A Study on Impacts of Unplanned Tourism Development – with reference to Negombo Tourism Hub, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The specific aim of the research was to find out socio-cultural effects of unplanned tourism development to destinations. The study carried out at Negombo tourism hub. Negombo is one of the famous tourist destinations located in the Greater Colombo area, close proximity to Sri Lanka’s first international airport and has been a significant tourist attraction since the 1960s. Currently, Negombo is one of the best places for Beach tourism (Sun, Sea, and Sand), Night life, Water sports, Seafood and traditional fishing. Nonetheless, the government involvement was not sufficient in the early days of tourism development hence much of the development activities surrounding Negombo has been unplanned. This has been caused for many negative impacts as well. Much of these adverse impacts have affected the host community. This study was able to identify these adverse effects through primary and secondary data collecting methods.