Exploring the Tourist Perceptions of Destination Components at the Sigiriya World Heritage Site: A Tripadvisor-Based Study

A key insight from this study is that 'authentic experience' significantly shapes tourists' perceptions and recommendations at the Sigiriya World Heritage Site. Analyzing TripAdvisor reviews through a content analysis framework (5'A's: Attractions, Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, Accommodation), researchers found that tourists prioritize scenery, historical significance, cost, and crowd levels when evaluating attractions. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of accessible facilities, diverse activities like rock climbing and photography, and accommodation quality. The study proposes expanding the 5'A's framework to include 'authentic experiences' to better understand tourist behavior and enhance heritage tourism management. Practical implications suggest preserving the site's natural and historical value while improving accessibility and amenities to offer more authentic experiences.

Weerasinghe, G. B. I., & Biyiri, E. W. (2024). Exploring the Tourist Perceptions of Destination Components at the Sigiriya World Heritage Site: A Tripadvisor-Based Study. Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, 26(2-3), 207–229. https://doi.org/10.1080/13505033.2024.2416194