Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the wellness tourism in Sri Lanka
S. Sivesan
Abstract
Undoubtedly, wellness tourism industry, in pre-COVID-19 era, was well developed around the world. Wellness tourism, which is a branch of health tourism, has been seen as a major tool to bring even middle tourists. This industry made it possible for human beings to live healthily and peacefully. This industry, therefore, still draws significant attention among tourism stakeholders. This study explores the impact of COVID-19 on wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Throughout the world, COVID-19 has brought about changes in many spheres. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. In this study, a qualitative analytical approach has been used as it orients towards exploration and discovery. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the eighteen semi-structured e-interviewees from different segments of wellness service providers. The data collected, using different techniques in this study, have been analysed by using discourse analysis. This research concludes that the wellness industry in Sri Lanka has been severely disturbed by COVID-19 as it is extremely vulnerable.