Cyprus
The benefit of International Training Centres
WFTGA can send trainers to you for in-house courses anywhere in the world. Alternatively, individual guides may apply to attend training courses at WFTGA International Training Centres (ITC).
Kick-start and multiplier effect
Not everyone can afford in-house courses and thus has the option of sending participants to an ITC.
State of the art training techniques, skills and knowledge
Participants bring back knowledge and gradually build up and enhance the infrastructure for professional guiding in their area.
Train the trainer courses
Although Hands On Tourist Guiding (HOT) Courses may be offered, the main focus in our ITCs lies with the two levels of Train the Trainer Courses.
Since 2006 the WFTGA International Training Centre (ITC) in Cyprus welcomed over 180 course participants to 12 courses. The ITC started operating as a regional centre and was the first of its kind for WFTGA. Over the years many course participants went on to become Trainers of Tourist Guides in their own countries or WFTGA International and Lead International Trainers.
The ITC is organised in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association (CTGA) and the University of Cyprus. Lectures are delivered by professors of the University of Cyprus. WFTGA Trainers deliver the WFTGA Communication Seminar, facilitate workshops and the practical sessions aimed at improving guiding skills and techniques.
Course participants came from Albania, Antigua, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Ireland, Jamaica, Jordan, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Uruguay. Sharing experiences adds a truly international dimension to the learning journey.
Over the 12 years of our courses, the WFTGA Cyprus Representative and coordinators were Titina Loizidou (2006 – 2012 & 2019) and Maria Aristidou (2013-2018), with Georgia Constanti as a Course Administrator.
In 2020 Demetra Argyrou Viguier took on the role of WFTGA Cyprus Representative and Coordinator, with Marina Cocconi as Course Administrator. A year later Marina became the Coordinator.
Cyprus itself now also has a significant number of WFTGA Trainers, two of whom are Lead International Trainers who also train at the School of the Guides of the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
The Deputy Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus as well as the A.G. Leventis Foundation support the programme. Other sponsors are the Hermes Airports, the Antiquities Department of the Republic of Cyprus, Splus Travel Ltd providing the whisper system, and the Nicosia Municipality.
Courses would not have been realised without the continuous help of the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association (CTGA) and their then President Popi Hadjidemetriou, whose committed involvement ensured the sustainability of the centre in the first 10 years. The Cyprus Tourist Guides Association is very proud to contribute towards the success of the WFTGA Training Courses, and welcomes participants with enthusiasm every year.
- Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism – Main Sponsor
- A.G. Leventis Foundation
- Hermes Airports
- Antiquities Department of Cyprus
- Nicosia Municipality
- Splus Travel Cy LTD (group guiding audio system)
- University of Cyprus
- Cyprus Tourist Guides Association
The Republic of Cyprus is an island state in the Eastern Mediterranean, a full member of the European Union, a member of the United Nations and of the British Commonwealth.
Due to its unique position – serving as a bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa – Cyprus has, through the millennia, developed a unique civilization that is reflected throughout its numerous archaeological treasures and historic sites, museums, art galleries and byzantine churches. Course participants have the opportunity to learn more about Cyprus during the practical sessions which include walking and coach tours, as well as museum tours in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. During a visit to the Troodos mountain range with a professional Cyprus Tourist Guide participants can enjoy the authentic and traditional character of the island.
Participants also have the chance to get acquainted with the renowned Cyprus hospitality, the friendliness of the local people and to taste and enjoy the delicious local dishes.
Travel information and regulations for entry into the Republic of Cyprus (including visa regulations) may be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus.
As per the Republic of Cyprus Protocol, the country has dealt responsibly with the Covid-19 challenges and is now in a prime position to take care of visitors. Please find links to notices by the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism here below:
Cyprus COVID-19 Travel Protocol
Once you have been offered a place on a WFTGA Training Course at the ITC in Cyprus the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association Local Organising Committee will assist you with information, advice and documentation even before you arrive.
“We will be happy to have you in Cyprus and share great moments with you”
| Upcoming Courses at Cyprus ITC |
Train the Trainer (TtT) |
International Train the Trainer (ITtT) |
| Dates: | 17 Nov to 01 Dec 2024 | 17 Nov to 01 Dec 2024 |
| Language/s: | English | English |
| Course fees (includes accommodation and subsistence): |
2,350 EUR – double occupancy 440 EUR single room supplement |
2,350 EUR – double occupancy 440 EUR single room supplement |
| Application: |
apply now via this link WFTGA TtT 2024 application form Applications close on 15 Sept 2024 |
Trainer portfolios can be submitted at any time to [email protected] |
| READ ONLY version of TtT application form – for reference |
