Dear Tourist Guides,
Dear Trainers,
Dear Colleagues,
Dear Partners,
Dear Friends,
Once upon a time – this is how many of the stories we cherish begin.
And it is no coincidence that the Christmas story is among the most powerful narratives in human culture. Beyond any religious interpretation, it is a masterpiece of storytelling: simple, symbolic, emotional – and profoundly human.
For millennia, people across the world have told stories of light during the darkest time of the year. Long before Christmas took on its present form, cultures celebrated the winter solstice – the moment when light returns, days grow longer and hope finds renewed expression.
Nordic fire festivals, Roman Saturnalia, Persian celebrations of light, Jewish Hanukkah – nature, belief systems and community have always been closely intertwined. Light meant orientation, protection and new beginnings.
These same motifs appear in the Christmas story: a child born not at the centre of power but at the margins; a star as a guide; shepherds, travellers, seekers. It is often described as the story of a saviour – yet, beyond religion, it speaks to something universal: the belief that change is possible.
Light Today – and Our Role as Tourist Guides
In today’s world, light carries new meanings.
It stands for knowledge in times of disinformation, for empathy in polarised societies, for orientation in an increasingly complex reality. It also symbolises ethnic diversity and the responsibility to make multiple perspectives visible – not by simplifying stories, but by placing them into context.
As Tourist Guides, we are custodians of this light.
We do not merely explain what happened, but why it still matters. We connect places with meaning, past with present, facts with emotion. Professional guiding, like the Christmas story itself, is good storytelling: respectful, contextualised, inclusive and deeply human.
At a time when easy answers can seem tempting, our strength lies in making complexity understandable without distorting it. We create space for cultural diversity, practise political neutrality and foster mutual understanding – values that lie at the heart of our profession.
Commitment Behind the Scenes – and Looking Towards Japan
While many people slow down at this time of year, others continue to work with remarkable dedication. Our Host Team for the February conference in Japan is currently fully engaged – often without days off – to create an event that will bring together learning, exchange and inspiration at the highest professional level. Our sincere gratitude goes to them.
At the same time, we would like to inform you that the WFTGA Secretariat will be closed until 7 January, allowing our team a well-deserved period of rest.
The start of the new year, however, will be anything but quiet:
A comprehensive New Year newsletter is already in preparation and will include detailed information on the conference, the new ExBO application, current bidders, and the next steps in our shared journey.
A Story That Continues
The Christmas story does not end with a full stop, but with an invitation: to carry the light forward.
As guides, as colleagues, and as a global community of professional storytellers.
May this time of year remind us why stories matter – and why our stories can help make the world a little more understanding, respectful and bright.
Thank you for your commitment, your passion and your voice.
With warm regards and our very best wishes for a light-filled festive season
Sebastian Frankenberger
President of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations