Govt. mulls insurance policy for tour guides

The Government is in the process of introducing an insurance scheme for tour guides with Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) given guidelines to finalise it.

At a meeting held between tour guides companies with the subject Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, the representatives of the association requested the Government to provide legal cover for the tour guides.

“We are planning to introduce an insurance scheme to the tour guides and directions have already been given to SLTDA,” Minister told the Daly FT.

During the discussion it was also revealed that three tour guides contracted the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, and one person succumbed to the virus.

Nearly 5,000 tour guides have registered with the SLTDA. The representatives also pointed out that there are many unregistered tour guides that exploit tourists and tarnish the image of the profession as well as the country.

“I have been informed of such incidents and strict steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in future,” he assured. They have also requested the Minister to implement a concessionary interest loan scheme for these tour guides and to increase the daily allowance paid for tour guides to $ 35.

Noting that SLTDA has already taken note of the request, Ranatunga said that he hope to discuss the increase in daily allowance with the relevant authorities soon.

The Minister also noted that Government had planned to implement a program to regulate the chauffer drivers and tour guides in the tourism sector, but the implementation was delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Ministry of Tourism Additional Secretary Varuna Samarasekara, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando and SLTDA Director General Dhammika Wijeyeratne were also present at the discussion.