Chapter 9: Combating Obstacles to GDP Contribution Through Nautical Tourism: A Case Study

The prime objective of this case study is to motivate interested parties toward nautical tourism through a triumphant story of a case in which he got himself engulfed in consecutive challenges but still emerged victorious through skills and commitment. In-depth discussions and focused interviews revealed how he developed into a macro entrepreneur, stretching up his business from fishing boats and leisure boats limited to Sri Lanka at the initial stage and gradually developing in the areas of diving, rafting, fishing, and leisure boats, and further expanding it to Seashell and Marshy Island business. By developing a boat charter and a yacht club, he intends to seek far horizons toward the South terminal of the Dikkowita harbor. It was revealed that diving around the island, primarily in the Mannar area, would be a high tourist attraction. He intends to partner with maritime universities to train captains for the speed boats and develop maintenance of boats to boost tourism through whale and dolphin watching to earn dollars for the country. The implication of this case is that the knowledge and skills he applies are from his ingenuity and resourcefulness. It is concluded that, amidst difficulties and pitfalls during the COVID-19 adversary period, he was able to groom himself into a dynamic and rewarding business entrepreneur, which is a life lesson to be learned from an industrious individual of our time.