The Role of Beach Boys in Shaping Sustainable Tourism Operations: An Exploration of Their Interactions, Behaviours, and Impacts in Coastal Regions of Sri Lanka

Beach tourism plays a vital role in the economic development of Sri Lanka’s coastal regions. However, the presence and activities of "beach boys" pose both opportunities and challenges to sustainable tourism. This study explores their impact on tourism sustainability through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and beach boys. Findings reveal that while beach boys are central to the tourism experience, they are often linked with illegal activities, sex tourism, scams, and socio-cultural issues. At the same time, they face challenges such as social stigmatization and lack of formal support. The study recommends capacitybuilding, regulatory frameworks, and formal integration into tourism operations to reduce negative impacts and enhance their positive role. A balanced approach is essential to promote sustainable tourism practices while encouraging community involvement. The research offers valuable insights into managing informal tourism actors within coastal destinations and aligning their contributions with broader sustainability goals.