Cultivating Experiences vs Addressing Expectations: A Deep Dive into Agro-Tourism in Sri Lanka

The tourist industry has evolved to rely on agro-tourism, an inventive fusion of tourism and agriculture that provides immersive experiences that go beyond conventional traveller stereotypes. This research delves deeply into Sri Lankan agro-tourism, examining the reasons behind visits, the expectations that are made, and the positive aspects of various tourist experiences. Thirty participants—both solo and group travellers—were interviewed in-depth to identify the major elements influencing engagement. Finding the subtleties of agro-tourism experiences and illuminating the elements that lead to visitors’ satisfaction and enduring recollections are the study’s main contributions. The research offers insightful information to stakeholders in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry by exploring these intricate interactions and pointing policymakers, tourism boards, and local communities toward sustainable practices that benefit visitors as well as hosts. Driven by reasons like gastronomic exploration, ecological practices, and cultural immersion, tourists also have other incentives. Agro-tourism experiences have a substantial positive impact on salutogenic outcomes. Implications for policy and suggestions from stakeholders emphasize the necessity of infrastructure upgrades, environmental education campaigns, training programs for service providers, community involvement, and the promotion of solo travel packages. Furthermore, by providing insights into the various factors influencing tourists in Sri Lanka, this study contributes to the advancement of academic understanding and real-world applications in agro-tourism. To promote the sustainable growth of agro-tourism in Sri Lanka, the policy suggestions that have been supplied should benefit both tourists and residents.