Crimes against tourists: a study focused on Kandy District

Abstract

Sri Lanka, renowned for its natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage, is a major global tourist destination. Among its key tourist locations, the Kandy district plays a crucial role in the country's tourism industry and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While tourism brings various direct and indirect socio-economic and cultural benefits to the Kandy district, one of the significant negative impacts is the occurrence of crimes against tourists. Notably, a large number of tourists visiting Kandy fall victim to various criminal activities in markets, railway stations, bus stops, public roads, parks, and tourist sites. These crimes range from obscene comments and physical harassment to serious offenses such as sexual assault, theft, robbery, and financial fraud. This issue forms the central problem of this study. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to identify the crimes committed against tourists. Additionally, the study aims to determine the causes of these crimes, analyze the related issues, and propose appropriate solutions. The research is based on a mixed method approach, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. The findings indicate that perpetrators of these crimes range from ordinary three-wheeler drivers to government officials, with even some tourists themselves contributing to the problem. Based on these findings, the study proposes several recommendations to enhance tourist safety. These include installing surveillance cameras, appointing personal security guides, permitting only legally authorized tourist services, implementing preventive measures against fraudulent activities, and collaborating with international security organizations. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the role of the government in the tourism sector, the importance of social awareness, and the need to strengthen the participation of local communities in ensuring tourist safety.