Abstract:
Recreational scuba diving is one of the fastest-growing tourism activities globally and
is recognised as a promising segment within the adventure tourism industry. In Sri
Lanka, Scuba diving has emerged as a niche market with strong potential to attract
young travellers. However, there remains a limited understanding regarding the
development of recreational scuba diving in Sri Lanka. Thus, this study was
conducted to identify the challenges of developing scuba diving tourism in Sri Lanka.
A qualitative, cross-sectional study was conducted focusing on PADI-registered
diving centres in the Trincomalee district. Data were collected from eighteen diving
centre operators and four tourism and marine government professionals from
promotional bureaus and aquatic resource institutions between April and July 2025,
using the semi-structured face-to-face interview method. All interview data were
transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis, which involved systematic coding
and identification of recurrent patterns. The findings reveal several challenges,
including institutional issues such as limited government support, community-related
issues such as insufficient human resource development and a shortage of industry
trainers, as well as negative impacts on fishing activities. Additionally, there are
promotional issues, including low public awareness of scuba diving. This study
further provides several recommendations, including strengthening government
support, establishing clear policies and regulations, implementing capacity-building
programmes, promoting adherence to professional standards, raising awareness to
address existing barriers, and enhancing the promotion of diving activities through
social media and travel agencies. Moreover, the findings of this study are significant
for tourism and related authorities in developing, regulating, and formulating policies,
while also encouraging future researchers to conduct further studies on scuba diving
tourism in Sri Lanka.
