Our history since 1985
From 250 guides in Israel to the global federation of the profession: the story of four decades of friendship and guidance.
A voice of their own
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations was born from a simple conviction: that professional tourist guides – the people who interpret the world’s heritage to its visitors – deserve a voice of their own. What began in 1985 with 250 guides in Israel is today the global federation of the profession: 90 member associations, more than 50 countries and some 200,000 tourist guides on every continent.
The hand of guidance and the hand of friendship stretched across the world.The idea behind the WFTGA logo, proposed by Founding President Jane Orde and adopted in 1991
Milestones
Four decades of guiding world heritage and culture.
“The Baby is Born”: the founding convention
IsraelOn the initiative of Israeli colleagues led by Yossi Grau, more than 250 tourist guides from all over the world gather for the first International Convention and resolve to create a world federation. 21 February 1985 later becomes International Tourist Guide Day.
Registered in Vienna
Vienna, AustriaAt the 2nd International Convention, organised by the Vienna Guide Service, the Federation is formally established with a constitution under Austrian law. Vienna has been our legal seat ever since. Jane Orde (UK) becomes the first elected President.
A worldwide network takes shape
Nicosia, CyprusThe 3rd Convention introduces Area Representatives and the first report on “Guiding Worldwide”. A year later, on 21 February 1990, the first International Tourist Guide Day is celebrated – today marked in member countries around the globe.
The logo of friendship
FinlandThe Federation adopts its logo – the hand of guidance and the hand of friendship stretched across the world.
Standards and ethics
Pretoria & SingaporeThe Conventions lay the foundations of the Code of Guiding Practice, endorse the international definition of the Tourist Guide and produce the first Handbook for Guides.
Training the trainers
Montreal & Hong KongMontreal 1997 launches the Train the Trainer programme; WFTGA training courses spread to every continent, later anchored at International Training Centres including Nicosia, Cyprus.
A truly global stage
Nicosia, Dunblane, Melbourne, Cairo, BaliConventions carry the Federation’s themes – peace, sustainability, eco-tourism – around the world.
25 years young
WFTGA represents more than 120,000 guides in 64 countries, holds Operational Relations with UNESCO and is an Affiliate Member of UN Tourism (then UNWTO).
Growing together
Tallinn, Macau, Prague, Tehran, TbilisiTallinn (“Culture – A Unifying Guide”), Macau, Prague – celebrating 30 years – Tehran and Tbilisi each bring hundreds of guides together for training, exchange and friendship.
Resilience
Madrid & SiracusaAfter the pandemic pause, the hybrid Madrid Convention and the 20th Convention in Siracusa, Italy show the profession’s ability to adapt – digitally and in person.
Fukuoka and the Nagasaki Peace Declaration
JapanThe 21st Convention in Fukuoka is the largest gathering yet in Asia. In Nagasaki, WFTGA signs a joint Peace Declaration – tourist guides as ambassadors of peace.
Our Presidents
The people who have led the Federation since 1985. Today our former Presidents are honoured as Presidents Emeritus.
| President | Country | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Yossi Grau | Israel | 1985-1987 |
| Jane Orde | United Kingdom | 1987-1993 |
| Titina Loizides | Cyprus | 1993-1999 |
| Deborah Androus | USA | 1999-2001 |
| Elisabeth Schroder | Austria | 2001-2003 |
| Ruby Roy | Canada | 2003-2007 |
| Rosalind Newlands | United Kingdom | 2007-2013 |
| Felicitas Wressnig | Austria | 2013-2017 |
| Alushca Ritchie | South Africa | 2017-2024 |
| Sebastian Frankenberger | Austria | since 2024 |
Why this history matters
Every element of today’s WFTGA – the Code of Guiding Practice, the international definition of the tourist guide, our training programmes and the Cultour Card – grew out of these four decades of volunteer work by guides, for guides. The Federation’s founding promise still stands: wherever you travel, a qualified local tourist guide opens the door to a place’s true heritage.
Discover more about WFTGA
Write the next chapter with us
WFTGA has always been built by guides who said yes. Join a member association, volunteer at a convention or help in a working group.