economic sustainability. There is no a proper guiding mechanism to link the society toward the boutique hotels to drive to social sustainability in Sri Lanka as a win-win situation. This paper aims to develop a good practice framework for the boutique hotels in Sri Lanka to drive them toward achieving social sustainability and to explore the internal and external factors that should consider to implement the initiatives to achieve social sustainability. This paper used case study methodology to implement the deductive approach. The author used qualitative data that collected from the interviews from the senior management, employees, guests and community leaders. Data contributed to develop the good guidance frame work. The selected case is an award winning group owned only registered boutique hotel. Research carried over a period of one month and analysed using within data through coding. The findings revealed the internal and external elements that should be considered when it comes to successful implementation to achieve social sustainability. In addition, most applicable key elements to drive toward social sustainability were identified. All these identified elements were integrated to the proposed good practice framework. The paper suggests although boutique hotels implement activities to achieve social sustainability a well-placed framework should place a leading role in achieving social sustainability successfully while extending the benefits to the society.
An Inquiry to Achieve Social Sustainability from Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2020) Pathirana, M. T.; Herath, H. M. R. P.; Scott, N.; Gardiner, S.
Achieving social sustainability is a challenge while managing the internal and external pressure in a hotel. In Sri Lanka, a majority of the boutique hotels have not paid attention to the importance of social sustainability and to its impact of economic sustainability. There is no proper guiding mechanism to link the society toward the boutique hotels to drive to social sustainability in Sri Lanka as a win-win situation. This paper aims to develop a good practice framework for the boutique hotels in Sri Lanka to drive them toward achieving social sustainability and to explore the internal and external factors that should be considered to implement the initiatives to achieve social sustainability. This paper used case study methodology to implement the deductive approach. The author used qualitative data that were collected from the interviews from the senior management, employees, guests, and community leaders. Data contributed to developing the good guidance framework. The selected case is the only registered boutique hotel owned by an award-winning group. Research was carried over a period of one month and data were analysed using within data through coding. The findings revealed the internal and external elements that should be considered when it comes to successful implementation to achieve social sustainability. In addition, most applicable key elements to drive toward social sustainability were identified. In terms of drivers for social sustainability, equity, equal opportunities, ethics, and equal partners were identified. As elements for micro level processes, staff, structure, and culture were identified. To support all these elements starting from winning customers to risk management were identified as elements at macro level. All these identified elements were integrated to the proposed good practice framework. The paper suggests although boutique hotels implement activities to achieve social sustainability a well-placed framework should play a leading role in achieving social sustainability successfully while extending the benefits to the society.
The Potential Impact of AI-Driven Personalization on Tourist Satisfaction and Retention in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies University of Kelaniya., 2024-11-11) Pathirana, M. T.; Kelaniyage T. V.
This study explores the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on enhancing personalized travel experiences in Sri Lanka's tourism sector. Employing a qualitative research approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews with 18 tourists and focus groups with 21 tourism service providers. The study applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DOI), and Service-Dominant Logic (SDL) to analyze perceptions, adoption challenges, and potential benefits of AI technologies. Key findings indicate that while AI tools like chatbots and personalized recommendations can significantly enhance customer service and operational efficiency, their adoption is hindered by technical issues, high costs, and resistance to change. This research was conducted to provide strategic insights that can help stakeholders in the tourism sector make informed decisions about AI adoption. To address these barriers, the study recommends comprehensive training programs, robust technical infrastructure, customization to local contexts, effective communication strategies, and collaboration between stakeholders. The implications suggest that leveraging AI can enhance Sri Lanka's tourism competitiveness and promote sustainable practices. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of AI-driven tourism on local communities and the role of government support in facilitating AI adoption.
Unlocking the Potential of Biodiversity for Promotion of Sustainable Tourism: Case of Indian Tourist Arrival to Knuckles Wildlife Conservations Region
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Pathirana, M. T.; Pande, G.; Scott, N.; Herath, H. M. R. P.; Gardiner, S.; Siriwardane, A.
Biodiversity plays a crucial role in attracting tourists and fostering an understanding of the value of natural resources. However, the rapid expansion of development activities has compromised biodiversity conservation and strained natural resources. Sustainable tourism seeks to operate without harming nature, the environment, biodiversity, and society. India and Sri Lanka, both emerging tourism destinations with rich biodiversity, have indigenous communities residing near natural reserves and relying on natural resources for their livelihoods. These communities hold a strong cultural connection to nature, shaping their identities. Some regions remain untapped due to inaccessibility, missing out on the benefits of tourism development. Leveraging communities and biodiversity presents significant potential for both countries. Given their proximity and shared cultural heritage, they are major tourism markets for each other, further increasing tourism activities. This paper proposes sustainable tourism management practices that integrate environmental, social, and cultural dimensions of biodiversity and tourism. The research aims to unlock the potential of biodiversity for promoting sustainable tourism in the region. By prioritizing indigenous livelihoods and biodiversity conservation through community-based management and cultural heritage promotion, a sustainable tourism model can be established. Primary data from stakeholders and secondary research from government and academic publications will inform the study.