Importance of promoting cultural tourism based on Dutch Reformed church Galle

Abstract

In 1988 the United Nation Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named the Dutch Reformed Church as a world heritage site. It's situated inside the Galle fort which attracts many tourists. The main reason for this tourist attraction is the tombstones. In the church premises, it's floor is paved with tombstones rendered remains of the members and their families who belongs to the Dutch East India Company. The tombstones have won tourist attraction. From the beginning of the church in 1752 to 1863 C.E burial has taken place in the church grounds. Tombstones are the best evidence to prove it. On these tombstones besides the personal name of the dead person a crest has been erected. These crests are different from one another. It indicates their family crest which means different crests were used by each family to recognize one another. Therefore, from each crest the family generation can be identified. Present generation of these families visit to this church to respect their relatives. These information is engraved on the tombstones. This can be identified and promote as cultural tourism. Hence, the tombstones of the Dutch Reformed church which is a cultural heritage can be promoted as a tourist attraction to generate income for the national economy. As for the methodology of this research I intend to have interviews, literary sources both primary and secondary.