Economic impact on regional development in Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Abstract

The tourism industry is a major economic development trend worldwide. It is the key source of earning the income of many countries in the world and it is invested in the development of the country. Sri Lanka has become a most attracted destination due to its natural location, natural environment, and hospitality. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has specific attraction over them. This area has a high mobility rate of local and foreign tourists and tourist hotels. The main objective of this study is to examine the economic impacts of tourism on regional development. This study used both primary and secondary data and those were collected from the questionnaires, observations, interviews, books, magazines, records and data from maps. This study administered to randomly selected major businessmen, 25 minor businessmen, and 10 of direct and indirect service suppliers. The descriptive statistics used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data and computer software such as MS Excel and Geographical Information System (GIS) used to data analysis and create maps. The result revealed that the economic and infrastructure facilities have affected to develop people’s lives in this area by regional development. In addition to that, most of the job opportunities were increase based on the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. And also, the new trend shows that men, as well as women, employ several jobs based in this area. Therefore, they earn a favorable salary and continue a healthy and comfortable life. This situation affected to develop their families. Most people were a permanent residence in this area. Therefore, the income they earn remains among them. It does not flow out of the area. These changes were affected to develop the economic side and the government can take several actions to develop this situation. Then, it affects to increase of economic background based on the regional development in this area.