Women Guiding the Way: Building Inclusive Tourism in Sri Lanka

On IWD2026, MDF Sri Lanka celebrates the women helping to build a more inclusive and resilient tourism sector. Did you know that women represent less than 10% of the tourism workforce and only 3% of all trained tour guides?

Through MDF’s partnership with Intrepid Travel, women across Sri Lanka are being trained as tour leaders and tourism experience providers. 62 women trained, including 22 women-led small businesses 5 training programs delivered across the Central, Uva and Eastern Provinces. Intrepid has worked with the women to gain a deeper understanding of the tourism industry and to identify opportunities and entry points for their businesses.

Watch the journey of how MDF and Intrepid are working together to connect more women to achieve greater access to economic opportunities, leadership roles and Sri Lanka’s growing tourism!