Conducted in partnership with Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the session welcomed a group of enthusiastic participants across two specialized workshops designed to empower women at different stages of their tourism careers.
The first session brought together women business owners already working within the tourism industry, while the second welcomed aspiring and current female tour leaders, creating a comprehensive approach to women's empowerment across the tourism value chain.
Since its inception in September 2024, the program has seen a remarkable success.
"What makes this iteration particularly exciting is how we've tailored our approach to meet women where they are in their careers," said Poornaka Delpachitra, Country GM of Intrepid.
"Whether they're established business owners looking to scale up or aspiring tour leaders taking their first steps into the industry, we're providing the tools, networks, and confidence they need to succeed.
The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed in Bandarawela was truly inspiring."
The training programme conducted for the business owners’ focused on advanced strategies for sustainable tourism practices, marketing innovation, and creating inclusive business models that benefit both their enterprises and local communities.
Participants represented diverse tourism-related businesses, from accommodation providers to experience curators, all united by their commitment to responsible tourism in the scenic Uva Province.
It’s exciting to see the Intrepid–MDF training now taking place in Uva,” said Maryam Piracha, Country Director of MDF Sri Lanka.
“Building on last year’s success, and trainings conducted in the Central province earlier this year, conducting the women business owner workshop and tour leaders workshop in the Uva province is another strong step in encouraging more women to actively participate in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
We’re proud to continue expanding this partnership and remain committed to supporting inclusive business models that create meaningful economic opportunities for women”
The tour leaders' session emphasized confidence-building, storytelling techniques, and cultural interpretation skills that are essential for guiding visitors through Sri Lanka's rich heritage.
Many participants shared how the program has helped them overcome social barriers and traditional limitations that had previously prevented women from pursuing careers in tour guiding.
The program continues to address the stark gender imbalance in Sri Lanka's tourism sector, where women represent less than 10% of the workforce and an even smaller percentage in leadership roles.
Through these targeted interventions, Intrepid and its partners are working to create a more inclusive industry that harnesses the full potential of Sri Lanka's human capital.
Following the success of the three iterations, the program is set to expand to additional provinces, with plans already underway to reach more women across different regions of the island.
The most promising participants from all sessions will compete for scholarships to complete their National Tour Guide License, with the ultimate goal of joining Intrepid's elite group of tour leaders.
Already, one scholarship has been awarded to an aspiring female tour leader — a passionate woman determined to become a nationally licensed guide and share the stories of Sri Lanka with the world.
Her journey marks the beginning of many more to come.
As Sri Lanka's tourism industry continues its recovery and growth trajectory, initiatives like "Women in Tourism" are proving crucial in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and locally-driven sector that benefits entire communities while providing authentic experiences for visitors.
Photo Caption : Seen here are the participants