A Historical Analysis of the Tourism Potential of Sacred Sites for Attracting Local and International Religious Tourists: Evidence from Unpopular Sacred Sites in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka

Pilgrimage and religion-based tourism represent a significant sector of the global tourism industry. The sacred city of Anuradhapura is surrounded by numerous unpopular sacred sites of historical, architectural and cultural value. These include the Western Monastery Complex, Pankuliya Vijayaramaya, Pabbataramaya, Handagala and Ritigala Parvata, etc. Despite their potential as tourist attractions, these sites remain underdeveloped. Promoting them could enhance pilgrimage-related tourism activities. The main research problem was to examine the significance of these unpopular sacred sites around Anuradhapura in attracting domestic and international tourists and to explore their potential for development as tourist destinations. The primary objective of this study was to identify the importance of these sites in attracting tourists and to propose measures for developing them into viable tourist destinations. This study employed a qualitative research methodology, examining both primary and secondary sources during data collection. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis within the qualitative research framework. The uniformity and limited activities at Anuradhapura’s famous tourist attractions have led to short visits and reduced economic benefits. Consequently, the duration of tourist stays has decreased due to the monotony of the main tourist sites. Economic benefits from longer stays are further diminished by limited activities, inadequate tourist guidance, and low diversity in attractions. To address these issues, promoting historically and culturally significant peripheral sites can encourage tourists to extend their stays. Integrating these unpopular destinations into Anuradhapura’s established tourism network can enhance cultural diversity and reduce the monotony of the main attractions. Tourism appeal in these peripheral sites can be increased through targeted marketing strategies, infrastructure development, accurate interpretation, strong community participation, formal heritage conservation policies, and practical tourism experiences. Developing these unpopular sites supports sustainable heritage conservation, strengthens the local economy, and reinforces Anuradhapura’s role as a multi-religious tourism destination.

Keywords: Religious Tourism, Tourist Attractions, Underdeveloped, Unpopular Sacred Places.

Religious Tourism, Pilgrimage Tourism, Sacred Sites, Heritage Tourism, Community Participation

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