Assessing the Potential of Constructing a Spice Garden in Galle, Sri Lanka: Insights from Push and Pull Theory of Tourism

Sri Lanka’s spice tourism industry has long been a fascinating attraction for travelers worldwide. With its rich history of spice cultivation and trade, the country offers immersive experiences through spice gardens, cooking classes, and plantation visits. But what drives tourists to visit spice-related destinations, and how can we leverage these motivations to establish a successful spice garden in Galle?

Understanding Tourist Motivations: Push and Pull Factors

The Push and Pull Theory of Tourism helps us analyze what motivates tourists to explore spice-related destinations. The push factors are internal motivations that drive individuals to travel, while the pull factors are external attributes that attract them to a specific destination. Our research findings reveal key insights into these motivations.

Push Factors: What Drives Tourists to Spice Gardens?

1. Escape (Mean: 3.02, SD: 0.899, α: 0.72)
2. Rest and Relaxation (Mean: 3.21, SD: 0.742, α: 0.78)
3. Cultural Experiences (Mean: 4.34, SD: 0.622, α: 0.82)
4. Knowledge (Mean: 3.91, SD: 1.009, α: 0.82)
5. Personal Interest (Mean: 3.99, SD: 1.001, α: 0.70)

Pull Factors: Why Choose Galle for a Spice Garden?

1. Destination Unique Image (Mean: 3.54, SD: 1.025, α: 0.92)
2. Destination Information (Mean: 3.88, SD: 0.224, α: 0.90)
3. Destination Residents (Mean: 3.76, SD: 0.465, α: 0.88)
4. Infrastructure Facilities (Mean: 3.20, SD: 0.782, α: 0.86)
5. Reachability (Mean: 3.38, SD: 0.669, α: 0.88)
6. Personal Connection (Mean: 3.92, SD: 0.125, α: 0.78)
7. Willingness to Visit (Mean: 4.22, SD: 0.009, α: 0.87)

Conclusion: Why Galle is the Perfect Destination for a Spice Garden

The combination of strong push factors (cultural experiences, knowledge-seeking, and personal exploration) and pull factors (unique destination image, accessibility, and infrastructure) makes Galle an ideal location for a spice garden. Tourists express a strong willingness to visit such an attraction, making this an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka’s spice tourism industry.

By leveraging these insights, we can create an authentic and immersive spice garden experience that aligns with tourist motivations, offering cultural education, hands-on activities, and relaxation in a picturesque setting.

What are your thoughts on spice tourism in Sri Lanka? Would you visit a spice garden in Galle? Let’s discuss in the comments!