The Definition of the Domestic Traveller
As per the definition formulated by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) “A Domestic Traveller is any person residing in a country who travels to a place within the country out side his/ her usual environment for a period not exceeding 12 months and whose main purpose of visit is other than the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited”.
Reasons for Promoting and Encouraging Domestic Tourism
An argument could be submitted as to why, the authorities are trying to encourage and promote Domestic Tourism despite the fact that it will not generate among other things foreign exchange earnings as in the case of international tourism. Reasons for encouraging and promoting domestic tourism.
- Producing social and cultural benefits for the domestic population who might not otherwise be able to experience the cultural and natural richness of their own countries. Through opportunities for the exchange of ideas and practices that domestic travellers can bring, residents potentially develop stronger interest in promoting ethnic, racial and religious tolerance; deeper appreciation of the country's natural and cultural diversity; and greater awareness of the achievements of national institutions. Note: This is particularly relevant and important in the present context of the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka .
- Enabling residents with growing disposable income and leisure time to participate in productive and satisfying experiences. As leisure time, disposable income and higher levels of education increase, so does the need for a broader array of leisure experiences. Domestic tourism is a potential contributor to the quality of life of resident populations if it is carefully planned and properly delivered.
- Gradually introducing domestic travel sector organizations to the critical management requirements needed to compete effectively in the international marketplace. Domestic tourism can also encourage public and private travel organizations to create the receptive, accommodation, attraction and entertainment facilitates needed to compete in key travel markets at home and abroad.
- Retaining hard currency that might otherwise leave the country in the form of outbound travel expenditures in foreign destinations. By encouraging spending by affluent local populations in domestic locations, foreign exchange is saved, without implementing potentially regressive deterrents to outbound travel.
- Redistributing wealth within the nation's boundaries. This redistribution can be targeted to encourage the transfer of currency and other physical and human resources from relatively affluent portions of the country to economically less prosperous regions, through strategically focused domestic tourism programme.
- Spreading development opportunities into developing regions through the use of local resources (Natural and Human) suited to domestic as opposed to international markets. By encouraging regions to develop events, attractions and services suited to domestic travellers, local political, social and business institutions gain an opportunity to hone their organizational and programme delivery skills - many of which are suited to application in a wide variety of development settings.
- Stabilizing the frequently cyclical and seasonal flows of inbound tourism. By encouraging domestic tourism to occur during the traditionally slow “off peak” demand periods normally associated with international tourism, opportunities exist to fortify tourism facility and programme utilization levels. This strategy can potentially lead to more stable and sustaining level of employment and revenue generation in domestic destination regions.
Note: Sri Lanka has experienced this on several occasions in the past.
Major Areas of Concern for Domestic Tourism
- Promote lesser known attractions in Sri Lanka by using printed and electronic media
- To establish a good travel culture among Sri Lankan travellers.
- To make aware the domestic tourist on facilities available at tourist resorts and improve the standards of facilities at tourist attractions. ie. Accommodation & comfort facilitates, water & sanitation, emergency medical services, transport, guiding services.
- To identity the new trends of domestic tourism and cater their needs.
- To introduce code of ethics for domestic traveler.
Domestic Tourism Programme
Tasks and works involved and suggested,
- Setting up of School Travel Clubs island wide.
- Develop staging facilities (Comfort Centres) after identifying the staging places on main roads leading to major cities ie. Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura, Kataragama in association with Provincial Councils, Local Authorities, Co-ops, SANASA, Leading Business Communities in the area etc.
- Preparation of an inventory on Lesser Known Attractions in all provinces.
- Compilation of information on Religious/ Cultural Events in the island.
- Publication of an Accommodation Guide (including Pilgrim Rests, Circuit/ Estate Bungalows, Youth Hostels, Rest houses, Guesthouses etc.) for benefit of Domestic Tourists (Budget Travellers).
- Preparation of a Tourist Guide Map for Domestic Tourists.
- Training of Youth as Site Guides at major tourist sites to assist Domestic Tourists.
- Publication of Tourist Handbooks for benefit of Domestic Tourists (by Sponsorship)
- Launch of a Tourist Friendly Cities programme in major tourist areas.
- Placing of Tourist Signages and Direction Boards leading to Tourist Attractions with assistance of sponsors.
- Launch of Clean & Green Campaign at Major Tourist Sites/ Cities.
- Conducting of surveys on impact of Domestic Tourism through School Travel Clubs and Undergraduates Studying tourism.
- Conducting of Awareness Raising Programmes on Code of Ethics for travellers.
- Encourage Travel Agents to introduce Budget Tour Packages for Domestic Tourists.
- Media Campaign
- Advisory Committee on Domestic Tourism
- Code of Ethics for Domestic Tourists
