Tour guides raise concerns over study
Sri Lanka’s tourist guides, in a letter to the ministry and the tourism authorities, have raised concerns about a recent study done on them to enhance their competencies in alignment with modern traveller expectations.
The Sri Lanka Institute of National Tour Guides Association has requested clarification regarding the research findings in the document titled ‘Comprehensive Study of the Sri Lankan Tour Guide’ which was conducted in collaboration between the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Skills for Inclusive Growth (S4IG). The study was done to provide a strategic framework that will not only bridge the existing skills gap for tour guides in the country but also prepare the workforce for future demands within the tourism industry.
“Our main concern lies in the composition of the research sample used for both the qualitative and quantitative segments of the study. With the recent influx of temporary and uncertified tour guides, we seek to understand the criteria used for selecting participants for the sample. As this is a mixed-method study, the inclusion of non-certified guides could skew the results, particularly in identifying the skills gap between certified guides. This potential bias is reflected in the report, where the sentiment gathered about tour guides contrasts with the quantitative findings, which appear inconsistent,” the letter said. The association has encouraged authorities to reevaluate the sample size and recruitment criteria before reaching any conclusions from this study.
The letter was sent to David Webb – Managing Director Kiwikaha Learning, Stephen Lodziak – Team Lead S4IG, Chairman SLTDA – Priyantha Fernando, and Director General SLTDA – S. Sherifudeen.
This study is the first-ever initiative in the country by the aid-funded, Skills for Inclusive Growth, a collaborative programme between the Australian and Sri Lankan governments. It was conducted by Survey Research Lanka in partnership with the SLTDA.
Kiwikaha Learning supported the study. S4IG has said that the research employed the mixed methods approach to thoroughly assess the current landscape and future requirements of tour guiding services for tourists in the country. This organisation had engaged a diverse array of state stakeholders including tour guides, tour operators, industry experts, hoteliers, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and tourists together a wide spectrum of. Insights and feedback.
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