A study on the revival of Hamilton canal and its’ contribution towards the evolving tourism industry in Negombo

Abstract

Recently developed Hamilton canal system targeting enhancement in tourism industry in Negombo convinces both positive and negative effects on the local culture and the community. Creating places for people has a prime concern on what places offer to the community, the user, to enhance their quality of life. This research paper examines the relationship between the revival of Hamilton canal and the emerging tourism industry related to it. A historical and a theoretical study were carried out to understand the connection between these components. Several factors were identified which are of close relation to the emerging tourism industry other than its’ revival. A questionnaire was used to collect information on the factors which attract the tourists’ towards the canal and to understand their attitude towards the local cultural setting. It was identified that with the revival, important components such as the unique local culture and the ecological value of the surrounding of the Hamilton canal too, has contributed towards the emerging tourism industry. Therefore, it was concluded that the future developments related to tourism in Hamilton canal needs to understand the cultural and natural value of the surrounding and their connection with Hamilton canal. With respect to “Caring and managing cities into transforming futures”, sustainable tourism development is identified to be the best approach for the future developments regarding Hamilton canal, as this approach is closely related with the socio-cultural factors, environmental factors and the economic benefits related to tourism.