Vienna – On this significant day, as the United Nations convenes its 80th General Assembly under the banners of peace, cooperation and sustainable development, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) stands in alignment with these global aspirations.

As a non-governmental affiliate of the United Nations, the WFTGA believes that Tourist Guides are uniquely placed to support peace through daily, human-level intercultural exchange. Long before governments meet, and long after summits conclude, Tourist Guides continue the work of building understanding—one story, one visitor, one city at a time.

Tourist Guides as Guardians of Peaceful Encounters

From sites of remembrance to vibrant marketplaces, Tourist Guides and heritage interpreters accompany travellers through the narratives that shape our world. With professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to historical balance, they give voice to the past and perspective to the present.

In doing so, guides:

• Promote mutual respect and dialogue
• Deconstruct harmful stereotypes
• Facilitate meaningful engagement with diverse local communities
• Support SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

They do so not only as narrators, but as caretakers—with a duty of care for both visitor and host community. In a time when tensions often dominate headlines, guides offer an alternative vocabulary—one based on shared humanity rather than division.

Reflecting on Our Own Structure: A More Inclusive Path

In the spirit of today’s global gathering, the WFTGA is also engaging in its own process of reflection and re-evaluation.

Since our founding, we have operated under a structure where, typically, one national guiding association represents each country within the Federation. This model has served us well in many respects, offering a clear voice for national interests and encouraging local cohesion.

However, the world has changed—and perhaps, so must we.

We are now exploring the idea of broadening our membership structure to allow for multiple associations from a single territory or region, including those from areas currently affected by geopolitical disputes or diplomatic tensions.

This does not reflect any political recognition or endorsement. Rather, it reflects our firm belief that:

• Tourism transcends borders
• Culture is not limited to political boundaries
• And dialogue must continue, even when diplomacy stalls

Many regions are home to multiple cultural communities, multilingual realities, and more than one professional guiding organisation. By opening our doors more inclusively, we hope to create space for cooperation, not conflict; for connection, not competition.

“Tourist Guides are not representatives of governments. They are representatives of place, of people, and of lived experience—as well as trained heritage interpreters and facilitators of intercultural dialogue. If we can be a platform where dialogue continues despite division, then we are fulfilling our highest purpose as a Federation.”

— Sebastian Frankenberger, President of WFTGA

From Peace Talks to Peace Walks

As the world debates the future of peace, we in the guiding profession know that real understanding begins on the ground—in the walking tours, the conversations, the quiet moments of reflection shared between guests and guides.

We therefore call on:

• Governments and institutions to recognise guides as essential cultural mediators
• Tourism authorities to include guides in sustainability, heritage and resilience planning
• Cultural stakeholders to support peaceful storytelling as a form of civic engagement

WFTGA stands ready to support these efforts – not only through training and advocacy, but by reimagining our own structures to better reflect the reality of our world, and the promise of what it could become.

About WFTGA
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) represents Tourist Guides and their associations in over 80 countries. As an official NGO Affiliate of the United Nations, WFTGA supports global guiding standards, promotes training and certification, and advocates for the professional and ethical role of Tourist Guides in the tourism sector and in society.

Media Contact:
Sebastian Frankenberger  (President)
president@wftga.org
www.wftga.org