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Tourist expectation and perception of world heritage site Sigiriya: Policy and institutional implications for Sri Lanka

Author

Listed:
  • D.A. Sharmini Perera

    (Faculty of Business, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology,New Kandy Road, Malabe, Sri Lanka)

  • VGR Chandran

    (Department of Development Studies, University of Malaya, Malaysia)

  • D.A.C. Surang Silva

    (Staff Development Center, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka)

  • K. Chinna

    (Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia)

Abstract

This study assesses the expectations and perceptions of tourists visiting the “Sigiriya” heritage site given the importance of tourism in Sri Lanka in the post LTTE era with the end of the 30 year old civil war. Data from 400 tourists was collected using the questionnaire method and the difference between the mean values of perception and expectation was used to indicate satisfaction gap. The results confirmed that tourist perceptions on seven variables fell short of their expectations. However, the mean difference of tourist expectations on heritage sites and natural attractions did not show a mismatch. Site attributes and site staff assistance were found to have the largest satisfaction gaps. Therefore, to further improve the heritage tourism sustainability in Sri Lanka, it is essential to reduce the gap between expectation and perception in some of the dimensions identified in this study. This study also discusses policy and institutional implications and provides lessons and insights for countries promoting heritage tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • D.A. Sharmini Perera & VGR Chandran & D.A.C. Surang Silva & K. Chinna, 2015. "Tourist expectation and perception of world heritage site Sigiriya: Policy and institutional implications for Sri Lanka," Institutions and Economies (formerly known as International Journal of Institutions and Economies), Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya, vol. 7(2), pages 166-184, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:umk:journl:v:7:y:2015:i:2:p:166-184
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    File URL: http://ijie.um.edu.my/filebank/published_article/10301/Tourist%20expectation%20and%20perception%20of%20world%20heritage%20site%20Sigiriya%20-%20Policy%20and%20institutional%20implications%20for%20Sri%20Lanka.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Expectation; Heritage Tourism; Perception; Satisfaction; Sigiriya; Sri Lanka;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • M31 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Marketing and Advertising - - - Marketing

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