Influence of Sports Facilities and Tourist Attractions on the Economy in Sri Lanka (Down South)

In recent years, the development of sports facilities and tourist attractions has played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and fostering sustainable tourism in the region. Sri Lanka's economy is projected to see moderate growth of 2.2% in 2024, showing signs of stabilization, following the severe economic downturn of 2022 with tourism contributing approximately 5.3% to the national economy. Sports tourism has emerged as a significant contributor to the Sri Lankan economy, attracting a growing number of international visitors each year. This study analyzes the economic implications of sports tourism based on empirical data from the past decade. Key findings reveal that the number of international tourists visiting Sri Lanka primarily for sports-related activities has steadily increased by an average of 8% annually. Financially, sports tourism generates substantial revenue, with an estimated contribution of over $150 million annually to the Sri Lankan economy. This revenue encompasses spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, and sports-related expenditures. Moreover, sports events and tournaments hosted in Sri Lanka significantly boost local businesses and employment in the tourism sector. Data were collected from 87 tourists using a random sampling technique, by a questionnaire to interpret qualitative data, identifying key trends and insights from respondents’ feedback, and a Likert scale was utilized to measure visitors’ satisfaction with various sports facilities and tourist attractions. Findings reveal a diverse demographic of visitors with varying preferences in activities and attractions. Popular sports facilities included surfing spots (53.8%), diving centers (40%), and yachting facilities, which received generally positive ratings on the Likert scale. The findings indicate a substantial and growing contribution from sports tourism to the Sri Lankan economy, highlighting its potential as a key driver of economic prosperity and cultural exchange on a global scale.