Abstract:
The tourism industry is a major economic development trend worldwide. It is
the key source of earning the income of many countries in the world and it is
invested in the development of the country. Sri Lanka has become a most
attracted destination due to its natural location, natural environment, and
hospitality. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has specific attraction over
them. This area has a high mobility rate of local and foreign tourists and tourist
hotels. The main objective of this study is to examine the economic impacts
of tourism on regional development. This study used both primary and
secondary data and those were collected from the questionnaires,
observations, interviews, books, magazines, records and data from maps. This
study administered to randomly selected major businessmen, 25 minor
businessmen, and 10 of direct and indirect service suppliers. The descriptive
statistics used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data and computer
software such as MS Excel and Geographical Information System (GIS) used
to data analysis and create maps. The result revealed that the economic and
infrastructure facilities have affected to develop people’s lives in this area by
regional development. In addition to that, most of the job opportunities were
increase based on the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. And also, the new trend
shows that men, as well as women, employ several jobs based in this area.
Therefore, they earn a favorable salary and continue a healthy and comfortable
life. This situation affected to develop their families. Most people were a
permanent residence in this area. Therefore, the income they earn remains
among them. It does not flow out of the area. These changes were affected to
develop the economic side and the government can take several actions to
develop this situation. Then, it affects to increase of economic background
based on the regional development in this area.
