Tourism in Sri - Lanka

World Tourism Organization
Workshop on Indicators for the

Sustainable Development of Tourism
Beruwala, Sri Lanka

4-6 June 2000
Final Report
Acknowledgements
This study was done in Sri Lanka in conjunction with the Government of Sri Lanka. The field work
and data gathering for the Beruwala study were organized by Mr. Tissa Warnasuriya, Director
General of the Ceylon Tourist Board and G K Amaratunga, National Project Co-ordinator of South
West Coast Tourism Infrastructure Development Study Project who was the former Chairman of the
Central Environmental Authority. Mr. G K Amaratunga assisted by Mr. P P Hettiarchchi, Director
and Mr. T Sooriyagoda, Assistant Director, both of the Ceylon Tourist Board participated with the
consultants in the field work, site interviews and identifying relevant issues at Beruwala. Mr. H M S
Samaranayake, Chairman of Ceylon Tourist Board deserves a special mention, as he was
instrumental in selecting Beruwala as the candidate site for the study. His constant advice was very
helpful in making the study and the related workshop a success.
The authors of this report are Dr. Ted Manning and Gordon Clifford from Consulting and Audit
Canada and Margo Manning from the Foundation for the World’s Oceans. The project has been
managed in cooperation with the Centre for a Sustainable Future of the Foundation for
International Training. Acknowledgments are also due Stacey Prieur of Consulting and Audit
Canada who assisted in the revision of this document and who provided suggestions for its
improvement.
The complete list of participants and resource persons for the Beruwala workshops is attached as
appendix 1.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................... i
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... iii

Key Conclusions of the Beruwala Case ............................................................................ iii
Recommendations............................................................................................................... v
Part One: Introduction............................................................................................................. 1
Part Two: Methodology for Indicators Identification ............................................................. 3
Part Three: The Beruwala Study Area....................................................................................... 9
Part Four: Issues and Indicators for Beruwala....................................................................... 12

A. Environmental Issues............................................................................................ 12
B. Social Issues.......................................................................................................... 22
C. Economic Issues ................................................................................................... 25
D. Quality of Product................................................................................................. 30
E. Management.......................................................................................................... 38
F. Community Planning ............................................................................................ 41
Part Five: Composite Indices ................................................................................................ 46

A. Carrying Capacity................................................................................................. 46
B. Site Stress Index.................................................................................................... 46
C. Destination Attractivity Index .............................................................................. 46
D. Other Possible Derived Indicators for Use in Sri Lanka ...................................... 47
Part Six: Data Sources ......................................................................................................... 49
References..................................................................................................................................... 50
Appendix 1: List of Participants and Resource Persons............................................................ 51
Appendix 2: Indicators Worksheets .......................................................................................... 52
Appendix 3: IUCN Index of Level of Protection ...................................................................... 54
Appendix 4. Model Exit Questionnaire..................................................................................... 55
Appendix 5. Local Questionnaire.............................................................................................. 56
Prepared for the World Tourism Organization and Consulting and Audit Canada and
the Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation ii Centre for a Sustainable Future, 2000
Executive Summary
This report presents the results of a case study and related workshop in Beruwala, Sri Lanka, aimed
at the development and testing of indicators of sustainable tourism for that destination. The
workshop on indicators brought together experts from the National Ministry of Tourism and Civil
Aviation, Provincial Ministries and representatives from other government and non-governmental
agencies of Sri Lanka, to both lend their expertise and to learn the indicators development process
through participation.
This study is based on several sources of information: background data and prior feasibility studies
relating to the tourism industry of Sri Lanka and the Beruwala study area; interviews with key
officials in Beruwala representing the key stakeholders and planning, infrastructure, and protection
bodies; the discussions of the workshops; and analysis of information acquired during the field
study period. These data and information sources have been used to build the specific framework
for indicators which can respond to the risks to sustainable tourism for the Beruwala study area.
The study revealed that most of the WTO core indicators were applicable to the study area, with
those relating to waste management, planning processes and development control being the most
pertinent.
Key Conclusions of the Beruwala Case
A. Use of the WTO Indicators Approach in Beruwala
The core indicators provided a sound point of departure for the Beruwala study, and the approaches
to specialized indicators addressing the particular needs of the area were also found to be useful.
All of the core indicators were of potential value. However, data to support several of the indicators
was limited as there is as yet no comprehensive approach to planning for Beruwala, and there is no
authority which can oversee data collection at the destination.
For Beruwala, the ecosystem-specific indicators which WTO had identified for use in coastal zones
and for impact on local communities were also found to be useful and were deliberated on in the
workshops.
The study identified a number of key indicators for the destination, focussing on the critical need for
indicators of beach conditions (erosion, contamination), management of sewage and other waste
water, disposal of solid waste, conflict with the local community over access and employment, the
control of touts and beachboys, and the broad area of risk management for the industry at the
national level relative to security issues. Potential indicators were identified for all key ecological,
economic, and social risks, including risks to Beruwala as a continuing destination for package tours
and for free and independent travellers from abroad. The main report documents the recommended
indicators for each risk/issue area.
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Beruwala Fact Sheet
Location: 60 km south of Colombo on the West Coast of Sri Lanka.
Size: The study area is small, consisting of two villages B Moragalla and Kaluwamodera B which include the beach area
and foreshore for the tourist destination. They are part of the Beruwala Pradeshiya Sabha. The study area is
approximately 5 km by 3 km in size (see map)
History: Developed in the 1980s and 1990s as a series of individual and private properties by private interests as
tourism destination with no comprehensive planning in place.
Physical description: Bounded on the west by a golden sand beach and on the south by the Bentota river. The
destination of Beruwala is a beach destination with four and five star hotels occupying most of the beachfront. The area
is generally low lying behind a golden sand beach. Small streams or canals serve as drains for the foreshore region,
several crossing the beach to the ocean. Behind the hotel properties are the homes and businesses of the villages.
Climate: Average temperature lies between 28 and 33 degrees C. Highest maximum temperatures occur in April to
June prior to the monsoon which usually occurs between May and July. Beruwala and the coastal areas are
occasionally subject to tropical cyclones mainly in November to December period.
Flora and Fauna: Vegetation is tropical rainforest with large areas dedicated to rubber and coconut plantations.
Population: The population of the study area is some 45,000 with some 14,390 housing units. These are widely
dispersed throughout the villages with the heaviest concentration near Colombo B Galle main road and shore zone.
Literacy rate: Sri Lanka has a high literacy rate (close to 95%) and most employees in the tourism industry speak
English with several capable in other languages spoken by tourists (e.g. German, French & Italian)
Reefs: There is a coastal reef system, which is of interest to divers. While most divers tend to stay at places where the
reef is more extensive (e.g. Hikkaduwa), reef diving at the offshore reefs is offered at Beruwala.
Nearby Attractions: Tourists at Beruwala are likely to visit the adjacent Bentota area, including the estuary and river,
the mangroves and the neighbouring villages where Buddhist temples and crafts are available. Inland are the Brief
Gardens and some local communities which are prepared to host visitors. Further afield, day trips are possible to
historic Galle, to fishing villages on the south coast and to Colombo. Many visitors combine stay at Beruwala hotels with
longer visits to interior Sri Lanka, particularly to Kandy, World’s End, Yala Wildlife Sanctuary and the Cultural Triangle
sites such as Sigiriya.
Tourism Accommodation: There are 13 registered hotels with 1,232 rooms, 5 unregistered hotels with 28 rooms and
10 guest houses with 76 rooms in total, as well as several unofficial guest houses.
Beaches: All beaches are public property, theoretically with free access to everyone. Most hotel properties are fenced
at/near the high water mark to keep the unwanted locals (beachboys) away from guests.
Infrastructure (water and sewage): Pipe borne water is provided to the hotels by the Water Supply & Drainage Board.
However, many hotels supplement this supply with their own well water systems. Sewage disposal system has not
been provided. Each property has its own system. Most hotels have deep water wells to provide drinking water. Most
have some form of treatment and many recycle grey water for irrigation of their lawns and gardens.
Roads: The tourist area is adjacent to the main highway from Colombo to Galle. Each property has its own entrance to
the highway.
Tourists: 1994-325,000 (1975-112,000) average stay 4.2 nights (7 nights in Dec.-Apr.) Approx. US$90 million spent by
tourists 1994 (US$ 85 per day)
Transport: Nearly 100% of international visitors arrive by air, via Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo.
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B. Impacted Hot Spots
As was discovered in previous indicators applications such as in Lake Balaton, Hungary, and in
Peninsula Valdes, Argentina, it is useful to consider indicators for specific heavily used sites within
the study area. In the case of Beruwala, the locus of tourism activity is the beachfront area and the
lower reaches of the Bentota River where tourists from the adjacent Bentota resort area also use the
river. For several of the indicators, such as intensity of use (see section 4) it has been suggested that
specific measures be developed for these areas to supplement the destination-wide indicators.
C. Data to Support Indicators
Because the Beruwala study area has not been planned in an integrated manner and is not a separate
statistical area, it may be difficult to obtain data for some of the indicators. The local hotels do
gather data which can be aggregated for several of the key indicators. In other cases, it will be
necessary to create a survey to obtain information from departing tourists or to sample local
attitudes related to tourism. While one time studies of e.g. coastal resources exist, and can provide a
baseline, effort will be needed to periodically replicate some of the measures for some of the most
important factors (e.g., beach erosion, coastal water quality). Where possible, in part 4, the most
efficient and least costly means to obtain the information, using existing procedures if possible, has
been indicated.
Recommendations
A. Indicators for Beruwala
It is recommended that:
1. A program to support the recommended indicators set (see part 4) be put in place using data
from a variety of sources. It is suggested that this program be coordinated by the Ceylon
Tourist Board with participation from a broad range of stakeholders
2. Measures be taken to enhance protection of the beach area, particularly to limit the
contamination from garbage and wastewater sources.
3. A forum be established in the Beruwala study area to assist the various agencies and
jurisdictions in the region to cooperate on common tourism problems and to pool their
knowledge and capabilities. Such a body, although having been established, was not in
operation at the time of the study. The local hoteliers association offered to chair such a
body.
4. The proposed indicators set developed by the research team and the Beruwala workshops be
reviewed internally by an expert committee in Sri Lanka to clarify the logistics and ensure
continued availability of information sources to support the selected key indicators. Table 1
summarizes the proposed indicators for Beruwala.
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Table 1. Beruwala Indicators Summary List
(number of stars indicates importance of indicator, with 5 stars being the most important - only selected 4 and
5 star indicators are listed here)
Issue Area Indicators
A) Environmental Issues
Waste management ***** number of truck loads of garbage removed from beach/day
$ garbage **** visual inspection at specific sites (beach, riverbank)
Sea water quality ***** water quality (e.coli, BOD, heavy metals)
$ water quality (seawater) ***** water contamination in river and off the beach
*** tourist complaints about water on river or at beach
Sewage systems ***** volume treated

***** volume discharged by hotels (treated or untreated)
River and beach erosion ***** changes in vegetation coverage and beach configurations (using
$ loss of soil/sand aerial photographs)
**** measure against landmarks over time (i.e., post placed in
ground)
Lack of Drainage ***** number of flooding events/waterlogged areas

$ flooding **** litres of mosquito pesticide sprayed
$ mosquitoes **** number of complaints by public
Tourist environmental awareness and ***** measures of tourists= environmental awareness and
expectations expectations (see also social issues - B)
Drinking water contamination ***** freshwater quality (including bacterial counts, hardness, heavy
metals)
Impact of tourists on ecosystem **** bird, turtle and fish counts (see also management issues - E)
$ wildlife disruption
Noise **** decibel readings at peak use areas

**** number of complaints from local community and tourists
B) Social Issues
Attitudes towards tourism (includes levels of **** local attitudes (survey)

knowledge about tourism on the part of locals)
Local involvement in tourism industry ***** survey of locals needed
Unemployment ***** statistics from census/other government surveys
Lack of access to tourism jobs **** school leavers looking for jobs (survey)
C) Economic Issues
Tourist numbers (baseline data) ***** tourism industry statistics - totals, occupancy levels (by month)
Lack of dependable hotel supply and ***** hotel supply purchases

materials from local suppliers ***** number of contracts with local suppliers
Wages in tourism relative to other sectors ***** relative salary scales
Level of tourism business in community **** Measure of level of total tourism expenditure in community
Loss of Local benefits (related to growing all- **** percentage of rooms on all-inclusive plan
inclusive packages?) **** number of restaurants closing
**** sales statistics
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D) Quality of Product
Tourist safety ***** % tourists comfortable leaving hotel at night / daytime #
complaints to police/CTB re safety
***** Exit survey of tourists concerning perception of safety (theft,
harassment, vehicle safety, danger etc)
Touts/beachboys ***** # of complaints concerning harassment

**** number of beachboys (count)
Exposure to Sri Lankan culture ***** Complex indicator of cultural integrity of tourism offerings
$ scarcity of Areal@ high quality offerings (classification system) (very difficult to develop)
***** % of tourists who are satisfied with their level of contact with Sri
Lankan culture during their visit [Questionnaire (Q)]
Courtesy **** number of complaints received by hotel management

$ perceived level of courtesy and
effectiveness of employees in the industry
Access to destination ***** time to get to destination

$ road congestion
Access to health facilities **** # tourists who must be taken from the region (to Colombo) for
treatment
***** # complaints from operators (and tourists) about health care
facilities
Health **** # of restaurant health violations reported to authorities
Perceived quality of tourism product ***** Attitude survey on perception of value for money
Beach cleanliness ***** Garbage counts/quantity of garbage and other waste on beach
(see also environmental issues - A)
***** Tourists perception of cleanliness of beach (exit Questionnaire)
E) Management
Certification of tourist services **** Proportion of tourist services that are certified by the CTB
***** Enforcement of licensing
Density of motorboats on Bentota river ***** Number of boats (each type) on river at peak time (See also
environmental issues - A)
Density of boat traffic in mangroves ***** Number of boats (per hour) in mangrove on peak days
Stray animals (also a quality of tourism issue) ***** # animals loose on beach/ in hotel grounds (count)
**** % tourists bothered by stray animals
F) Community Planning
State of planning for Beruwala ***** Presence/absence of integrated plan (Including key elements?)
Public access to beaches ***** # access roads per km of beach

***** Local perception of level of access to beach for community
(Local Questionnaire)
Failure of legal process **** % exceptions granted on tourism projects
Level of communication / coordination ***** Number of joint projects

between authorities **** Number of committees/coordination bodies, number of
participating agencies
**** % projects with broader consultation or coordination among
stakeholders
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B. Indicators for Sri Lanka
1. Wherever possible, Sri Lanka apply the specific indicators developed in the workshop
process. In so doing, the indicators will be subject to testing and, where proven to be
practical, can be applied more broadly, particularly in the context of Sri Lanka's many beach
destinations.
2. Sri Lanka seek means to replicate the indicators development and application process at
other impacted sites, in particular for its other major beach destinations.
3. Opportunities be pursued to engage members of jurisdictions or authorities in discussions to

agree on the most effective means to involve the tourism sector, environmentalists, and site
managers in the regional and local planning process, possibly using the indicators approach
as a means to identify shared risks and common goals.
C. The WTO Indicators Program
1. The WTO make the Beruwala case and other WTO indicators studies widely available as
models for application of the indicators approach described in the manual (What Tourism
Managers Need to Know: A Practical Guide to the Development and Use of Indicators of
Sustainable Tourism). In particular, the Beruwala example reinforces the lessons learned
from the Prince Edward Island, Florida Keys, Villa Gesell and Cozumel applications to
beach destinations, with many commonalities related to ecological stresses, beach impacts,
and community concerns.
2. The WTO further consider how the indicators program can be applied at both regional and
site-specific scales. Beruwala lacks a specific coordination agency, and the indicators
identification process may be a mechanism to create such a consultative or active planning
body. In each of the indicators applications to date it has also been difficult to clearly
identify the lead agency for indicator implementation and coordination after the study is
done, and Beruwala is no exception.
3. The WTO consider options for further activity in South and Southeast Asia, directed at
bringing the application of the indicators development model to other nations of the region.
The workshops provided an opportunity for all in attendance to discuss the indicators process, to
meet others with similar problems, and could lead to future collaboration within the region toward
the promotion of sustainable tourism. Several in attendance were extremely interested in the
opportunity to apply the indicators to beach, ecological, and cultural destinations throughout Sri
Lanka.
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Part One: Introduction
In 1991, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) began an initiative to develop indicators of
sustainable tourism for global use. An international task force (WTO, 1992-95) met to develop first
a long list of potential indicators, which was taken to four countries (Canada, Mexico, Netherlands,
and U.S.A.) to test in practice. Based on the empirical experience in these nations, the task force
then produced a report on indicators use and development, entitled as ”What Tourism Managers
need to Know – A practical Guide to the Development and Use of Indicators of Sustainable
Tourism” (WTO, 1995). The report recommended a list of indicators for use at the national level
and a list for application to specific tourist destinations or hot spots.
Based on several case studies in Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the USA, a set of core
indicators was identified which would be of potential use in all destinations. As well, recommended
indicators were devised for specific types of destinations (e.g., coastal resorts, small islands,
ecotourism sites and cultural tourism) which could be used to supplement the core indicators.
Subsequent applications of the WTO indicator methodology to two sites in Argentina (1996), one in
Hungary (1999), and in Cozumel Mexico (1999) as well as work by others to apply the approach in
several other nations has helped to show the value of this approach in identifying and managing the
risks to sustainable tourism. As well, the indicators development approach has been refined, and
expanded into learning workshops which expose managers from many nations to the logistics of
indicator development through hands-on case studies. The Balaton Hungary study (WTO, 1999)
was integrated with a workshop involving representatives from Central and Eastern European
nations who assisted in the deliberation of key issues for Balaton and in the selection of key
indicators for the destination. In Cozumel, representatives from seven Spanish speaking nations of
the Caribbean participated in the indicators study (WTO, 1999). The Beruwala study and workshop
and further proposed regional workshops with associated case studies in most parts of the world are
the next building blocks in the international effort to develop and implement indicators for the
tourism industry. These are designed to enable tourism planners and managers worldwide to better
control the interface between tourism and the environment and reduce the risks both to the industry
and to the destinations it uses.
The WTO is pleased to have had the opportunity to undertake the applied workshop and case study
in Beruwala, Sri Lanka, and to provide this report on findings. The report leads to two types of
conclusions:
$ regarding the development and application of indicators for the specific case study area of
Beruwala, Sri Lanka, and
$ regarding the potential for the WTO indicators approach as a tool for use elsewhere, in
applications at site specific, national and regional levels.
The prime objective of the Beruwala study and workshops was to determine, in collaboration with
representatives from the major stakeholders in the destination, the key risks to the sustainability of
the tourism industry of this beach tourism destination. Then the study examined which indicators
would best respond to the issues and risks defined. As part of the process, a
the Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation 1 Centre for a Sustainable Future, 2000
workshop was held involving experts from the local area, tourism specialists from all parts of Sri
Lanka, as well as from the private sector and other institutions involved in Sri Lanka=s tourism
industry. The next task was to determine the availability of data needed to calculate the WTO core
indicators and the indicators for other key areas of risk to the sustainability of tourism in Beruwala.
An assessment was also made of whether each indicator appeared useful as a tool to support
management decisions that would affect the long-term sustainability of tourism on the island and at
specific impacted sites. At the same time, if additional destination-specific indicators appeared to be
more available and/or relevant (e.g., levels of harassment by beachboys, levels of beach
contamination) they were also examined, both for local application and for possible addition to the
WTO lists. The final step was to clarify the components of some derived indicators of capacity,
stress and attractivity, which might help serve as an early warning system for the managers of
tourism in Beruwala and more broadly in Sri Lanka.
Part Two: Methodology for Indicators Identification
The methodology for indicators development has evolved since the initial indicators applications,
and now can be defined as a seven phase framework which will result in operational indicators for a
destination. Ancillary to the indicators development framework is a participatory workshop process
which, in itself, produces benefits for the destination and for the participants.
The WTO indicators development process has seven phases, each logically leading to the next. In
the regional and national workshops, the participants are taken through the first five phases, and
encouraged to consider the steps necessary to carry out the remaining phases based on their work.
Phase 1: Research and Organization
The initial phase involves the collection of key information on the site, tourism conditions,
stakeholders, past concerns, and studies which can be used to support the definition and
implementation of indicators. As well, initial contact is made with key local experts at the
destination who can act as resources for the workshops. This is largely done before the workshops,
although additional discussion and elaboration can occur at the workshops. Elements include:
$ Defining the destination’s boundaries: It is critical that those charged with indicators
development be completely clear, at the outset of an indicators identification process, on the
geographic boundaries and political jurisdictions that circumscribe the study area.
$ Identification of assets of the destination: What are the priority areas (including key assets)
such as the beach areas, offshore reef systems or the Bentota river? These assets are the key
reasons why tourists visit a destination and they deserve, therefore, particular attention.
$ Gaining local participation: Those who know the destination most intimately tend to be
those who live within or in close proximity to the study area. As these people often have
clear insight into the indicators that will work and those that will not, their support and
participation in providing information to assist in key issues identification and indicators
selection is invaluable.
$ Identification of key values: At this phase it is necessary to explore the key values of all
stakeholders to determine which tourism assets are critical to the needs of both tourists and
local residents. How sensitive are these to changing demands by the tourism industry and to
the impacts of other changes which can alter their attractiveness to tourists? As well, how
sensitive are the values of local residents to the changes which tourism can bring?
$ Obtaining information on thresholds and system sensitivity: Integral to the concept of

sustainability is a recognition of the carrying capacity of the destination. Hence, any
information which can be obtained which documents the biophysical and social dimensions
of sustainability for the destination can assist in identifying thresholds beyond which
tourism may no longer be sustainable at that particular destination. Past or current studies
are often key.
$ Documentation of tourism at the destination: Who comes, when, where and for what
purpose? What is the typical experience? What are the trends in tourism for the
destination?
$ How is tourism managed? Who has the mandate to deal with tourism issues and with the
planning and management of the destination?
Phase 2: Risk and Issue Identification
Primarily through the vehicle of participatory workshops, with local and visiting experts, agreement
is sought concerning the principal risks to the destination and to the tourism which it supports.
Discussion focuses on the values and expectations which both tourists and local residents hold
concerning the destination. With this knowledge, it then becomes possible to identify and prioritize
the risks to the economic, social, and ecological sustainability of tourism in the study area. These
risks may be both within the management purview of the tourism industry (e.g., control of waste
from the industry), or beyond its ability to affect (e.g., climate change). In this application, an
assessment of key risks to the sustainability of tourism in Beruwala was undertaken, on the basis of
materials provided by the Ceylon Tourist Board, and interviews with key resource persons in the
tourism industry and in general planning and management on the island. The workshops developed
a list of key risks for which indicators would be useful. This assessment was the basis for
discussion of the needed information to improve the ability of tourism managers to respond
effectively to the risks.
Phase 3: Development of Candidate Indicators
Based on the risks and issues identified, a participatory procedure is used to define a long list of
possible indicators which might be of use in understanding the issues/risks, and in helping to
manage them. What are the needed pieces of information to allow managers at the destination level
and at the site-specific level to understand the changes which may affect the key assets and the
industry as a whole? In the Beruwala case, three working groups addressed different issue areas
which related to the environmental, economic and socio-cultural risks defined for the destination.
Phase 4: Selection of Priority Indicators
The identification of priority indicators is done in groups charged with assessing each candidate
indicator relative to five criteria: relevance, feasibility, credibility, clarity, and potential to be used
for comparison over time and between destinations. (See following section for elaboration of these
criteria) Participants also consider long and short term utility of the indicators, and use a star rating
system (one to five) to assign priorities to the indicators, based on these and other considerations
related to the key issues of the site. A key consideration was the practicality of the indicators -
facilitators asked about who will use it and for what purpose.
Phase 5. Refinement of Key Indicators
Once a list of key indicators is agreed, each is reviewed relative to the logistics of implementation.
A review sheet is used to assess who will use the information, who will provide it, how will it be
treated/analyzed, how detailed, how often, how accurate and how current must the information be to
affect decisions. Key considerations are whether data is relevant, reliable and valid and where it can
be obtained on an ongoing and affordable basis. (Note: this can also result in some of the priority
indicators being dropped or deferred). This is often best done by a small working group after the
more formal workshops have ended. A worksheet for this purpose is included in Appendix 2.
Phase 6: Implementation
The key to implementation is commitment. The final phase of the workshops attempts to identify
who will lead and who will participate in the actual implementation of the indicators in the
destination. Logically, the provider of information is the agency who collects it or similar
information. A key step is to identify an overall coordinator for the process, ideally in the
destination itself, or associated with a government body with a mandate for improved tourism
management. The final sessions of the Beruwala workshops focussed on next steps in
implementation, and in identifying would be responsible for these steps.
Phase 7: Monitoring and Evaluation of Results
The indicators development process is the first step in providing ongoing information which will
improve decisions, and build collaboration to deal with the principal issues of the destination. Once
identified and implemented, a monitoring regime must be kept in place to gauge success in
managing tourism at a destination in ways that continue to be sustainable and which can be
compared to specific objectives. This process is critical to sustainable tourism management, but
because it requires an ongoing commitment of resources, it can be difficult to maintain over the
long-term. This reality needs to be acknowledged and, as much as possible, be addressed during the
indicators development process. Ideally, monitoring systems are put in place to repeatedly gather
and disseminate the priority indicators to those who need to know the information. As well, it is
useful to monitor the overall process itself, to ascertain whether the right information is getting to
the right people, and ultimately whether tourism on the destination is more sustainable as a result.
While the process of indicators development, from obtaining the information through to indicator
development and agreement on implementation can normally take several weeks, including
discussion with the local authorities and key stakeholders in the destination, for the Beruwala
workshop these stages were collapsed to allow much of the process to be done by the working group
in three days as a demonstration of the steps and procedures. This exercise would not have been
possible without the preparatory work and ongoing support provided by the staff working for the
Ceylon Tourism Board. This discussion process helped confirm the findings of the research phase.
The results have been incorporated into this report.
Once the key issues relevant to sustainable tourism at a destination or region have been identified, it
is necessary to select or develop the specific indicators that respond to the issues (Phases 3 and 4).
The selection and evaluation of the indicators must be undertaken according to the following set
criteria:
$ Relevance of the indicator to local decision-making strategies and goals, including key
regional trends. Does the indicator respond to the key risks and issues and provide
information which will aid in their management?
$ Feasibility of obtaining and analyzing the needed information? How can the information be
obtained? Is it already available or will it require special collection or extraction?
$ Credibility of the information and reliability for users of the data. Is the information from a
reputable/scientifically sound source? Is it considered objective? Will it be believed by
users?
$ Clarity and understandability to users. If they receive the information will they be able to
understand it/act on it?
$ Comparability over time and across jurisdictions or regions. Can the indicator be used
reliably to show changes over time, relative to standards or benchmarks, or relative to other
destinations?
The five review criteria have been used as means to review the acceptability of potential indicators
(see Appendix 2 for the worksheet used for each indicator). (Note: the worksheets used for the
Beruwala study are slightly different from those used in the earlier Peninsula Valdes, Villa Gesell,
Lake Balaton and Cozumel studies, reflecting the evolution of the analytical instruments developed
for this program). In addition, as in previous workshops, it was suggested that indicators be
screened on two dimensions: importance to decisions and urgency of need. The application of these
two criteria to the initial screening phase helped in the categorization, according to priority, of the
long list of indicators deemed to be potentially useful. These were then subjected to the rating
criteria listed above. To further supplement the evaluation, each indicator was then rated overall, in
terms of importance, using a five star rating system (see Appendix 2, section B). The indicators
which were deemed Anecessary@ were given five stars, whether or not they would be easy to
implement.
It is also important to be aware of the different categories of indicators which may be useful for
tourism managers. Specifically, indicators may be broken into the following groups:
$ early warning indicators (e.g., species reproductive success)
$ indicators of stresses on the system (e.g., crime rates)
$ measures of the current state of industry (e.g., occupancy rate, tourist satisfaction)
$ measures of management effort (e.g., cleanup cost, cost of damage or repairs)
$ measures of management effect (e.g., changed pollution levels, greater number of returning
tourists)
While all categories of indicators are of value in supporting sustainable tourism, the early warning
indicators are most valuable to tourism managers. In the case of Beruwala, it is those indicators
which may provide the ability to anticipate serious negative effects on the beach, or on the overall
tourist experience. These indicators enable actions to be taken well before serious threats to
sustainability occur.
Indicators and Standards
Indicators are related conceptually and practically to standards. Where standards exist (e.g., water
quality) indicators are used to measure compliance to the standard. Where no standards exist,
important indicators can lead to standards being put into place. A set of indicators developed for a
specific site can also be used to stimulate the development of standards for broader application.,
particularly where the risks measured are likely to occur more broadly. That is, once generally
accepted, indicators can provide a basis for the preparation of standards in situations where:
$ repetitive problems are discovered (many non-licensed tourist services)
$ new risks are documented (garbage washing up on the beach)
$ many destinations share similar issues (traffic on main tourist arteries)
$ it is strategic to show results (beach cleanliness or food quality)
An example of such standards development and acceptance is the Blue Flag Beach program.
To establish successful indicators selection and implementation processes, several key steps must be
understood and followed. It has been discovered in each application that full local participation in
these processes is essential. Often only the local experts (i.e., officials, university professors,
industry representatives, environmentalists) are fully conversant with the interplay of stresses and
values which define the impacts on specific destinations.
The Workshop Approach
The WTO has adopted a participatory approach to indicators development. Access to local knowledge and
the consideration by experts of the full range of values and risks to them, has become a cornerstone of the
WTO approach to creating indicators of sustainable tourism.
In Beruwala, a case study was done using a workshop approach to both assist in the consideration of
indicators, and as a vehicle to expose participants to the indicators development process; encountering all
of the issues, obstacles, and different opinions which make the development of indicators both interesting
and at times frustrating.
The Beruwala workshops began with the development of a comprehensive list of risks to the destination,
then proceeded to consider a long list of potential indicators, to respond to them. Participants discussed
information available from local sources, studies, and the government agencies and other stakeholders
involved in the destination. While the relatively brief workshops are not intended as a substitute for the
more thorough analysis of risks and areas of decision which the indicators are designed to serve, the
workshops are an essential complement to the indicators development process, and both a learning and
decision-support tool. The broad range of participants in the Beruwala case provided a rich source of
information and stimulated lively debate on both the issues and the indicators to be used.
In the Beruwala case, as with the earlier applications in Lake Balaton, Hungary, and Cozumel Mexico, the
participants (including both local and foreign experts) were presented with some key material on the
destination, and on the indicators development process. A field trip took the participants to the key areas
of concern within the region and the adjacent Bentota river. First task of the workshop was creating a long-
list of issues or risks to the destination (e.g., water supply and impact on sensitive sites). In small groups
the long list was deliberated and priorities established where information was useful and needed to
respond to the risks. The prior analytical work of the workshop consultants was added, where useful, to
assist in these deliberations. The updated WTO criteria for indicator selection was used. Once there was
general agreement on which were the priority indicators, small groups were tasked with assessing and
fleshing out each key indicator (economic, ecological, socio-cultural, management). The results of each
group were then presented to the entire workshop for discussion.
The indicators identified in this report strongly reflect the input from the workshops. Each of the
participants was guided through the actual process of identification of indicators, faced with the problems of
prioritization, and able to work through the practical process of choosing which indicators are most
important to implement for the improved management of Beruwala.
Part Three: The Beruwala Study Area
Area Delimitation
The definition of the Beruwala study area is somewhat of a challenge; the specific tourist destination
can be described as the collection of 12 hotels and some dozen licensed and unlicensed guest houses
along the beach in Moragalla and Kaluwamodara villages. But tourists do leave this area for many
of their experiences, particularly to the Bentota estuary and river, and to shop in Bentota and other
communities. For the purposes of this study, the destination is defined as the Moragalla and
Kaluwamodara villages (see map) but several of the issues and risks addressed do refer to the
broader area used by visitors to this destination (e.g., Bentota River).
Map of the study area:
The Tourism Season
Data for Morgalla and Kaluwamodara villages of Beruwala
Hotels 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Number of rooms operated1 821 886 1151 1340 1242
Total Guest Nights 397656 333963 452940 551369 583469
Foreign Guest Nights 377181 270045 415933 521641 545267
Room Occupancy rate (%) 58.81 44 61.81 66.78 73.22
Highest occupancy rate (%) 86.11 (Feb) 67.63 (Jan) 76.50 (Feb) 94.7 (Jan) 94.41 (Feb)
Lowest occupancy rate (%) 35.06 (May) 23.07 (June) 36.06 (June) 40.84 (June) 47.41 (June)
The peak season for Beruwala is December through March, although use remains high most years
from November to April. The monsoon season, May to July, is the low use season, although lower
prices do attract foreign tourists and weekend use from local tourists. Visitor numbers have
continued to rise over the past five years, although the ground situation may affect these for 2000.
The Principal Attractions
Beruwala is primarily a sun and sand destination and most tourists spend the majority of their visit
on the beach, although, as indicated earlier, many cultural and ecological attractions are within easy
reach for day trips or can be combined at the beginning or end of visits.
Transport Access
Access to Beruwala for nearly all foreign visitors is via Bandaranaike International airport some 30
Km north of Colombo. Tourists travel by the main road, usually by coach, to the hotels at
Beruwala, although some independent travellers may use the train. The road is two lane for most of
the way and crowded with a wide range of vehiclesC in a sense it is a main street with services the
entire length. As a result, travel can be slow and may be perceived by some travellers to be
hazardous.
1
Reported is the highest month of the year (some hotels close or partially close during off-season)
Planning
As Beruwala is not an official resort, there is no comprehensive plan for the destination. The local
council has some limited planning authority over site plans, and the Tourist Board has the power to
authorize construction and license accommodation.
Resort Areas National Tourism Plan

Unlike Bentota, its neighbour to the south, the
Beruwala area is not officially constituted as a
resort. As a consequence, there is no coordinated
Sri Lanka has a national tourism plan which
planning body, and little effective control over establishes a broad framework for tourism, and
access, use or site planning. In Bentota, the status control of official resort areas. Beruwala is not
as a resort allows coordination for services between considered a Aresort@.
hotels and other facilities, permits control of
beachboys on the beach, and allows for a
comprehensive site plan. In contrast, in areas like
Beruwala or Unawatuna, the ability to create Water Availability and Quality
cooperation for management is much more limited.
In the workshops, several of the participants from
Though pipe borne water is supplied to the
the tourism industry supported the definition of a
Aresort@ area for Beruwala as a key element in destination area this is not considered adequate.
solving many of the problems identified. Some establishments supplement this with
wells. Quality for some may be an issue.
Part Four: Issues and Indicators for Beruwala
In this section, the key issues relating to sustainable tourism in Beruwala are identified, and the
range of indicators found potentially useful in the Beruwala case are defined and evaluated relative
to the key criteria for good indicators. These evaluations are based on the material gathered by the
study team, the interviews with key planners and managers in the region, and the deliberations of
the Beruwala workshops. For each indicator, where applicable, the specific method of calculation to
be used is indicated and the specific sources for the data are also listed. Here, each of the indicators
given four or five stars (high priority) are rated. Where other indicators were suggested but received
lower ratings, these are shown in the appropriate sections but not fully rated. The study examined
indicators regarding the key issues in the destination, the type of data needed and available,
potential data sources, and the adequacy of the data to support the indicator. In addition, relative to
the specific needs of Beruwala, the suitability of each of the core indicators from WTO is also
assessed. The indicators are grouped in general categories (ecological, infrastructure, economic,
social, image, management) reflecting the organization used in deliberations in the Beruwala
workshop. The final part proposes formulae for creation of composite indices to measure changing
carrying capacity, levels of stress, and attractivity of Beruwala.
Indicators shown with ∗ are those with highest priority for implementation.
A. Environmental Issues
Issue: Solid Waste Management ∗
The lack of any official landfill site, the amount of garbage collected, the expense of the collection
service, the lack of cost recovery from the system and the lack of waste reduction programs can
have adverse effects on the tourist destination. Due to a lack of infrastructure and mechanisms to
deal with waste produced in the study area, waste is currently dumped at a variety of sites, many of
which pose pollution threats. In addition, there are odour and visual impacts which affront both
local citizens and tourists alike. As such, the volumes of garbage on the beach and in the Bentota
River reduce the amenity value of the area and diminishes the health of the ecosystem.
Garbage volume
(Measure: Number of truckloads of garbage removed from beach, by day and week)
relevance HIGH Responds to a major concern and is a measure of

stress and level of management A clear indicator of
the amount of garbage that is being haphazardly
dumped along the river and proximate to the beach.
feasibility HIGH Readily obtainable from the Local Authority
credibility HIGH Is generally recognized as a reliable means to gauge

waste not properly disposed of
clarity HIGH Readily understood
comparability HIGH Changes over time enable easy comparison and can
be used to judge success of remediation measures
Garbage levels on beach

(Measure: Density count of volume of garbage per 100 square metres . This can be
classified into garbage types and done monthly)
relevance HIGH Direct measure of garbage that is being haphazardly

dumped along the river and proximate to the beach.
feasibility HIGH Can be undertaken regularly and cheaply
credibility MED May be criticized as being subjective unless clear

criteria are used to gauge impact (visual, odour,
location, type, amount) of waste in the area
clarity HIGH Readily understood - relates to image and health
comparability MED/HIGH Changes over time enable easy comparison and can
be used to judge success of remediation measures,
although comparison with other areas difficult
Issue: Seawater Quality
At present water quality measurements are not taken in either the Bentota River or along the beach.
However, to the tourist, the visibility of garbage washing up on the beach combined with the
evidence of sewage discharge from hotels along the beach are suggestive that sea water quality may
be suffering. To the tourist, the possibility that swimming in the sea can be hazardous can affect
significantly the beach=s attractivity and, in the long run, the sustainability of the tourism industry
in the area. In sum, while there is little local concern at present for beach water contamination the
potential for this concern exists. If this problem occurs, it would lead to serious implications for the
destination=s image and for public health.
Fecal coliform count in river and seawater near shore

[Measure: daily count of fecal coliforms in seawater within ten metres of shore. Daily
count of fecal coliforms in Bentota river at one or more points (e.g., near bridge, near
mouth), using the same places repetitively]
relevance HIGH Coliform counts are a reliable measure of beach water

quality that protects the health of swimmers and the
sustainability of beach resorts as tourism destination
feasibility HIGH Testing for coliforms could be one of the tests
undertaken through testing a broad spectrum of
possible contaminants (discussed in the context of
indicators regarding waste management)
credibility HIGH Data is easily collected on a systematic and frequent

basis
clarity HIGH Simple to understand
comparability HIGH Universally accepted and can be used as a basis for

comparison between locations and to track changes in
water quality at a site over time
The Beach ecosystem at Beruwala

The golden sand beach at Beruwala is replenished by silt from the Bentota river and from longshore drift of
eroded cliffs north of the beach. The beach varies in width. At the end of the wet season, it is normally
larger, having received silt from the river and from the erosion of cliffs due to the southwest waves
associated with the stormy monsoon period. In contrast, at the end of the dry season the beach narrows
as it has been eroded. In June, the time of the workshop, hotels were building berms of sandbags to
protect their seafront walls, and at high tide, nearly all of the sand was wet and waves were lapping at the
foundations of several of the buildings built near the shore. It is contended that the beach was once much
more extensive and that it is gradually eroding away, with some impact from structures built to control
erosion along the shore. The monitoring of this, using air photos would provide evidence of the extent of
erosion, and therefore of risk to the beach - Beruwala=s principal asset.
(Lower rated alternative indicator: Quantity of water use - locals and tourism industry)
Issue: Adequacy of Sewage systems
Though there are set standards relating to sewage disposal in the study area, no systematic
monitoring is done of sewage dischargeCalthough hotel systems are subject to periodic inspection.
Point source discharge, therefore, varies dramatically in the degree of treatment. As there is no
sewage infrastructure to service the community, each commercial and residential enterprise is
responsible for treating its own sewage, largely according to its own discretion. Along the beach,
sewage dischargeCfollowing various degrees of treatmentCusually occurs at night, in cases crossing
the beach as open flow, piped effluent, or flow in the drainage canals. There are no piped discharge
points for most of the hotels. The visual impact on tourists of this discharge (or the evidence
thereof) can be assumed to be unfavourable.
Volume treated to secondary or tertiary levels

(Measure: total volume treated and as a percentage of the total)
relevance MED/HIGH Relevance only compromised to the extent that

volume treated needs to be viewed in comparison to
the volume that is untreated
feasibility MED/HIGH Volumes treated by major hotels can be obtained.
Status of facilities at all beach hotels can be identified
to give an estimate of that which is provided no more
than primary treatment. Flows from unlicensed
accommodation or services is not normally measured.
credibility MED/HIGH As data must be derived from several sources, there

may be difficulty in assuring a high degree of data
reliability and validity; also, specifying the level of
treatment may not always be straight forward
clarity MED/HIGH Simple to understand - known to relate to beach

cleanliness
comparability HIGH Measurements of volume over time can be easily

compared both from the point sources and as a
collective total of volume discharged in any given
area (e.g., along the beach)
Issue: River and beach erosion ∗
As key environmental assets in the study area, the health of the river and beach are integral to the
sustainability of tourism. Impacts on the riverbank due to erosion caused by vessel use (e.g.,
speedboats) pose visual, riverbank ecosystem, and property threats. Similarly, erosion along the
beach (some of which is caused by nature alone) threatens the value and attractivity of beachside
properties. Eroded soil and any debris or garbage can end up on the beaches or in the swimming
areas.
Changes in vegetation coverage along the riverbank

(Measure: percentage of bank covered by natural vegetation, measured in 100 m linear
units)
Changes in area of beach

(Measure: total beach area at highest tide each month and lowest tide, in square metres)
relevance HIGH Direct measures of the extent to which erosion is

occurring
feasibility HIGH Many scientific studies have been carried out and
time series data is available.
credibility HIGH A visual record provides a credible means to gauge

the location and extent of erosion
comparability MED/HIGH Changes over time enable easy comparison and can
be used to judge success of remediation measures
(Lower rated candidate indicator: Percentage of beach accessible to public)
Width of useable beach

[(Measure against landmarks (e.g., post in ground or fixed wall at highest tide) monthly.
This is an inexpensive empirical means to obtain information by local authorities.]
relevance MED Direct measure of the extent to which erosion is

occurring over time in a very specific location. If
several such landmarks are used a reasonable measure
of erosion can be made available
feasibility HIGH Can be easily and inexpensively used to see extent of

beach loss (or gain)
credibility MED Provides a credible means to gauge beach erosion in a

very specific location or locations
comparability MED Changes over time enable easy comparison at one

location; comparison of results in one area with other
areas would not however be meaningful
Issue: Lack of Drainage
With periods of very heavy rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season, the study area is prone
to flooding during this time. A lack of infrastructure designed to handle water runoff, therefore, is a
source of particular concern for the local community (as opposed to the tourists), as most of the
flooding occurs during the off season.
Number of flooding events/ extent of waterlogged areas

[Measure: Record of areas covered (square metres) and frequency]
relevance HIGH Direct measure of the extent to which lack of

drainage is posing a problem for the community
feasibility HIGH Data can be easily and inexpensively obtained from

Local Authority
credibility HIGH A reliable and valid means to determine whether and

the extent to which drainage problems are affecting
the area and whether these are changing
comparability MED Changes over time enable easy comparison in the
study area, but have little relevance to other areas
(Lower rated candidate indicator: number of flood events per year)
Litres of mosquito pesticide sprayed

(Measure: total litres used in area, from private and municipal sources)
relevance MED As mosquito populations are correlated with the

amount of pooled water, this indicator provides a
proxy as to the extent to which drainage is or is not
occurring
feasibility HIGH Data can be easily and cheaply obtained from Local
Authority

the area
clarity MED Can be easily understood, although possibility that

mosquito spraying is being reduced for reasons other
than improved drainage (e.g., health concerns, less
than average amounts of rain) must be understood.
Also, where different sprays used, and different
concentrations, these need to be taken into account.
comparability HIGH Changes over time enable easy comparison in the

study area, and can be compared to other jurisdiction
facing similar drainage problems
Number of complaints by the public regarding drainage

(Measure: number of complaints recorded, by month, by municipal authorities.)
relevance HIGH Direct measure of the extent to which lack of

drainage is posing a problem for the community
feasibility MED/HIGH Data on number of complaints can be easily and

inexpensively obtained from Local Authority

the area
clarity HIGH Readily understood - may measure level of concern
comparability MED Changes in numbers of complaints over time enable

easy comparison in the study area
Issue: Tourist environmental awareness and expectations
As in all tourism destinations, the behaviour and expectations of tourists with respect to the
environment has a direct bearing on the long-term sustainability of the destination. In the Beruwala
study area, it is presently unclear what tourists and others are doing to the environment or what their
expectations are with regard to various environmental criteria (e.g., cleanliness). Without this
knowledge, it will be difficult to market the Beruwala area so as to ensure that tourist assumptions
and expectations concerning the environment are taken into consideration in local planning
initiatives.
Environmental awareness of tourists

(Survey of tourists on their environmental awareness and expectations. Suggested
questions are noted in exit questionnaire in Annex 4)
relevance HIGH Environmental awareness has a direct bearing on

people=s appreciation of and behaviour with respect
to the environment. Tourists who are sensitive to
environmental issues can both be expected to respect
the environment and to demand that their hosts and
destination managers do so too.
feasibility MED/HIGH Questionnaire or survey can be easily constructed and

disseminated (i.e., as part of an exit survey), but cost
could be a factor
credibility HIGH With a representative sample of tourists, this indicator

is a reliable and valid means to address the issue
comparability HIGH The survey (or questionnaire) can be applied at

different times to determine changes or to enable
comparison against other jurisdictions (could be part
of a national exit survey)
(Lower rated candidate indicator: Measure of littering by tourists - visual survey of actions)
Issue: Drinking water contamination
The safety of drinking water is a concern to tourists, particularly when there are mixed messages
pertaining to the level of safety. Ensuring the health of tourists in the context of the food and water
they consume is a key means to provide a satisfactory experience to the tourist and to increase the
chances that they will return. Freshwater in the Beruwala study area appears to originate from
differing sources with differing and unpredictable levels of quality. While salinisation does not
currently appear to be a threat to hotel sources (several use deep wells for drinking water), it is
possible that it may become so should the water table become depleted in future. This can affect
both water for local use and for hotels.
Drinking water quality testing

(Measure: direct bacterial counts, hardness, heavy metal contents on regular basis. Note
number or frequency of tests not meeting drinking water standards. Each source is treated
separately, such as municipal water, each well, output of purification plant)
relevance HIGH Quality of freshwater/drinking water is a critical

factor to the sustainability of the tourism industry in
any destination. The testing of this water provides a
clear and defensible means for decision makers in the
tourism industry to monitor water quality and to
advise tourists (and the local community) as required.
feasibility HIGH Water quality testing can be regularly and cheaply

undertaken by both the private sector (e.g., hotels)
and the Local Authority.
credibility HIGH Certified testing is understood to provide data that is

both valid and reliable.
clarity HIGH Readily understood - known to relate to health

(caveat is that many tourists drink/use bottled water)
comparability HIGH Water quality testing to set and generally agreed upon
standards enables comparison over time and with
other areas (also see exit questionnaire in annex 4)
(Lower rated alternative indicators: Drinking water taste, colour, salinity, bacterial counts)
Issue: Impact of tourists on ecosystems (wildlife disruption)
Bird, turtle, and fish counts (beach and estuary area), reptile counts in river
[Measure: annual counts of specific indicator species (e.g., turtles) and of species variety
(e.g., fish, reptiles, and birds) using local experts or nature clubs]
relevance MED The impacts on wildlife are to some extent linked to

the number of tourists in the study area and the
activities in which they are engaged. Reductions in
the counts of birds and fish, therefore, provide
decision makers with an indication as to whether
tourism is negatively affecting the study area=s
ecosystem. The variety of birds and fish is among the
attractions of Beruwala for many visitors (although
less important than the beach)
feasibility MED/HIGH Bird and fish counting methodologies are well known
and can be readily adopted in the study area, although
to do so on a regular basis will require dedicated
resources
credibility MED/HIGH There may be some question on reliability of fish or

bird count information depending on the method
used. Local NGOs or clubs are often a credible
source
comparability HIGH Population counts over time provides easy

comparison and can be used to judge whether the
ecosystem is improving or becoming further
degraded.
Climate Change and the Reef System
One attraction for visitors is the biodiverse reef system off the coast. While this is more important to other
areas like Hikkadua, than to Beruwala or Bentota, the reef is one of the key attractions of Sri Lanka=s west
coast. During the past three years, there has been a significant die-off of coral, estimated by the dive
centres to be as great as 70% of the live coral. So far, the biodiversity of the fish does not seem to be as
seriously affected. It is believed that the loss is due primarily to seawater warming, and it is hoped that the
coral can adapt to what seems to be a warming trend associated with global warming.
Issue: Noise
During peak tourism periods, the level of noise, particularly on and close to the river, is known to be
a concern to some members of the local community (and possibly to some tourists). At present,
however, the specific details surrounding this concern are vague. Hence, an indicator to provide the
Local Authority with a clearer picture of the extent to which noise caused by tourism activities is
proving disruptive is useful. As the areas affected are varied (the main road, the estuary, the hotel
and beach areas, and sensitivities of different individuals or groups may vary greatly), it is
suggested that a perceptual indicator may be the most useful. Note: if an exit questionnaire is to be
developed, noise can also be one of the factors measured in the questionnaire.
Complaints from local community (and tourists)

(Measure: number of complaints, by month, provided by Local Authority records)
relevance HIGH A record of the number of complaints is likely to be

necessary in advance of possible efforts being taken
to curb the level of noise
feasibility MED/HIGH Complaints to the Local Authority or to hotels

concerning noise can be recorded and readily
obtained
credibility MED Number of complaints would, if formally recorded,

be regarded as quite credible, except to the extent that
a vocal minority that, for example, complains
frequently and in a high profile way, may have undue
influence on decision makers concerning this issue
clarity MED/HIGH Number of complaints is readily understood, although

there is a need to be clear on both the nature of the
complaint, and the source (e.g., is it only a few people
who constantly complain)
comparability HIGH Comparing the number of complaints over time in

one area is simple, although comparisons with other
areas would not be relevant. This could be part of
exit an questionnaire for tourists)
B. Social Issues
Issue: Local Attitude towards tourists and tourism
With the increasing economic contribution of tourism to the study area are indications that some
local residents may resent the extent of the tourism presence. While some local residents gain,
others are not necessarily benefited by the tourist economy. This issue is not uncommon in any area
heavily dependent on tourism. The problem typically originates because some members of the
community have either been or may be displaced geographically or economically by the tourism
industry. Property expropriation for tourism accommodation, loss of access to local amenities or
assets (e.g., the beach), or tourists who demonstrate a lack of respect for the local community or
culture are the kinds of reason this issue arises.
Local attitudes
(Measure: survey of residents. This can be done using a survey of local residents. See
Annex 5 for model survey instrument)
relevance HIGH Allows specific feedback from the local community

that can be used as a basis for action to address and
mitigate anti-tourism sentiments. Some hostility has
been noted by the hoteliers.
feasibility MED Design and delivery of a survey that is representative

of the local community requires a coordinated effort
and associated costs; moreover, to be meaningful, the
survey would need to be undertaken on a regular
basis (e.g., annually) to assess changes in anti-tourism
sentiments.
credibility MED The provision of data on this issue that would be

considered both valid and reliable, but is dependent
on the questions asked and the response rate achieved
- cooperation of local authorities would be essential
clarity HIGH Easy to understand depending on the questions asked

and responses given
comparability HIGH The results of a survey given at regular times can be a

useful tool to gauge these attitudes among members
of the local community and anticipate and hopefully
prevent incidents
Issue: Local involvement in tourism industry
The extent to which members of the local community are directly or indirectly involved in the
tourism industry is often not immediately evident. Clearly, the benefits to the community from
tourismCand the attitudes of the local community towards the tourism industryCare contingent upon
the extent to which members of that community can be considered to be economic beneficiaries of
the industry. The local community does not participate in any stage of decision making, policy
formulation, planning and implementation. Consideration of well-being of the community of the
immediate surroundings of the tourism development area in Beruwala has generally not been part of
the planning process.,
Survey of local residents concerning employment

(Measure: Number of locals employed directly/indirectly in tourism / % of all direct
tourism jobs held by local residents. This can be part of the local survey)
relevance HIGH Direct measure of economic dependency and of

trends in the key tourism sector. Job gains and losses
can be early warning indicator of economic success
and problems
feasibility MED/HIGH Can be expensive to design and to deliver survey on a

regular basis
credibility HIGH The provision of data on this issue would be

considered both valid and reliable, but is dependent
on the questions asked and the response rate achieved
clarity HIGH Easy to understand depending on the questions asked

and responses given
comparability HIGH Administering the survey over time enables a

comparison of the extent to which and nature of
involvement of the local community in the tourism
industry
Issue: Unemployment
The economic sustainability of a community=s tourism industry is a critical and ongoing concern at
all destinations that are dependent on the industry. If the rate of unemployment in the community is
highCparticularly if the unemployment can be attributed even in part to an emerging tourism
industryCthen there will likely be social repercussions that will ultimately compromise the
sustainability of the industry. In many tourism destinations around the world, traditional
occupations (e.g., fishing) have been displaced in favour of the industry. It is contingent upon the
industry, therefore, to offer to the extent possible alternative employment to those who have been
displaced.
Unemployment numbers
(Measure: total numbers and % from census and government surveys (also tourism related
employment/unemployment)
relevance HIGH Direct measure of state of economic health of the
community and indirectly related to potential for
disruptive activity or local hostility
feasibility HIGH Information readily available from existing statistics
credibility MED Issue of adequacy of reporting and of

underemployment and unofficial employment
clarity HIGH Easy to understand
comparability HIGH Readily comparable over time and across

jurisdictions
Issue: Lack of access to tourism jobs
The issue exists because the degree to which jobs in the industry are accessible by members of the
local community has a direct bearing on the socio-economic well-being of the community.
However, how jobs in the study area=s tourism industry are won, and whether local members of the
community have access to these jobs, is at least in part indicated by the number of beach boys.
Those who do not have access to formal jobs in the industry become beach vendors and informal
providers of services like the beach boys.
Employment rates among local youth

(Measure: Survey of school leavers looking for jobs (% employed in region / % employed in
tourism. This can be part of local survey.)
relevance HIGH Direct measure of success of school leavers in

finding a job in the tourism industry (and elsewhere).
An increase has been reported in beach boy numbers
each season.
feasibility LOW Design and delivery of a survey required, with

follow-up surveys
credibility MED The validity and reliability of data is linked to the

questions asked and responses received
clarity MED Easy to understand raw data but meaning less clear
comparability HIGH Readily comparable over time and across

jurisdictions
C. Economic Issues
Issue: tourist numbers (Beruwala)
Total tourist numbers are a measure of potential stress levels which may impact on the sustainability
of tourism in the Beruwala study area (i.e., the Morgalla and Kaluwamodara villages of Beruwala).
There is no indication that there are presently too many tourists, even at peak season (Jan-Feb).
However, given the pressures already placed on the ecosystem through garbage, sewage and erosion
problems, the study area is already under stress that will be affected by tourist numbers. At the
same time, numbers are a measure of the success of the industry overall in selling the image and
product of Beruwala.
Tourist industry statistics

(Measure: volume of tourism by type/origin, from Ceylon Tourist Board)
relevance HIGH Key indicator of the economic success of tourism and

the potential effects of tourism pressure on the study
area
feasibility MED/HIGH Statistics can be collected through tour operators and

by hotels and through exit survey at airport
credibility HIGH Information will be seen as credible if it is perceived

to be comprehensive and accurate
comparability HIGH Easy to compare numbers over time to see trends or

the effects of action to market the study area
Lower rated alternative indicators:
Relationship between published price and actual room rate
Profit margin of hotels
Tax revenues from hotels/other tourism enterprises
Number of awards received for quality/environment
Issue: Local purchase of supplies for tourism industry
The extent to which hotel supplies and related building materials originate from local suppliers is
not clear, but does not appear to be high. Any tourism destination, and the Beruwala study area is
no exception, seeks to reduce currency leakage out of the region if the region is to gain maximum
benefit from the tourism industry. Indicators are needed, therefore, to gauge the degree to which the
hotel and accommodation sector in the study area purchases its supplies locally, and as well within
Sri Lanka.
Hotel supply purchases

(Measure: % by value acquired in immediate area/within Sri Lanka - from survey of
hotels)
relevance HIGH Allows a systematic analysis of where purchases are

made and where supplies are produced
feasibility MED/HIGH Hotel purchase records are available but need to be

assigned by origin and aggregated for region
credibility HIGH Purchase records can be used to identify suppliers

and, as desired, the manufacturing source of the
supplies sold
comparability HIGH Changes in purchase behaviour of the hotel and

accommodation sector in the study area can be
observed through a regular review of purchase
records - benefits to the region can also be calculated
Number of contracts with local suppliers

(Measure: total numbers and/or % of all contracts - from hotel survey)
relevance HIGH A means to gauge the extent to which local suppliers

are being used to service the local hotel and
accommodation sector
feasibility MED Contract details needed to support this indicator are
available through hotels but would need to be
aggregated
credibility HIGH While information is credible, by itself, this indicator

does not suggest the extent to which supplies may be
locally produced
comparability HIGH Changes in number and type of contracts with local

suppliers area can be compared over time and with
other jurisdictions
(Lower rated alternative indicator: Sale and quality of locally made products (e.g., crafts)
Issue: Wages in tourism relative to other sectors
To remain competitive and attract qualified employees, and therefore to be economically

sustainable, the tourism sector must be able to provide wage rates that are comparable to those
offered by sectors that may compete for potential employees.
Relative salary scales

(Measure: ratio of modal hotel wage to mean/modal wage in Sri Lanka and in study area)
relevance HIGH Clearly positions the wages paid by the tourism sector
relative to other sectors
feasibility HIGH Statistics on average wages for different position in

the tourism sector and in other sectors are available
on annual basis from ministry sources
credibility HIGH Statistics on wage rates are assumed to be credible

(but may not include unofficial employment or self-
employment including beachboys)
clarity HIGH Easy to understand in aggregate
comparability HIGH This indicator enables a comparison of wage rates

within the sector and with other sectors
Issue: Level of tourism business in community
The workshops indicated that it would be useful to measure the level of tourism business in the
community but was not able to identify a strong practical indicator to respond to this concern.
Much of the tourism business is unlicensed, ad hoc, part time etc, and no organization at present
collects information useful for measurement. The indicators on tourism employment (cited earlier)
may be the best surrogate.
Lower rated candidate indicator for planning and control:

Percentage of beach fenced off with barriers (see also in exit questionnaire)
% of tourists who disliked fences/barriers between hotels and the beach.
Issue: Loss of local benefits attributed to all-inclusive packages
The attractivity of all-inclusive packages to some tourists and tourist operators coming to the
Beruwala area is offset to some extent by the possible marginalization of small local operators,
particularly in the tour and restaurant businesses. Determining the degree to which this
marginalization is occurring is important to ascertain possible negative socio-economic
consequences that can be linked to the use of all-inclusive packages. With this information in hand,
it may be possible to devise means to minimize negative effects while continuing to attract tourism.
Percent of rooms on all-inclusive plans

(Measure: % of rooms which are sold as part of all-inclusive packages, as determined by
annual hotel survey)
relevance HIGH A clear signal as to the proportion of tourists coming

to the area who are part of all-inclusive plans
feasibility MED/HIGH Statistics available through major hotels, although it

may be difficult to capture the total number of tourists
staying in low profile accommodation
credibility MED/HIGH A definition of Aall-inclusive@ is needed as is the

definition of Arooms@ and Avacancy rate@
clarity HIGH Easy to understand with the above qualifications in

mind
comparability HIGH Enables a comparison of changes in the availability

and occupancy of rooms under all-inclusive plans
over time
Sales statistics for packages of different types
(Count of % all-inclusive, % American plan)
relevance HIGH The relative presence of all-inclusive packages in

terms of sales, can be compared to the total
expenditures of tourists in the study area. This
information would be relevant to decision-makers in
advance of their taking possible steps to modify the
contents or extent of all-inclusive packages allowed
in the area
feasibility MED/HIGH Statistics can be collected through tour operators and

by hotels
credibility MED/HIGH Information will be seen as credible if it is perceived

to be comprehensive and accurate and standard
definitions are established
comparability HIGH Enables a comparison over time and with other beach
destinations
(Lower rated alternative indicator: Number of lower priced rooms available for locals)
Number of restaurants
(Measure: total number and % change over time. This is simple count at the municipal
level)
relevance MED/HIGH Provision of all-inclusive packages may be reducing

the market for food outside the hotels. In assessing
relevance, consideration must also be given to the
presence of other factors that could affect this
indicator (e.g., an overall decline in tourism, health
incidents from restaurant food)
feasibility LOW Many of the restaurants, particularly smaller ones,

are not licensed and therefore no record exists.
credibility MED/LOW Information on restaurant closings is available

through the Local Authority re those which are
licensed; note that this information needs to be taken
into consideration in the context of the number of
restaurants that open
clarity MED Link to reason for closing may not be clear
comparability HIGH Number of restaurant closings and openings can be

compared over time (for official establishments)
D. Quality of Product
Issue: Tourist safety ∗
The Beruwala study area is considered by the Sri Lankan tourism industry to be a comparatively
safe destination. There is little record of violent crime and offences against tourists are few and
generally limited to petty theft. The destination is far from any areas of Sri Lanka affected by civil
strife. However, there may be a perception that, due perhaps to the often persistent pressure of the
beach boys, certain areas may be unsafe. Hence, the reality and perception of tourist safety is a
concern and has a direct bearing on tourist satisfaction and rate of repeat visits.
Percent of tourists comfortable leaving hotel at night to walk on the beach

Exit survey of tourist perception of safety
(Measure: % not prepared to leave hotel grounds, % feeling unsafe. This could be
measured using the exit survey)
relevance HIGH Clear indicators of the perception of safety on the part

of tourists
feasibility MED/HIGH Information can be readily gathered, although there is

an expense associated particularly with the survey
credibility HIGH Information will be seen as credible if it is perceived

to be comprehensive and accurate
comparability HIGH Easy to compare numbers over time to see trends
(Alternative possible indicator: Number of complaints lodged with hotels/police)
Tourism and Security: An Ongoing Challenge for Sri Lanka
The Beruwala workshops occurred in Sri Lanka in June 2000, at a time when Sri Lanka was in war footing. This was
related to an escalation in the 17 year old conflict with Tamil Elam forces, particularly in the Jaffna peninsula in the
extreme north of the country.
The conflict has also been periodically punctuated by bombings of public buildings in Colombo, suicide bombings which
have killed citizens and officials, and one incident where the tourist destination of the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy was
bombed with loss of life. These factors have significantly affected Sri Lanka=s tourism, particularly its image abroad.
Despite the civil problems, most tourists are unaffected directly when in Sri Lanka. A majority of the principal tourism sites
are far from the conflict, and tourists are unlikely to encounter any incidents during their stay. Apart from a visible security
presence in the form of frequent military checkpoints on all highways (which may disturb some tourists from countries
where there is little military presence) civilian life goes on unaffected in most of Sri Lanka.
Tourism bookings are directly affected by the troubles. Discussions with hoteliers show great concern for bookings for the
next peak season (October to March) , and cancellations have been received from tours scheduled for the June to August
period.
The sustainability of Sri Lanka=s tourism is threatened by these security factors, and related events outside the control of
the tourism industry. The image of this varied and beautiful destination is currently linked with an image of risk which is not
easily countered by the efforts of the industry to market its destinations in the majority of Sri Lanka which is essentially
unaffected.
Issue: touts/beachboys ∗
A prime concern to many tourists and to tourist operators is the presence of >beach boys=. Beach
boys attempt to provide services to tourists as they leave the hotel premises, selling tours, artifacts,
guiding, and village visits. Many are persistent and attach themselves to tourists whether they wish
them or not. To varying degreesCand according to the nationality of the touristCthese people are
considered a source of harassment for tourists. It is also understood, however, that the beach boys
cannot be simply legislated away, as their right to make a living from the tourists is generally seen
to have legitimacy, and many make a lucrative living selling things which many tourists want.
There is also evidence that most of the beach boys tend not to be overly aggressive and that, as a
collective whole, they understand their livelihood depends on ensuring tourists are not frightened
away. Some even pick up garbage in order to keep their place of businessCthe beachCattractive to
tourists. Overall, therefore, their presence on the beach is widely considered to be a necessary
nuisanceCbut one which needs to be monitored and possibly controlled.
Harassment
(Measure: number of complaints of harassment registered by hotels/local authorities)
relevance HIGH Information of direct relevance to decision-makers

regarding the impact that beach boys have on the
tourists
feasibility HIGH Information can be obtained from hotels and the

police
credibility MED/HIGH Information will be seen as credible if it is perceived
to be comprehensive and accurate and if criteria for
>harassment= are understood and agreed upon
clarity HIGH Easy to understand - rising numbers indicate growing

negative impact on tourism
Number of beachboys
(Measure: simple count of numbers - already done by local authority)
relevance HIGH A simple indicator of whether the beach boys are

becoming too much of a presence on the beach
feasibility HIGH Information can be easily obtained
credibility MED/HIGH Total numbers cannot be fully correlated with the

level of harassment/services experienced by tourists;
as well the total number of beach boys must be
looked at in conjunction with the total number of
tourists at any one time and the demand for services
such as those they provide
clarity HIGH/MED Easy to understand - meaning of what the number

signifies is not as clear
Note: alternative means to obtain this indicator is as one question in a comprehensive exit survey for
all hotels in Beruwala, or at the airport for all tourists with data extracted for Beruwala)
Issue: Exposure to Sri Lanka culture
Concern has been expressed about the experience which the typical visitor obtains on a visit to Sri
Lanka. Many hotels have little Sri Lankan entertainment. There is also concern that the quality of
that entertainment or of crafts sold may not be adequate and may lack authenticity.
The tourist experience may be adversely affected by the lack of or quality of the Sri Lankan cultural
offerings. Yet it may be very difficult to establish a standard for Aauthenticity.@ As well, most
tourists may not differentiate between authentic and imitation cultural products. The creation of an
objective quality standard may be very difficult; it may be easier to measure the perception of
tourists of the quality and authenticity of their experience - as part of an exit survey.
Authenticity of Cultural offerings
(Measure: Percentage of offerings which are Aauthentic@- according to certification
standard yet to be developed)
relevance HIGH/MED Quality of the cultural offerings may be critical to

some tourist experiences, and is important to Sri
Lanka=s image of what is provided tourists. It may
be less visible to tourists than to Sri Lankans
feasibility LOW Would require the development of a Astandard:@ for

authenticity for cultural and handicraft products -
likely by the ministry responsible for culture
credibility LOW/MED Until a standard is widely accepted, this would lack

credibility - may need a certification program
clarity HIGH Easy to understand if certificate of authenticity is

provided by reputable body
comparability HIGH Can be compared over time to allow an assessment of

whether tourist events and products are becoming
more or less authentic
Perception of quality and authenticity of cultural experience by tourists

(Measure: part of exit survey querying whether tourists satisfied with the level of exposure
and quality of experience. Note this is an alternative to certification and one which focuses
not on intrinsic authenticity but rather on the perception of the tourist of the quality and
authenticity)
relevance HIGH Relates directly to perception of quality
feasibility MED Requires question on exit survey
credibility HIGH Direct measure of what tourists think
clarity HIGH/MED May need to also ask more specifically which

experiences tourists are referring to when they
indicate their perception of quality
comparability HIGH Can be used to compare with competing

destinations such as Phuket, Bali, or Red Sea if
common instrument is used.
Issue: Perceived level of courtesy and effectiveness of employees in the industry
This issue relates to consumer satisfaction. As repeat business and word of mouth are essential to
the survival of any tourism destination, this is a key issue with respect to economic sustainability.
Tourist complaints
(Measure: Number of complaints received by hotels management. Can be calculated by
month, by reason for complaint)
relevance HIGH Allows specific feedback from the consumer that can
be used as a basis for taking action to enhance the
quality of service and, therefore, the economic
sustainability of the tourism sector
feasibility MED/HIGH Complaints can be recorded by hotels and then

amalgamated to obtain total number and type of
complaints received (need to rollup for all
accommodation in Beruwala)
credibility HIGH/MED Provided the nature of the complaints is recorded, the

information supporting this information will be
credible (note: can be culture specific as some
nationalities more likely to complain than others)
clarity HIGH Easy to understand - change in numbers may signal

emerging problems
comparability HIGH/MED Can be easily compared over time and across

jurisdictions (although other factors like nationality or
cohort/niche may complicate the comparison)
Note: it is also possible to append a question to an overall exit questionnaire regarding the level of
service and courtesy perceived to have been received by the tourist
Issue: Access
The time taken to access the study area from major centres (e.g., Colombo) or to travel to visit other
attractions (e.g., Galle, Kandy) may be a deterrent to some tourists. For example, because of the
congestion along the Galle Road, it can sometimes take more than four hours to make the trip from
Beruwela to the airport, although the distance in kilometres is not great (approximately 80 km).
Time to get to destination from Colombo/airport
relevance HIGH While travel along the Galle Rd. to the destination
may be seen as part of the >tourism experience= by
some, it is seen as a deterrent by others. Time taken
to travel to the destination, therefore, is a relevant
factor in examining this issue
feasibility HIGH Information on time taken to reach the destination is

simple to obtain
credibility HIGH Time taken, if measured at different times of the

year and day, can provide credible information
concerning times at which road congestion is
greatest and least
clarity MED/HIGH Simple to understand
comparability HIGH Time to access the destination at given times can be

easily compared month to month and year to year
(Note: perception of traffic and access concerns by tourists could be part of exit questionnaire)
Issue: Access to health facilities
This issue has both social and environmental implications as it is linked to the real and perceived
threats to health experienced by tourists. As a form of insurance and security, provision of easy
access to health facilities by tourists cannot be overstated, particularly when there may be a
perception that threats to health may be a real concern for those visiting the area. At present there is
no comprehensive health facility in the Beruwala area, and tourists are often taken by ambulance to
Colombo for treatment. Recently an ambulance has been purchased to serve the west coast beach
area: until June 2000, the nearest ambulance to Beruwala was located in Kalutara, more than20
kilometres (some 40 minutes by road) from Beruwala.
Health Access
(Measure: number of tourists who must be taken from the region (to Colombo) for
treatment)
relevance HIGH A highly relevant indicator, as it suggests the degree

to which health treatment is locally available. Tour
operators frequently ask about such services.
feasibility MED Information can be easily obtained provided hotels
and Local Authority are prepared to make
information known
credibility MED/HIGH Provided information is comprehensive (i.e., hotels

fully cooperate in relaying information on guests who
must travel to Colombo), this indicator can be
considered as credible
clarity MED/HIGH The indicator is easy to understand, but the nature of

the illnesses treated must also be identified for the
indicator to be clear to decision makers
comparability HIGH The number of tourists taken from the region can be
compared over time to allow a determination to be
made as to the improved level of care available
locally
(Alternative indicator: # tourists experiencing health problems while in destination- by type

of ailment. This can likely be part of exit survey)
Concern over access to health facilities

(Measure: Number of official complaints from operators and tourists about health care
facilities)
relevance HIGH An indicator for level of satisfaction with local health

care facilities - can signal future interest from
operators in booking the destination
feasibility MED Information can be obtained from hotels on exit

surveys, and from hotel booking desks re operator
queries and complaints.
credibility MED/HIGH The nature of the complaints must be ascertained, as

this issue is concerned with the question of access.
(This may also include level of care, perceived
cleanliness, adequacy of overall health facilities.)
clarity HIGH The indicator is relatively easy to understand
comparability HIGH Changes in the number and type of complaints

concerning access can be compared to assess
improvements in accessibility
Issue: Health
Health may also be considered a social and/or environmental issue, but has the most immediate
effects on tourism by affecting the image of the tourism product. Any incidents of food or water-
related disease affecting tourists can seriously affect the image of a destination. Hepatitis A is a
concern for destinations like Beruwala (international health services advise immunization for
travellers to this region) and food poisoning (e.g., salmonella) is an issue in restaurants worldwide.
Cleanliness of restaurants
(Measure- number of health violations reported to authorities - by month)
relevance HIGH Direct link to key services and service quality. Also
can be signal of emerging risk to the image of the
tourism product
feasibility MED/HIGH Information can be easily obtained from Local

Authority in cooperation with local health care
facilities
credibility MED/HIGH This indicator is a credible source of information on

the safety of food and water consumed in the study
area, although it does not provide evidence as to the
total number of violations that have actually occurred
clarity HIGH The indicator is easy to understand
comparability HIGH Changes in number of health violations can be

observed over time and compared
Issue: Quality of tourism product
The perception by tourists of the quality of the tourism product is one of the core indicators
identified by WTO as useful for a destination. For Beruwala, the most effective means to obtain this
indicator would be by use of an exit survey, either collected by the hotels or collected more globally
at the national level at the airport for all departing tourists, and then desegregated by region (e.g.,
Beruwala). The content of such an exit questionnaire could include several factors relating to the
tourism experience, responding to a number of the indicators listed separately in this section (each
of the areas where the exit questionnaire could be of use has been noted relative to the specific
indicator). If an exit questionnaire is done, it would be efficient to include several questions
together. A possible model, using proven format to obtain the most objective responses possible,
and to permit comparison with other destinations using the same form of questions follows.
Lower rated candidate indicator: Level of training of tourism staff/operators (% with
certification)
Issue: Beach cleanliness
Aside from the indicators dealing with waste management, the aesthetic and real and perceived
health implications connected to the overall cleanliness of the beach is a critical issue. Tourists
expect beaches to be clean and anything less will directly affect the tourist experience at the
Beruwala beach. Moreover, beach cleanliness is itself a barometer of the success the study area is
having in controlling its wastes along the Bentota River and along the coast. Currently, the garbage
cleanup efforts are undertaken in an ad hoc fashion by the hotels and the beach boys.
E. Management
Issue: Certification of tourist services
Quality of services provided to tourists is a strong indicator of tourist satisfaction and, therefore,
economic sustainability. Where the quality (e.g., restaurant hygiene, handicrafts) is regarded as
variable, unsafe or unpredictable, the level of tourist satisfaction is negatively affected. The study
area has many establishments (food, other services) without any official certification. There are
concerns that restaurants that have not received CTB approval are more likely to serve food which is
unsafe, that unlicensed guest houses or craft shops will sell products and services which may be
substandard. CTB certification, therefore, may be considered as an indicator of quality with respect
to the products or services over which it has certification authority.
Quality certification
(Measure: percentage of total tourist services that are certified by the Ceylon Tourist
Board)
relevance HIGH Certified services are recognized as being trusted by

tourists to provide a generally acceptable level of
quality
feasibility HIGH Information can be easily obtained
credibility MED/HIGH While credible, there will still be instances in which

certified services fail to meet the standard of care;
monitoring and enforcement, therefore, must
accompany this indicator
comparability HIGH Can be compared over time to allow an assessment of

whether tourist services are improving in quality
Issue: Density of motorboats in Bentota River
At peak season, there are some 200 vessels available for use on approximately a 2km section of the
Bentota River, including the mangrove. The sheer density of vessel use in this area poses a variety
of risks with regard to noise, health and safety, wildlife, mangroves, and riverbank erosion.
Overcrowding on river
(Measure: number of boats on the Bentota River)
relevance HIGH Boat counts in the Bentota give tourist operators and
the Local Authority a clear idea as to the density
experienced in peak use areas and at peak times.
feasibility HIGH Motorboat counts can be undertaken easily and

cheaply (may wish to classify by type)
credibility MED/HIGH A daily or weekly count, over time, will provide valid
and reliable data indicating the level of motorboat
density in the river
clarity MED/HIGH The indicator is easy to understand
comparability HIGH Changes in level of motorboat density can be

compared to identify peak times of the season and
day and to assess any measures aimed at mitigating
use during peak period.
Issue: Density of motorboats in Mangroves
The mangrove is valuable both ecologically and as a tourist attraction. Its easy accessibility means
that it is increasingly visited by boats bearing tourists. The thresholds of boating traffic beyond
which serious damage to the mangrove may occur is not known. However, for there to be the
option to take decisions governing the extent of motorboat use, information on motorboat use
density in the mangrove is required.
Impact of tourism on mangroves

(Measure: number of boats per hour in mangrove at peak days)
relevance HIGH Boat counts in the mangrove provide a relevant

indicator of motorboat density during peak periods
that can help enable decision makers to make a
determination as to whether the mangrove is being
threatened by boat traffic
feasibility HIGH Motorboat counts can be undertaken easily and
cheaply
and reliable data indicating the level of motorboat
density in the Mangrove
clarity MED/HIGH The indicator is easy to understand - the relation to

impact may be less easily comprehended
comparability HIGH Changes in level of motorboat density can be

compared to identify peak times of the season and
day and to assess any measures aimed at mitigating
use during peak period.
Issue: Stray animals
Stray animals are evident throughout the study area; in particular, dogs cattle and other domestic
animals are a frequent sight on the beaches. Some are reputed to carry rabies. There may, therefore,
be a perception among tourists and hotel managers that the dogs pose a direct and/or sanitary threat
in the beach area.
Harassment/inconvenience by animals
(Measure: number of animals loose on the beach - weekly survey)
relevance HIGH A regular count of the dogs at given times of the day
provides a relevant measure of the presence of
animals.
feasibility HIGH A count can be done easily and cheaply
and reliable data indicating the extent to which stray
animals occupy the beach area
clarity MED The indicator is easy to understand but may not relate
as well to the perceived impact.
comparability HIGH Changes in the number of animals can be easily

compared over time.
(Alternative indicator : exit survey question regarding whether tourists were bothered or
inconvenienced by animals on the beach)
F. Community Planning
Issue: State of planning for Beruwala
Planning is a major issue for Beruwala, as there are many agencies with elements of the planning
and implementation process, but little coordination at the level of the destination (unlike the
comprehensive planning evident in adjacent Bentota which has official resort status). It is important
to know the simple existence or non-existence of comprehensive and formal planning processes
involving different stakeholders. While this information does not tell us about the actual outcomes
of the planning process, it does suggest whether a means to address regional and often conflicting
issues surrounding sustainable tourism is in place.
There is no integrated plan overseeing development in the Beruwala study area. The lack of this
plan inhibits the ability of the tourism industry as a whole to develop a coordinated and
comprehensive approach to tourism development within the area. A number of agencies have
varying degrees of responsibility of relevance to tourism management, but there is at present little
communication or cooperation among these agencies pertaining to tourism. It is generally
recognized by those interviewed in the course of this study that a plan is required and that this plan
needs to be developed and agreed to by all stakeholders in the tourism industry.
Planning of Destination
(Measure existence of organized regional plan for tourist destination region including
tourism component.)
relevance HIGH Presence of an integrated plan is a strong and relevant

indicator that planning for Beruwala as a whole can
be conducted in ways that improve the sustainability
of the area=s tourism industry
feasibility HIGH Presence of the plan is readily determined (there is

none at present)
credibility MED While existence of the plan is the main point of

departure, the manner in which the plan was
developed is also critical. This indicator by itself
does not therefore reflect the quality of the plan.
clarity MED/HIGH The indicator is easy to understand, but does not in

any way speak to the quality of the plan or the
manner in which it was produced
comparability MED As there is no current plan, any new plan will be the
benchmark against which future iterations of the plan
will be compared
Planning and Administration Infrastructure
The following summarizes the roles and activities of the agencies that, collectively, are responsible for the
planning and overall management of tourism in Sri Lanka. It is important to understand these roles, the
interaction that occurs among these agencies, and the barriers to the communication and cooperation that
occurs among them. This understanding is necessary because the development and implementation of
indicators of sustainable tourism in the study areaBand elsewhere in Sri Lanka Bwill depend on the effective
participation of these agencies.
The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) through the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Plan, is a
national body that has zoned the coastline according to a technical assessment of the area=s stability,
vegetation, and social and historical characteristics. The Plan identifies areas suitable for tourism
development, but it does not provide all the detailed guidelines regarding the development of tourist clusters.
A permit procedure has been introduced to regulate development activities and is managed by CCD officials.
As well, the CZM Plan requires interpretation for a particular site by the technical staff of the CCD to determine
the zoning that is assigned to the site. Overall, the CCD is responsible for policy formulation, planning,
research, administration of the permit programme, and the construction and maintenance of shoreline
protection works. Legally, these activities cannot be delegated to a local authority or to a provincial council
- steps which could expedite zoning approval procedures.
The Ceylon Tourism Board (CTB), meanwhile, prepares master plans for tourism development according to
past trends and forecasts of tourist arrivals. The local authorities are required to prepare development plans
for their respective areas with the assistance of the Urban Development Authority (UDA). These plans are to
provide basic land use zoning, street lines for public roads, etc. and are to be implemented mainly through
development controls. The ideal, therefore, is to design and implement an integrated development plan for
the coastal zone that incorporates the provisions of the CZM Plan, Tourism Development Plan for the coastal
belt, and local development plans for the local coastal authority areas. Note that each local authority would be
responsible for enforcement. While local authorities have the responsibility to develop and maintain
infrastructure (e.g., municipal dumps), they often have insufficient funds or political power to do so. It is up to
the local authority to collect taxes (but not to set tax rates).
There is a properly constituted planning committee in each of the local authority areas to which power is
delegated by the UDA. As well, there is the main planning committee at the UDA Colombo, presided over
by the UDA chairman and consisting of planners with different professional backgrounds, persons
representing local government interests, and business and professional interests.
The CCD and the Coast Conservation Advisory Council, as part of their statutory obligations, have the
discretion to subject any development project on the coast - including hotels - to an environmental impact
assessment under the auspices of the National Environment Act.
Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is the only authority with statutory powers to conserve and protect
the environment. It has framed regulations under the National Environmental Act to call for environmental
impact assessments (EIA) for project which have significant impact on the environment. Major tourism
development projects also falls into this category. Hence, it is necessary to obtain environment clearance
from the CEA wherever such clearance is required. Furthermore, it would be mandatory for the projects to
obtain environmental protection licences annually where environmental clearances have been obtained.
Issue: Public access to beaches
All beaches in Sri Lanka are national property and open to everyone to use. Access to some parts of
the beach is via narrow pathways. The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is the only
authority with statutory powers to conserve and protect the environment. It has framed regulations
under the National Environmental Act to call for environmental impact assessments (EIA) for
projects which have significant impact on the environment. Major tourism development projects
also falls into this category. Hence, it is necessary to obtain environment clearance from the CEA
wherever such clearance is required. Furthermore, it would be mandatory for the projects to obtain
environmental protection licenses annually where environmental clearances have been obtained.
Beach access, while officially open to public, is difficult because there are no easy access points
between the hotels. As hotels have been constructed along the beach, access to the beach has been
restricted. Apparently, this restriction is already a point of contention among some local residents.
However, the feelings of resentment that result cannot be gauged precisely; nonetheless, with people
who for generations have had unhindered beach access to rather suddenly have this access reduced
without compensation, it may be concluded that this issue remains a concern to many local people.
Number of access roads per km of beach
relevance MED/HIGH This indicator must be considered in the context of

what is considered to be generally acceptable levels
of access at similar beach settings in Sri Lanka and
elsewhere
feasibility HIGH Information is readily obtained
credibility HIGH A count of access roads per km of beach would

proved data that is valid and reliable in support of this
indicator
clarity HIGH The indicator is easy to understand in terms of access

opportunities for non-residents of hotels
comparability HIGH The indicator can be compared to access at other

beaches in Sri Lanka and the world so as to provide
the necessary context
Local perception of level of access to beach

(Measure: using local questionnaire with a question on level of access/barriers perceived
by community)
relevance HIGH Understanding the feelings of the local community on

this issue is essential to avoid issues over beach
access
feasibility HIGH Information can be obtained through a survey of the
local community. There is a cost linked to
undertaking the survey and to measure changes over
time
credibility HIGH Credibility can be enhanced by surveying a random

sample of members of the local community - not just
tourism related.
clarity HIGH The indicator is easy to understand
comparability MED Because of the unique nature of the accessibility

options for the beach, the indicator is not useful for
comparison with other destinations; however, if
measures are taken to facilitate beach access, surveys
of local residents could be used to determine levels of
satisfaction with the results
Issue: Failure of legal process
Legislation currently exists that governs many of the areas that are relevant to the sustainability of
the tourism industry in Sri Lanka as a whole, and in the Beruwala area in particular. This
legislation, concerning such areas as environmental assessment and zoning for example, is in place,
but not necessarily enforced. As a result, the legal process is not seen as serving the long-term
environmental and economic needs of the tourism industry. Without the consistent and full
application of what is generally recognized as acceptable legislation, it will be difficult to adopt
processes that meet these needs.
Development Control
(Measure: percent of exceptions granted on tourism projects)
relevance HIGH Noting the percent of tourism projects that are not
forced to conform to legislation provides a relevant
indicator of the extent to which this issue prevails in
the study area
feasibility HIGH Information can be readily gathered
credibility MED The number of exceptions will be regarded as

credible data. However, by itself the percentage
provides no details as to why an exception occurred
clarity HIGH The percentage is readily understood
comparability MED Easy to compare numbers over time to see trends in
exceptions provided. However, the percentage must
be regarded in the context of an change in absolute
number of projects.
Issue: Level of communication/coordination between authorities
In mobilizing to prepare an integrated plan and in ensuring legislation is enforced (specific issues
cited above), it will be essential that the relevant agencies (see box) communicate and coordinate
their efforts to address the key issues identified in this report.
Level of Cooperation
(Measures: Number of joint projects, number of committees/coordination bodies)
relevance MED/HIGH A clear measure of cooperation among pertinent

agencies, but does not address the nature of the
projects
feasibility HIGH Information can be readily gathered
credibility MED The number of joint projects or

committees/coordination bodies does not provide an
indication as to whether the projects have resulted in
meaningful communication/coordination among the
agencies
clarity MED/HIGH Simple to understand - but may not be clearly related

to results in the planning process
comparability HIGH Changes in number of projects or

committees/coordination bodies can be compared
over time
Part Five: Composite Indices
A. Carrying Capacity
As the key asset for Beruwala is the beach, the capacity measure should focus on the beach
resource, with infrastructural limits being the other key factors (these can be altered over time to
expand the capacity). The process of development of these derived indicators is in itself an exercise
to determine the key limits to sustainable use. The factors can be debated in terms of weighting, but
are all important to the ability of the key site to continue to support intensive tourism activity.
Key components for Beruwala:
$ Size of accessible beach area 30%

$ Level of maintenance of beach 30%
$ Sewage infrastructure 20%
$ Number of rooms in hotels 20%
B. Site Stress Index
For specific hot spots such as the mangroves and the beach area, this index needs to cover the
following factors and weightings (apply individually at each hot spot for peak use periods):
$ # of tourists 30%
$ # tourists/m5 30%
$ damage measures 40%
Measurements of site stress are of direct concern to the ongoing management and strategic decision-
making exercises pertaining to each site. A cumulative stress index like this could be of direct use
to the site managers. Key stressors such as garbage, erosion, and sewage on the beach can be
measured using the surrogate of cost of repairsCassuming that a management scheme is in place to
do the repairs and/or mitigation.
C. Destination Attractivity Index
The elements which seem central to a site attractivity index for the Beruwala area are:
$ beach quality - perception by tourists 50 %

$ personal security 25 %
$ perception of value for money 25 %
Note: these tentative values need to be reviewed with tourists as a first stage in using a destination
attractivity questionnaire.
There is an ongoing concern by the tourism industry to maintain the reputation of the destination
despite changes in types of development, levels of use and other external factors. A single incident
affecting tourists (e.g., health, safety) can quickly alter the perception of the attractivity of the site.
As site "attractivity" has a direct bearing on tourist enjoyment, it is an important consideration in the
making of decisions which affect both site development and tourist management issues. It may
relate directly to the decision to return, or to advise others to visit. The effects of large numbers of
people on the site (e.g., no privacy on beach, harassment, no available transport) is, for instance, a
problem that reduces the perception of site "attractivity" experienced by tourists. If the site is seen
as hard to get to, expensive, or dirty, this can also reduce its attractivity. This index may correlate
well with the recommended core indicator which measures tourist overall response. In the
weighting, it may be useful to deliberate the relative importance of each element. One option is to
examine separate attractivity indices for different niches of the market, creating different ones for
the specific subsets of tourists such as sunbathers, those seeking cultural experiences, and nature
lovers. If tourists visit more than one destination on the trip, it may be difficult to desegregate the
data across each site without a specific exit questionnaire on site.
D. Other Possible Derived Indicators for Use in Sri Lanka
While the core composite indicators, subjective as they must be, can provide baselines for changes
in overall stress, or state of the resource, it is also apparent that the consideration of some derived
indicators (using the individual indicators) would provide productive information. In this section,
some possible simple derived indicators are highlighted, with comments regarding their potential
utility. Most of the derived indicators will be simple ratios which are easy to calculate, but may
require some investigation to clarify their utility and meaning.
1. Percentage of tourists who are return visitors (by type and destination)
2. Ratio of all-inclusive rooms to European Plan rooms.
This ratio can illustrate a changing potential demand for island services such as restaurants,
entertainment, or independent tours. Many all-inclusive guests are unlikely to eat outside of the
hotel and may obtain all services on site.
3. Percentage of total tourists visiting a particular site (e.g., local sites such as the diving
sites, and mangroves, as well as accessible sites for day trips such as Galle, Brief
Gardens, and Hikkaduwa).
This number can serve as an early warning for changing tourist preferences, access problems, or
increased stress on particular sites. If the percentage changes rapidly, up or down, it can be a signal
for emerging problems at the site level, or of changing demand patterns.
While it is possible to create ratios of all of the more quantitative indicators, the key will be in the
interpretation of what the measured changes really mean to tourism in Beruwala and more largely
for Sri Lanka. The indicators are a point of departure for sustainable tourism management; the first
step in identifying the risks to the industry and its resource base, and applying a range of
management and planning solutions to the benefit of the tourism industry, and of the destination as a
whole.
The work to establish models for these composite indices is still in evolution, and each site or
destination has proven to have a unique set of factors which will, with different weightings,
constitute a form of these composite indices. To date, it has not proven feasible to power these
composite indicators in practice, and more work is needed to clarify the weighting process and to
validate these over time. One concern is that the components may change as markets or as
circumstances (i.e., economic, environmental, social) change. It is becoming more clear with each
application of the indicators process that the most valuable element of the derived indicators may be
the process of their development; the debate regarding the components of these indicators helps to
clarify the situation with the destination, complementing the workshop debates on which indicators
are key, and which values are most important to sustain. It is intended to work further on the
development of the derived indices based on the findings of a growing number of case studies, and
to base a more general typology and methodology on the cumulative results.
Part Six: Data Sources
During the study, data were collected or sources of data identified for most of the specific indicators.
It was confirmed that data or useful information in some form exist for nearly all of the core
indicators, with the exception of those related to tourist and local attitudes and water contamination
levels. One area of concern has been the apparent inconsistency of data between sources (e.g., water
quality, sewage treatment levels), which are a result of differences in definition, and in the nature of
the sources (studies, ongoing measurement which may be for other purposes). In the
implementation phase, these inconsistencies will have to be resolved where necessary, and a
consistent source and definition made clear. Wherever possible, it is recommended that national or
international standard definitions be used and common methods for data collection and analysis be
established. This will permit consistent and understood time series, and comparison with other
destinations.
Most of the needed data for the defined indicators could be readily calculated or assessed, based on
recent studies and ongoing monitoring programs of various bodies, although it is not necessarily
available in the ideal form needed. Of particular utility were recent studies on coastal zones and
broader publications on planning of tourism at a national level. As well, the normal monitoring of
air traffic at Bandaranaike airport in Colombo, the monthly reporting of hotel occupancy, are
accessible and useful sources. Also, the local government records of establishments, employment,
licensing etc. are at a scale suitable to support many of the recommended indicators.
With regard to data gaps, there seems to be no comprehensive exit survey of tourists from the island,
although one is now planned. There are also no systematic hotel-specific surveys which could be
aggregated, and which are key to support the indicators involving tourism attitudes and service
levels. As well, biological information on the island and on specific ecosystems is available mostly
in the form of one-time species inventories, without any quantitative data of species densities. This
information can only have limited use for indicators but may serve as a baseline for indicators if
repetitive monitoring of key measures is done.
No attempt was made to collect additional specific data for the aggregate indicators (i.e., Destination
Attractivity Index, Carrying Capacity Index, and Site Stress Index) separately from the core and site
specific indicators. In Part Four of this report, suggestions are made regarding the specific
components of these derived indices which appear to best respond to the situation in Beruwala.
Data appear generally available to support these areas of concernCbased on the other indicators
which have been recommended.
References
Ceylon Tourist Board. Annual Statistical Report, 1998.
Ceylon Tourist Board, Research Department, Monthly Statistical Bulletin on Tourism,

February, 2000.
Coast Conservation Department, Sri Lanka.1990. Coastal Zone Management Plan. Colombo, Sri
Lanka.
Coastal Resources Management Project. Sri Lanka=s Mangroves. Coast Conservation

Department.
IUCN. 1990. United Nations List of National Parks and Protected Areas. International Union
for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Gland, Switzerland.
Manning, E. W., and S. Prieur. 1998. Governance for Tourism: Coping with Tourism in
Impacted Destinations. Toronto, Foundation for International Training.
Ministry of Environment and Parliamentary Affairs. 1992. An Environmental Profile of the

Kalutara District. Central Environmental Authority.
UNDP/WTO. 1993. Sri Lanka Tourism Master Plan.
WTO. 1995. What Tourism Managers Need to Know, Madrid, International Working Group on
Indicators of Sustainable Tourism and Consulting and Audit Canada.
Appendix 1: List of Participants and Resource Persons
Name Institute Designation
Mr. G K Amaratunga SWCTIDS Project Coast Co-ordinator
Mr. Tissa Warnasuriya Ceylon Tourist Board Director General
Mr. S. Kalaiselvam Ceylon Tourist Board Director -(P&D)
Mr. P P Hettiarchchi Ceylon Tourist Board Director
Ms. J Savanadasa Ceylon Tourist Board Director
Mr. D Mudadeniya Ceylon Tourist Board Addl. Director
Mr. K D S S Weerasekera Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. T Sooriyagoda Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. Managala Suraweera Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. C Wijeratne Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. W Chandrasiri Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. G R B Vahala Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. S Kularatne Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. Asoka Perera Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. Sumith de Alwis Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. L Wickremasekera Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. K Gnaratnam Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. S I A U K de Silva Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. K Siriwardena Ceylon Tourist Board Asst. Director
Mr. K H Muthukudarchchi CEA Director
Mr. Wijesiri Manawadu NTGCASL General Secy
Ms. Radha de Silva UDA Dy. Director
Ms. Padma Jayasekera Pro.Min.of Tourism & Industries (CP) Director
Mr. K A D George Michael Min. of Tourism & Civil Aviation SAS
Mr. C Karunaratne Pro. Min. of Tourism (NCP) Secretary
Mr. S Seneviratne Ceylon Hotel School Principal
Ms. A N U Zunoor Ceylon Hotel School Lecturer
Mr. D K D Nanayakkara Ceylon Hotel School Lecturer
Mr. P Wijemanne Club Palm Garden General Manager
Mr. Nandalal de Silva Guest H & Rest. Assoc. President
Mr. C. Bouillon UNDP-ABEEP Consultant
Mr. Dorian Landors UNDP/CHS Consultant
Mr. Cecil R Wijesena BPS Private Secy.
Mr. T K Ranatunga R D A - Kalutara Chief Engineer
Mr. A Munasinghe NWSDB Engineer
Appendix 2: Indicators Worksheets

A) Indicator Initial Evaluation
KEY CANDIDATE EVALUATION CRITERIA Rating

ISSUES PERFORMANCE
INDICATORS RELEVANCE FEASIBILITY CREDIBILITY CLARITY COMPARISON
Who will use it is it practical is it supported by Is it easy to Is it useful for
and how will it and affordable valid and reliable understand comparisons with
influence to collect and information? and clear to other areas/
decisions? analyze? users? standards?
B) Rating the Indicators for Use (overall rating)
Critical indicator for the management of the site/destination
Important for management decisions
Very useful for certain aspects of site management
Some use for specific management issues
Limited utility for management of the site
C) Indicator Development Worksheet
(to be used in the next phase to flesh out the indicator and make it operational)
Issue or Risk Area

_____________________________________________________________________________
Indicator (clearly define)

____________________________________________________________________________
Relevance
To whom is it relevant and how will they use it?

______________________________________________________________________
Is it critical for short or long-term decisions?

______________________________________________________________________
Feasibility
What data will be used and who will supply it?

______________________________________________________________________
Who will be doing the analysis, and how often will the information be provided?
______________________________________________________________________
Credibility
How is the data acquired and what assurances are there of scientific soundness and objectivity?
______________________________________________________________________
Clarity
In what form will the indicator be used? How detailed, how frequent, and how current must it be?
_____________________________________________________________________________
Who will be the key users, and will it be phrased in terms easy for them to understand?
____________________________________________________________________________
Comparability
Is the indicator in use in this form in other destinations, or are there standards of comparison to which it can be
related?
______________________________________________________________________
Operational Concerns
Who will be accountable for managing the procedure to produce the indicator on an ongoing basis?
_________________________________________________________________________
To whom will the indicator be provided and in what form?

________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 3: IUCN Index of Level of Protection
IUCN Index of Level of Protection
The IUCN descriptive categories have been selected to relate to site-specific management
objectives. It should be noted that within each category there may be a variety of areas,
including those which support some tourist uses, and those which are maintained as totally off-
limits to human access. It may be worthwhile to treat these as separate areas.
Category 1 Strict protection (nature reserve or wilderness park) - limited human access.
Category 2 Ecosystem conservation and recreation (e.g., national park)
Category 3 Conservation of natural features (e.g., natural monument -managed access)
Category 4 Conservation through active management (e.g., management of specific
habitats or species, some control of access where negative impacts predicted)
Category 5 Landscape or seascape conservation and recreation (e.g., controlled access
beach)
Category 6 Sustainable use of natural systems (some use of resources permitted but
certain natural resources [e.g., fauna] protected)
Note: Some service areas within protected areas should be considered to be outside the
protected area (e.g., hotels, restaurants, tourist villages in national parks).
Appendix 4. Model Exit Questionnaire
Place where I spent the most time __________________________________________________
Other places visited _____________________________________________________________
Please respond to the following questions with the appropriate answer:
Question 5 4 3 2 1
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree Disagree
a) I enjoyed my experience in Sri Lanka
b) I felt secure during my visit
c) I found Sri Lanka to be clean
d) I was harassed by vendors or beachboys
e) Traffic bothered me
f) I had a good experience involving Sri

Lankan culture
g) I had good health during my visit
h) The beaches were clean and pleasant
i) I was bothered by animals on beaches
j) I had good opportunities to enjoy Sri

Lankan cuisine
k) I feel I received good value for money
l) I would recommend a visit to Sri Lanka

to my friends
Comments on any of the above answers:_____________________________________________
What could be done to improve your vacation next time in Sri Lanka?
________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 5. Local Questionnaire
This is a local questionnaire to be periodically administered to a sample of local residents in the

Beruwela study area:
Please indicate your reaction to each of the following questions as follows.

Question 5 4 3 2 1
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree Disagree
1. Tourism is good for my community
2. I personally benefit from the tourism
industry
3. Tourism in Beruwela has the following
effects:
a) creates jobs for local residents
b) employs local youth
c) raises prices for goods
d) helps the community obtain services
e) causes rise in crime rates
f) harms moral standards
g) stops locals from beach access
h) helps stimulate Sri Lankan culture and
crafts
i) uses resources needed by local residents
4. Overall, what is your opinion of the tourism in your community?
Very Unsatisfactory-------Poor------- Satisfactory ----------Good------------- Excellent
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(Note: This standard question assures interregional comparability and may be supplemented by
other questions on attitude towards specific elements of the impacts or to reactions from specific
community cohorts.)
5. Would you want more or less tourism in future in Beruwela.?
Much Less-----------Less--------Same--------More------------Much More
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Comments__________________________________________________________________

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World Tourism Organization

Workshop on Indicators for the

Beruwala, Sri Lanka

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... iii

Part One: Introduction............................................................................................................. 1

Part Two: Methodology for Indicators Identification ............................................................. 3

Part Three: The Beruwala Study Area....................................................................................... 9

Part Four: Issues and Indicators for Beruwala....................................................................... 12

Part Five: Composite Indices ................................................................................................ 46

Part Six: Data Sources ......................................................................................................... 49

Appendix 1: List of Participants and Resource Persons............................................................ 51

Appendix 2: Indicators Worksheets .......................................................................................... 52

Appendix 3: IUCN Index of Level of Protection ...................................................................... 54

Appendix 4. Model Exit Questionnaire..................................................................................... 55

Appendix 5. Local Questionnaire.............................................................................................. 56

Key Conclusions of the Beruwala Case

A. Use of the WTO Indicators Approach in Beruwala

C. Data to Support Indicators

A. Indicators for Beruwala

Issue Area Indicators

Sewage systems ***** volume treated

Lack of Drainage ***** number of flooding events/waterlogged areas

Noise **** decibel readings at peak use areas

Attitudes towards tourism (includes levels of **** local attitudes (survey)

Local involvement in tourism industry ***** survey of locals needed

Unemployment ***** statistics from census/other government surveys

Lack of dependable hotel supply and ***** hotel supply purchases

Wages in tourism relative to other sectors ***** relative salary scales

Touts/beachboys ***** # of complaints concerning harassment

Courtesy **** number of complaints received by hotel management

Access to destination ***** time to get to destination

Health **** # of restaurant health violations reported to authorities

Public access to beaches ***** # access roads per km of beach

Failure of legal process **** % exceptions granted on tourism projects

Level of communication / coordination ***** Number of joint projects

3. Opportunities be pursued to engage members of jurisdictions or authorities in discussions to

C. The WTO Indicators Program

Phase 1: Research and Organization

$ Obtaining information on thresholds and system sensitivity: Integral to the concept of

Phase 2: Risk and Issue Identification

Phase 3: Development of Candidate Indicators

Phase 5. Refinement of Key Indicators

Phase 7: Monitoring and Evaluation of Results

$ indicators of stresses on the system (e.g., crime rates)

$ measures of management effort (e.g., cleanup cost, cost of damage or repairs)

Indicators and Standards

$ repetitive problems are discovered (many non-licensed tourist services)

$ new risks are documented (garbage washing up on the beach)

$ many destinations share similar issues (traffic on main tourist arteries)

$ it is strategic to show results (beach cleanliness or food quality)

The Workshop Approach

Map of the study area:

Data for Morgalla and Kaluwamodara villages of Beruwala

Hotels 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Number of rooms operated1 821 886 1151 1340 1242

Total Guest Nights 397656 333963 452940 551369 583469

Foreign Guest Nights 377181 270045 415933 521641 545267

Room Occupancy rate (%) 58.81 44 61.81 66.78 73.22

The Principal Attractions

Resort Areas National Tourism Plan

Issue: Solid Waste Management ∗

relevance HIGH Responds to a major concern and is a measure of

feasibility HIGH Readily obtainable from the Local Authority