Former SLTDA Chief warns guide shortage and poor planning could impact negatively in 2026

Former SLTDA Chairman Priantha Fernando

Former Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando warned that the country is heading toward a severe shortage of licensed tour guides, a crisis he says could undermine Sri Lanka’s ambition of attracting 3 million tourists in 2026 and damage the industry’s reputation if not urgently addressed.

Fernando was shocked that SLTDA had made commitments before the Supreme Court without conducting the “required homework,” arguing that the authority’s pledge to strictly enforce regulations against unlicensed guiding will have “ominous consequences.” 

He said Destination Management Companies (DMCs) will find it “extremely difficult” to operate if they are forced to rely exclusively on registered national and chauffeur guides, given the scale of shortages expected.

Sri Lanka’s target of 3 million tourists in 2026 will be driven by arrivals from over 40 countries, with the bulk coming from around 32 key markets. These tourists stay between 4.5 and 15 nights depending on origin, averaging around nine nights, with travel patterns ranging from beach-only holidays to multi-day round tours. 

Fernando pointed out that around 80% of travellers require some form of guiding service, creating significant pressure on the system even under normal circumstances.

However, Sri Lanka currently has only 1,981 licensed national guides and 1,642 licensed chauffeur guides, supported by 1,490 area guides and 404 site guides. Out of the 3,132 national and chauffeur guides, only about 750 or just 25% speak a foreign language. This, Fernando stressed, makes it virtually impossible to serve high-value non-English markets such as Germany, Russia, France, the Netherlands, China, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, Japan, Israel, Korea, the Nordic region, Iran and the Middle East.

According to his estimates, Sri Lanka will need at least 9,000 licensed guides by 2026, including 4,000 foreign-language-proficient guides, if services are to be provided exclusively by licensed personnel. “Only around 33% of the required guides are currently available for 2026,” he said, adding that the shortfall is “far worse” when considering foreign-language ability.

Fernando warned that restricting the industry to licensed guides under current supply levels will place DMCs “at the mercy of guides,” creating opportunities for unreasonable demands and forcing companies to hire individuals with inadequate language or service skills. Such a scenario, he said, risks “guest dissatisfaction” and long-term reputational damage for Sri Lanka.

He urged authorities, in consultation with industry associations, to set minimum rates for guide services to prevent arbitrary pricing and exploitation. He also emphasised the need for a robust system to test and certify foreign-language proficiency, noting that being licensed “is not enough” if communication skills are weak.

Fernando criticised unethical practices in parts of the guiding sector, saying many guides exploit tourists by directing them to businesses offering excessive commissions now ranging between 40% and 60%, compared to the historical norm of 10%. He cited incidents at national parks where visitors were charged hidden fees, describing such behaviour as deeply harmful to Sri Lanka’s image. 

“The noise made by the guide lecturers’ association is like the kettle calling the pot black,” he said.

To address longstanding commission-based manipulation, Fernando proposed formalising a standard, flat commission system across all SLTDA-registered establishments. This, he argued, would help curb abuse, support the Government’s tax efforts given that 90% of guide income currently escapes the tax net’ and bring more transparency into indirect earnings.

He insisted that guides must be required to patronise only SLTDA-approved restaurants, shops, spice gardens, accommodation providers and recreational services, warning that allowing guides to promote unregistered businesses perpetuates the informal sector and exposes tourists to risks.

Looking ahead, Fernando stressed that Sri Lanka cannot realistically train and certify enough new guides within the next two to three years to meet projected demand. With Sri Lanka having just surpassed 2 million arrivals in 2025, he said the country must urgently develop an industry-wide strategy to bridge the gap, avoid conflicts during the upcoming peak season, and prevent “greater controversy and instability” among stakeholders.

He said that SLTDA’s failure to anticipate these challenges before making commitments to the Supreme Court was a “serious lapse” and warned that without immediate corrective action, the industry could face operational chaos during the high season beginning this month.