Pre-and post-cyclone tourist satisfaction at heritage destinations in Sri Lanka: A comparative study

Abstract

Climate-related hazard events can disrupt tourism systems and influence visitors' evaluations and destination recovery, particularly in the heritage-tourism context. Drawing on heritage-tourism satisfaction research and a disaster-risk-reduction perspective, this study examines tourist satisfaction at three Sri Lankan heritage destinations under contrasting pre- and post-cyclone conditions. Two independent cross-sectional surveys were conducted among international tourists before and after cyclone Ditwah, producing 346 valid responses. Descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, Two-Way Analysis of Variance, multiple regression and thematic analysis were employed. Existential authenticity, destination image, situational involvement and objective authenticity were positively associated with tourist satisfaction, whereas constructive authenticity was not statistically significant. The pre-cyclone indicator was positive and significant only at the 10% level, providing marginal evidence that satisfaction was slightly higher in the pre-cyclone sample. Qualitative responses indicated a shift from routine concern regarding information facilities and cleanliness toward infrastructure recovery, accessibility, safety and preparedness following the cyclone. The findings highlight the importance of preserving authentic heritage experiences while integrating visitor communication, accessibility, safety and disaster risk reduction into heritage-destination management.