Biomimicry-Inspired Tourism: A Pilot Study Based On Dambulla Tourism Zone In Sri Lanka

By emulating nature's time-tested patterns, biomimicry can lead to environmentally friendly infrastructure, waste reduction, and energy-efficient practices in tourism. This approach not only preserves ecological integrity but also enhances the cultural and aesthetic value of tourist destinations. This study investigates the potential of biomimicry-inspired tourism as a sustainable pathway for developing the Sri Lankan tourism industry, with a focus on the Dambulla Tourism Zone. The research aimed to understand how hoteliers in the Dambulla region interpret and apply the concept of biomimicry, either knowingly or unknowingly, in their tourism practices. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through ten semi-structured interviews conducted using the purposive and snowball sampling methods. The findings reveal a general lack of direct knowledge about the biomimicry concept among participants. However, most hoteliers have unknowingly implemented nature-inspired solutions as part of their sustainable practices. These include passive cooling systems, use of local and natural materials, rainwater harvesting, composting, and eco-friendly construction all of which align with biomimicry principles. Although biomimicry includes six core principles, the study identified that four of these are commonly applied by the hotels in Dambulla region: Resource Efficiency, Life-Friendly Chemistry, Integration of Development with Growth, and Being Locally Attuned and Responsive. Among them, Resource Efficiency and Life-Friendly Chemistry were the most widely observed. A key application found was the use of camouflage architecture, where hotel structures are designed to blend with the natural environment. These findings emphasize that while intentional adoption of biomimicry is limited, there is strong potential for future integration through increased awareness and policy support. Encouraging biomimicry-inspired practices can not only strengthen sustainability and resilience in tourism but also enhance the unique identity of destinations like Dambulla. This study calls for further research and institutional collaboration to mainstream biomimicry within Sri Lanka’s tourism development strategies.