Article: An anthropological analysis on community based tourism development in rural landscapes: the case of central province, Sri Lanka Journal: International Journal of Tourism Anthropology (IJTA) 2025 Vol.10 No.1 pp.62 - 84 Abstract: COVID-19 crisis presents a transformative opportunity to re-imagine and restructure tourism through more inclusive and sustainable models. This study explores the potential of community-based tourism as a tool for economic resilience and social empowerment in the rural landscapes of Sri Lanka's central province through an anthropological perspective. Focusing on five diverse communities: Thalkote, Ranamune, Kolapathana Estate, Kalwaldeniya, and Karagasthenna, the research adopts an interpretive qualitative approach as the methodology. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with CBT operators and industry experts, along with focus group discussions with local stakeholders. Thematic analysis revealed both the potentials and challenges of CBT in rural settings. The study emphasises the value of anthropological perspectives in understanding cultural heritage, community dynamics, and social structures - elements crucial for designing locally grounded and culturally sensitive CBT models. A new model for 'Sustainable CBT management in rural landscapes' is proposed at the end of this study. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: An anthropological analysis on community based tourism development in rural landscapes: the case of central province, Sri Lanka

Authors: W.H.M.S. Samarathunga; Olivier Naria

Addresses: Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Faculty of Management Studies, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, Sri Lanka ' Département STAPS, UFR Sciences de l'Homme et de l'Environnement, Université de La Réunion, Réunion, France

Abstract: COVID-19 crisis presents a transformative opportunity to re-imagine and restructure tourism through more inclusive and sustainable models. This study explores the potential of community-based tourism as a tool for economic resilience and social empowerment in the rural landscapes of Sri Lanka's central province through an anthropological perspective. Focusing on five diverse communities: Thalkote, Ranamune, Kolapathana Estate, Kalwaldeniya, and Karagasthenna, the research adopts an interpretive qualitative approach as the methodology. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with CBT operators and industry experts, along with focus group discussions with local stakeholders. Thematic analysis revealed both the potentials and challenges of CBT in rural settings. The study emphasises the value of anthropological perspectives in understanding cultural heritage, community dynamics, and social structures - elements crucial for designing locally grounded and culturally sensitive CBT models. A new model for 'Sustainable CBT management in rural landscapes' is proposed at the end of this study.

Keywords: anthropological analysis; community-based tourism; CBT; tourism in rural landscapes; post-pandemic tourism; Sri Lanka tourism; community empowerment; tourism after COVID-19; eco-tourism in Sri Lanka.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTA.2025.148672

International Journal of Tourism Anthropology, 2025 Vol.10 No.1, pp.62 - 84

Received: 14 Feb 2025
Accepted: 02 May 2025
Published online: 18 Sep 2025 *

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Title: An anthropological analysis on community based tourism development in rural landscapes: the case of central province, Sri Lanka

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