(UTV | COLOMBO) – The government is gearing to introduce an insurance programme for tour guides.
Minister of Investment Promotion, Export Development, Tourism and Aviation Prasanna Ranatunga issued directives in this regard to the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Kirmali Fernando.
Representatives of tour guide associations during a discussion held on Friday requested the subject Minister to provide a legal insurance cover for guides.
It was revealed during the discussion that three tour guides contracted COVID-19 while one of them passed away due to complications arising from the coronavirus. Around 5,000 tour guides have registered with the Tourism Development Authority.
The representatives of trade unions requested Minister Prasanna Ranatunga to provide concessionary loan measures for tour guides.
The Minister noted that the Authority is already looking into their requests.
The representatives also requested the Minister to increase their daily allowance to 35 US dollars.
Minister Ranatunga claimed he will raise the matter with relevant authorities.
The trade union representatives also charged that unregistered tour guides are bringing disrepute on the country’s tourism industry.
The Minister vowed to take action against such persons.
Minister Ranatunga added steps were being taken to introduce a programme for the benefit of tour guides and drivers in the trade claiming that measures came to a standstill owing to the spread of the coronavirus.