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

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.

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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.