Sustainable Tourism for the Future
The WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka invites you to an extraordinary week that blends professional excellence with cultural immersion, global connection, and personal inspiration. Like a well-curated guided tour, this programme is crafted with care – offering rhythm, depth, and surprise at every turn. From a grand opening ceremony to thought-provoking workshops, hands-on training, and exclusive study tours, each day builds upon the next, guiding you on a journey of discovery through the themes of sustainability, innovation, and heritage.
Whether you are a seasoned professional, an emerging tourist guide, or an accompanying guest, you will find moments that challenge, uplift, and connect you – with ideas, with people, and with places. This is more than a conference: it’s a living experience designed by guides, for guides – with the quality, detail, and spirit that defines our profession.
Head of Programme
Day 1 (9th February) – An Unforgettable Beginning
The Programme Features:
- An Opening Ceremony showcasing our global guiding community
- A warm Welcome Programme by the Host Committee, offering a taste of local hospitality
- A motivating Keynote Speech by our hand-picked speaker
- And the highly anticipated Bidding Country Presentations, revealing future destinations
Food & Drinks:
- Convenient Tea and Coffee Breaks in the morning and afternoon, perfect to chat and relax
- A delicious standing buffet lunch offering both Japanese and Western delicacies
- A Welcome Dinner, a great opportunity to network while enjoying the local cuisine!
Day 2 (10th February) – Engage, Learn, and Explore!
Continue your Convention experience and join us at the Fukuoka International Convention Center (FICC) again!
The Programme features:
- A Morning Gathering and Communication Workshops designed to exercise both your body and mind
- Afternoon Workshops offering invaluable insights from both an international and Japanese perspective
- WFTGA’s proven hands-on Training, providing opportunities to learn new skills and refresh existing knowledge
- Dedicated opportunities in the morning and afternoon for all participants, including Accompanying Persons, to experience and immerse themselves in the local Japanese culture, creating unforgettable memories.
Food & Drinks:
- As on the previous day, convenient Tea and Coffee Breaks and a delicious standing buffet Lunch will be available on the 2nd floor of the FICC
- Spend an evening of free time exploring the vibrant city and discovering Fukuoka’s exquisite local cuisine – the Host Committee is happy to provide you with recommendations to help you along on your culinary adventure!
Day 3 (11th February) – Exclusive Study Tours: Sustainability & Local History
Bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application under the theme of sustainability by joining one of the WFTGA Convention’s Study Tours!
You’ll explore places important to Fukuoka’s economy, history, and culture, highlighting their role in shaping a sustainable future.
Itinerary (Part 1): Diverse Insights Across Industries
We’ll be offering exclusive access to various sites that showcase Fukuoka’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. These will include locations related to:
- Advanced manufacturing and technology
- Environmental initiatives and urban development
As multiple tours will run simultaneously, you’ll have the flexibility to choose the destination that interests you most. A full list of destinations will be announced soon!
Itinerary (Part 2): Local History & Welcome
- A fascinating walking tour through the historic center of Fukuoka, Hakata
- Discover local narratives at the Fukuoka City Museum
Food & Drinks:
- Lunch will be provided as is convenient for each tour
- Communication Dinner with local guides and students
Day 4 (12th February) – Tailored Experiences in Fukuoka
On this day, the program branches out to offer distinct experiences for our ExBO/Delegates and other Participants & Accompanying Persons.
For ExBO/Delegates:
Continue your vital work in the Main Hall of the Fukuoka International Convention Center with the General Assembly
For Participants and Accompanying Persons:
Experience the rich culture and vibrant traditions of Fukuoka and Japan by joining our specially curated City Tours on Day 4. These tours will take you to the very heart of this dynamic city through its art, history, and natural beauty. Each City Tour will be conducted twice (morning and afternoon), offering you the chance to join 2 distinct tours.
The Main City Tour features:
- Fukuoka Asian Art Museum:
The world’s only museum dedicated to modern and contemporary Asian art, offering unique insights into “what Asia is.” - Kawabata Shopping Arcade:
In this historic arcade traditional shops blend with new, spanning over 130 years of history. - Fukuoka Castle Ruin Site:
A historic site offering panoramic views of modern Fukuoka City while conveying its history. - Ohori Park:
Relax in Fukuoka’s serene green oasis, a perfect urban escape featuring a beautiful Japanese garden.
More tours are coming! We’re planning additional experiences focused on local food and traditional crafts. Details will be announced soon – stay tuned!
Refreshments:
- As on previous days, all the participants can enjoy a delicious standing buffet Lunch on the 2nd floor of the FICC. This will be available between the morning’s first round of tours and the afternoon’s second round.
Gala-Dinner
- It’s time to dress up and celebrate! Join us for an unforgettable Gala Dinner at the prestigious Hotel Okura, a luxurious 5-star venue. Prepare for an evening of exquisite dining, delightful company, and the Announcement of Where the WFTG Convention 2028 Will Be Held!
Day 5 (13th February) – Celebrating Everlasting Memories
While it’s bittersweet to see our time together come to an end, we eagerly anticipate celebrating the successful conclusion of the WFTGA Convention 2026 with the Closing Ceremony in the Main Hall of the FICC.
Though we’ll be sad to say goodbye to many of you, we’re thrilled that some will extend their journey through Japan by joining us for the incredible Post-Programme to explore the historic and culturally rich cities of Nagasaki, Saga, Hiroshima, and Kyoto!
Food & Drinks:
- As on the previous day, a convenient Tea and Coffee Break will be available on the 2nd floor of the FICC in the afternoon.
- No lunch will be provided except for those joining the Post-Programme, as they’ll be departing right after the Closing Ceremony.
Other Services:
- Registration Desk: Located on the 1st floor, the Registration Desk will be open throughout the Convention Week where participants can pick up their name badges, convention bag, and other materials upon arrival.
- Hospitality Desk (Help Desk): Situated near the Registration Desk, the Hospitality Desk will be open throughout the Convention Week. Our Host Committee staff will be on hand to assist with your inquiries.
- WFTGA Desk: Open during main networking times a hub to make personal contact with the WFTGA Administrator, Area Representatives and Trainers.
- Shuttle Bus Service: A Shuttle Bus Service will operate in the mornings and evenings during the Convention Week. The bus will run between Hotel Okura and the FICC (car drop-off point).
- Origami Desk: Visit the Origami Desk on the 2nd floor, where our staff will teach you how to fold paper cranes. These cranes will be donated to the Nagasaki Peace Park on February 14th as part of our Legacy Project.
Accompanying Persons
Bring Your Loved Ones
The WFTGA Convention 2026 is not only a professional highlight – it’s also an opportunity to share an unforgettable experience with your loved ones. Partners, friends, and family members (aged 12 and above) are warmly invited to join the Convention as Accompanying Persons. While official workshops, keynote speeches, and internal WFTGA sessions are reserved for registered Tourist Guide participants, accompanying guests will enjoy a rich cultural parallel programme filled with interactive city tours, artistic encounters, and unique experiences that celebrate the spirit of Japan.
Children aged 12 and over are welcome to join the accompanying programme. For younger children, individual arrangements must be made. While on-site childcare is not provided, the organising team is happy to support families as best as possible in finding suitable local solutions.
For questions or assistance regarding family travel or accompanying arrangements, please contact:
Let this be a journey you share – professionally enriching, culturally inspiring, and personally memorable.