Tourism impacts can be grouped into three main categories:
- economic
- social
- environmental
Economic impacts
International tourism receipts exceeded US$1 trillion for the first time in 2011, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). This was especially important news given the global economic crisis of 2008, and tourism became increasingly seen as a tool to help build struggling economies.
Tourism is a growing industry almost everywhere. In its August 2014 expenditure barometer, the UNWTO found worldwide visitation had increased by 22 million people in the first half of the year over the previous year, to reach 517 million visits (UNWTO, 2014a).
In Sri Lanka, tourism significantly contributes to the country's economy: it was the third-largest foreign exchange earner in 2017, preceded by Worker's Remittance and Textiles & Garments. Foreign exchange earnings from the tourism sector increased to 14.8% of the total foreign exchange earnings, compared to 14.2% recorded in the previous year.
The official tourist receipts for 2017 were estimated at Rs. 598,356 million as compared to Rs. 512,593 million in 2016, growing by 16.7%.
In terms of US Dollars, the total tourist receipts were estimated to be US$ 3,924.9 million, compared to US$ 3,518.5 million observed in the previous year, increasing by 11.5%.
The per capita tourist receipts per day amounted to US$ 170.1, showing an increase of 1.1% as compared to US$ 168.2 in 2016.
Of course, the 2019 figures, when they are released, will show drastically reduced values due to the Easter tragedy. But the sudden, visible loss in tourists has made the beneficial economic benefits of tourism abundantly clear.
Social impacts
In addition to the economic benefits of tourism development, positive social impacts include:
- An increase in amenities (e.g., parks, infrastructure and recreation facilities)
- Investment in arts and handicrafts
- Celebration of local culture
However, the negative social impacts of tourism can include:
- Change or loss of local cultural identity and values
- Culture clashes
- Physical causes of social stress (increased demand for resources)
- Ethical issues (such as an increase in sex tourism or the exploitation of child workers)
It is up to all players within the local tourism economy to ensure that the significant potential economic benefits outstrip the limited negative social impacts.
Environmental impacts
Tourism relies on, and greatly impacts, the natural environment in which it operates. Even though many areas of the world are conserved in the form of parks and protected areas, tourism development can have severe negative impacts. These can include:
- Depletion of natural resources (water, forests, etc.)
- Pollution (air pollution, noise, sewage, waste and littering)
- Physical impacts (construction activities, marina development, trampling, loss of biodiversity)
The environmental impacts of tourism can reach outside local areas and have an effect on the global ecosystem. One example is increased air travel, which is a major contributor to climate change.
Sri Lankan Tourism guiding principles
Credit: Hendrik Cornellisen
To enhance the positive impacts of tourism and mitigate the negative impacts associated with tourism, the Sri Lankan Tourism Strategic Plan 2017-2020 outlines the following guiding principles:
1. Capturing the benefits of tourism for Sri Lanka
The tourism industry makes a significant contribution to the growth and diversification of Sri Lanka's economy. it should be considered a key pillar of the economy and a priority in government decision- making. facilitated by the public sector, the private sector should play a lead in the development of the tourism industry.
2. Democratisation of economic participation
Tourism should result in optimal economic benefit to Sri Lanka's economy by maximising net foreign exchange income, spreading development throughout the island, and creating gainful employment for sri Lankans. Tourism growth should stimulate and deepen the value chain and ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits that are fairly distributed to all stakeholders.
3. Conservation and world-class management of assets
Tourism development should promote the conservation and enhancement of Sri Lanka's natural environment and its historical, social and cultural heritage, avoiding harmful effects. it should make optimal use of environmental resources - maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural biodiversity.
4. Local community involvement
Tourism should respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to intercultural understanding and tolerance. Tourism development should involve local communities in a real, holistic capacity. strong political leadership, including regional and local government, should foster informed, wide participation of all relevant stakeholders and support consensus building.
5. Memorable experiences rooted in heritage
All tourism services and activities should be visitor-centric and rooted in the environmental, religious, social and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. They should provide a high level of visitor satisfaction and ensure a meaningful visitor experience, providing learning opportunities and raising awareness about best tourism practices.
6. Responsible destination marketing
Sri Lanka should be marketed responsibly to highlight the country's distinctive environment, traditions and attractions. efforts should also be made to dispel longstanding misconceptions about the country and the tourism sector.
7. Safety and security for all
A safe and secure environment should be ensured for all visitors, investors and communities, as well as animals.
Summary
Tourism impacts can be grouped into three main categories:
- economic
- social
- environmental
The negative impacts can be limited and positive impacts enhanced through Sri Lankan Tourism's guiding principles:
- Capturing the benefits of tourism for Sri Lanka
- Democratisation of economic participation
- Conservation and world-class management of assets
- Local community involvement
- Memorable experiences rooted in heritage
- Responsible destination marketing
- Safety and security for all