(Report by Demetra Argyrou Viguier, WFTGA Lead International Trainer)

The WFTGA “Train the Trainer” and “International Train the Trainer” Courses, held in Cyprus in November 2024, have successfully concluded, marking an important milestone in the professional development of tourist guides from across the globe. This intensive two-week training brought together participants from 11 countries, creating an environment of learning, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange.

There were two dedicated groups: the first one of 10 participants for the “Train the Trainer” Course with Lead International Trainer (LIT) Demetra Argyrou Viguier from Cyprus and the second one of 5  participants for the “International Train the Trainer” Course with the LITs Smaro Touloupa from Greece and Mateusz Tomaszczyk from Poland.

For the first group the course provided an invaluable face-to-face training course for professional tourist guides to enhance their guiding skills while preparing to become certified WFTGA National Trainers themselves. The course focused on providing participants with the tools and knowledge to train tourist guides in their own countries, ultimately improving the quality of tourism services worldwide. For the second group the course provided the skills for becoming WFTGA International Trainers and working in an international arena.

A special thank you goes to the WFTGA Training Committee, especially the Head of Training Viola Lewis for her hard work, to the WFTGA ExBo members, especially the president Sebastian Frankenberger, the WFTGA Cyprus International Training Centre, especially the Co-Ordinator Marina Cocconi and Administrator Stella Manoli and KE.PE.A (Centre for Life Long Learning and Development – University of Cyprus), the sponsors: Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the A.G.Leventis Foundation, The Androus Foundation and supporters: Cyprus Tourist Guides Association, Municipality of Nicosia, Cyprus Department of Antiquities and “Tour Guide System CY”, whose hard work, dedication and financial and in-kind contribution made these course a reality. Without their support, the 2024 training would not have been possible.

I am personally grateful for the opportunity to work with such a diverse and motivated group of 10 participants from 7 countries (Switzerland, Slovenia, Saudi Arabia, France, Albania, Southern Africa, and Cyprus). Over the course of these two weeks, we shared challenges, successes, and unforgettable moments together. The hard work of the participants made this experience a rewarding one for all of us involved.

I am particularly appreciative of the sincere and positive feedback that I have received. Amongst other comments, as participants shared: “You are my role model – professional, passionate, knowledgeable, always smiley and patient, comprehensive training, enjoyable 14 days.” Such strong and kind words mean a great deal to me, and I will cherish the friendships forged during this course.

This experience has demonstrated the value of professional development in the tourism industry, and I hope it serves as an inspiration for other tourist guides to participate in future courses. It opens new horizons in life, both personally and professionally.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to making this training course a success.  As a member of the WFTGA Training Committee, we look forward to welcoming even more passionate and dedicated tourist guides to our training events in the future.

For more information about upcoming training courses and sessions, please visit the WFTGA website or  e-mail [email protected]

author: Demetra Argyrou Viguier (qualified Tourist Guide in Cyprus and WFTGA LIT) [email protected] or [email protected]