Participant webinar with helpful information – 22 February, 13:30–14:30 CET
Dear Convention Participants, dear colleagues, As we move closer to our Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, we would like to invite you to a practical and informative online briefing designed to help you prepare confidently for your journey to Japan and for your participation in the Convention. Convention 2026 – Helpful Information for Participants 🗓 22 […]
Test for Maricar
This is a test News just for Maricar Donato. The first beta tester of the WFTGA Convention App.
Shape the Future of Professional Guiding – Join the WFTGA Executive Board!
Are you passionate about advancing our profession? Do you want to make a real difference for tourist guides worldwide? Now is your chance. The election process for the new WFTGA Executive Board is officially open, and we’re looking for dedicated members ready to help shape our Federation’s future. What’s New This Year For the first […]
Statement on Iran: Solidarity with Tourist Guides and Our Ethical Responsibility
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is following the current situation in Iran with deep concern. Our thoughts are with our Iranian colleagues, with whom we share long-standing professional relationships, personal friendships and a common commitment to the guiding profession. In 2017, the WFTGA held its international convention in Iran. Participants experienced extraordinary […]
Japan Kyushu Rail Pass – Clarifications
Dear Convention Participants, We have received several inquiries regarding the JR Kyushu Rail Pass discount mentioned in the last newsletter, and we would like to provide some clarification and corrections. Where can the pass be used? Please note that the Kyushu Rail Pass advertised in the last newsletter is only valid within Kyushu(Japan’s […]
WFTGA Year-End Update: From Survival to Momentum
Dear Members, dear colleagues, The end of the year is always a good moment to pause and reflect on where we stand. This message was originally intended to reach you before New Year, but as it will now go out in the coming days, it also serves as a bridge into 2026. With our term […]
Japan Rail Pass Discount & Special Tour Offer
Akemashite Omedetou! 🎊 We’re celebrating the year of the horse. A year that is said to be good for career moves, social connections and perfect for a tourist guide convention 😉 Click the button below for a detailed explanation on how to proceed. We hope your year is off to a wonderful start! As we […]
European Tourist Guides Support EU HECTOR Awareness Event on Protecting Touristic Sites
Qualified tourist guides and members of the European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG), representing 25 European countries, were pleased to take part in the EU HECTOR project Awareness Event dedicated to the Protection of Touristic Sites in Europe. The event was held alongside the 24th European Tourist Guide Meeting in the Dalarna region (Falun, […]
Convention Bidding Process Update – Meet the Bidders!
The bidding process for the upcoming convention unfolded over two exciting rounds. After not having enough eligible bidders in the first round, we opened a second round to any organization ready to step forward and host — and the response was fantastic! We’re thrilled to announce that the Bidding Committee has accepted four strong bids, […]
Registration for Workshops and Experiences was startet & Recording of Webinar 3
Hello dear friends A huge thank you to everyone who joined our webinar on Monday! It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm as we unveiled the latest updates for our upcoming convention. Whether you missed the live session or just want to dive back into the details, we’ve made everything available for you. Explore […]
Merry Christmas 2025 – Light in the Darkness. A Story We Carry Forward
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, […]
WFTGA 2026 Convention Programme Finalised – Live Walkthrough & Sign-Up Guide (22 December, 1:30 pm CET)
Dear friends! ❤️ Thank you to everyone who registered for the WFTGA 2026 Convention! We are excited to announce that the Main Convention Programme is now finalized. There are a variety of options of workshops, study tours, and city tours to choose from. To help you navigate your choices, we will hold a detailed walkthrough of […]
Flight Info – Updates and Summary
Dear world-travelers ✈️ We have fantastic news for all attendees who have yet to book their travel to, or within, Japan! Your WFTGA team has been hard at work securing special flight discounts just for you: International Flights: WFTGA’s very own James has successfully negotiated with Lufthansa for exclusive international flight discounts! Domestic Flights (Within Japan): […]
Inclusive city tours by telephone – German project seeks German-speaking guides worldwide
Dear tourist guides, dear WFTGA members, We would like to introduce you to a successful, inclusive project from Germany – and hope that you will be enthusiastic about participating. The idea is as simple as it is effective: Audio-descriptive city tours by telephone are aimed at people for whom travelling poses (major) challenges, […]
Run your own course with WFTGA’s seal of approval (endorsement)
Did you know that you can create your own course and have it endorsed by the WFTGA? This is exactly what a group of WFTGA Trainers have done. The Online Guided Tours Team that consists of 5 WFTGA trainers created a course based on the use of technology to provide Online Guided Tours to people who […]
Reopening the 2028 Bidding Process
We would like to inform our members and partners of an important update regarding the current bidding round for a future WFTGA Convention. We received several expressions of interest, and the deadline for submitting all required documents was yesterday. Unfortunately, only one bidder provided the full set of documents; however, this bid did not meet […]
Hands on Tourist Guiding (HOT) Course – Sabah, Malaysia
The Sabah Tourist Guide Association, with their very own trainers under the leadership of Grace Leong, delivered another HOT Course under accreditation. Course Accreditation empowers our qualified WFTGA Trainers to provide their own courses locally in the place, at the time, with the price structure and in the language best suited to local requirements. Valid […]
Convention 2026 – Webinar 2 | Workshops, Keynote speeches, alternative Pre- and Post- Programmes
We’d like to extend an invitation to all of you, both registered participants and those still deciding, to join our second webinar on November 20th at 12:00 (noon) CET. During this session, we will share details about the alternative Pre- and Post-Programmes, walk through the day-by-day schedule, provide insights into the keynote speeches, workshops, and […]
Opening of the WFTGA Train the Trainer Course, Cyprus
Welcome speech to the participants of the Train the Trainer Course, Cyprus 16 to 30 Nov 2025 By Viola Lewis, WFTGA ExBo Member, Head of Training Dear Colleagues, dear esteemed guests, dear supporters and sponsors, Deputy Ministry of Tourism, University of Cyprus, Cyprus Tourist Guides Association dear Titina Loizidou WFTGA President Emeritus, It is an […]
Vox Aura: A New Tool That Supports Tourist Guides and Expands Their Opportunities
Vox Group is pleased to share an update with the international guiding community on the launch of Vox Aura, the new AI-powered device that delivers real-time multilingual commentary during guided tours. The system was introduced at WTM London 2025 and is currently in final trials with key partners worldwide. The wider rollout is anticipated for […]
World Tourism Day 2025 in Theldeniya: A Celebration of Sustainable Tourism
On 10th October 2025, the town of Theldeniya in Sri Lanka hosted a vibrant and meaningful celebration of World Tourism Day, under the theme of ecological awareness, cultural pride, and youth education. The event was organised by the Central Province Tourist Guide Lecturers’ Association, in collaboration with the Dumbara Mithuro Environmental and Cultural Society and […]
WFTGA Applauds Toledo’s Groundbreaking Tourist Flow Ordinance – A Global Model for Sustainable Urban Tourism
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) proudly commends the City of Toledo (Spain) for its pioneering municipal ordinance designed to manage tourist flows in the historic city centre. This forward-looking regulation marks a decisive step toward a sustainable, inclusive and resident-friendly tourism model, balancing the needs of the local community with those of […]
Speak Clearly, Lead Confidently: Accent Training for Tourist Guides
A team of volunteers – mainly WFTGA Trainers – came together to provide conversation sessions for our colleagues in Fukuoka, Japan, in preparation for our 2026 Convention. Our ranks were strengthened by Jessica Campbell – an expert on accent improvement. Something for your off-season CPD? Speak Clearly, Lead Confidently: Accent Training for Tourist Guides WFTGA recently […]
New Partnership: WFTGA and Keyguides Connect – A Digital Opportunity for Tourist Guides Worldwide
We are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership between the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) and Keyguides Connect, a new digital platform designed to empower professional tourist guides across the globe. Keyguides Connect is not just another marketplace – it’s a tool built with guides in mind, offering visibility, flexibility, and fairness. […]
Bridging Connections of Understanding
Guild members joined an inspiring cultural orientation at the Embassy of Japan, hosted by the Japan Information & Culture Center, in Washington DC as part of their preparation for the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka. On 20 October 2025, members of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, D.C. were warmly hosted by the […]
New WFTGA Endorsed Course – The ABC of online guided tours
New CPD Opportunity for Tourist Guides We are delighted to announce the launch of the ABC of Online Guided Tours (OGT) CPD Training Course, endorsed by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA). Free course preview: Join us on Tuesday, November 4, at 16:00 CET. Get an overview of the content, format, and outcomes, and ask your questions […]
Reflections of a newly qualified WFTGA National Trainer
WFTGA Train the Trainer Course – Willemstad, Curaçao – supported by Curaçao Tourist Board This past August, I had the privilege of joining the WFTGA’s Train the Trainer course in Willemstad, Curaçao, organised by the Curaçao Tourist Board. As a seasoned tourist guide, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but the experience exceeded every […]
World Tourism Day Celebration in Makeni Elevates Tourism with NACTOG Sierra Leone
Makeni, Sierra Leone — The National Association of Certified Tourist Guides (NACTOG) Sierra Leone amplified World Tourism Day with a dynamic programme featuring a symposium, cultural displays, and a children’s fun day. The event underscored Makeni’s embrace of World Tourism Day and highlighted the invaluable contributions of passionate tour guides to the sector’s growth. The […]
World Tourism Day 2025 – “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”
Tourist Guides and the Real Work of Sustainable Transformation Vienna – On this year’s World Tourism Day, celebrated under the UN’s theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) proudly reaffirms its commitment to a tourism future that is just, inclusive, resilient, and human-centred. As an NGO Affiliate of UN […]
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Munich Tourist Guide Association
Munich, Germany – The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is proud to join the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the Munich Tourist Guide Association. On this special occasion, WFTGA President Sebastian Frankenberger addressed the gathering, paying tribute to the achievements and contributions of the association and its members. “It is a great […]
Guiding Peace: Building Bridges Through Tourism – On the Occasion of the 80th United Nations General Assembly
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 […]
The First DOT Tour Guide Summit in the Philippines
On 17 September 2025, the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Office of Human Capital Development (OHCD) brought together around 400 tour guides from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for the first-ever Tour Guide Summit in Cebu City. With the theme “Love Our Islands, Love Our Stories”, the one-day gathering created a national platform for tour guides, industry […]
Endorsed CPD Course: Halal Tourist Guide Training
Earlier this year WFTGA endorsed the first CPD Course. Now the team is ready to bring this course to you. To put your name on the mailing list for course dates e-mail the course team. What is it about? Tourist guides play a crucial role in shaping the image and experience of a destination. As […]
Responsible Tourist Behavior Guidelines
Drafted by SIT Faculty Distributed at Beijing Tourist Guide Stations The Responsible Tourist Behavior Guidelines, drafted by Mr. Liu Tang, faculty member of the Shanghai Institute of Tourism, have recently been distributed at tourist guide stations across Beijing. Developed in accordance with the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism issued by the United Nations World […]
Registrations Now Open for the CPD Course: Heritage Interpretation – Kraków, Poland, December 2025
WFTGA is delighted to announce the next Continuous Professional Development opportunity for qualified tourist guides: the Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training course, certified by Interpret Europe. This 5-day, in-person programme will take place in Kraków, Poland, from 8–12 December 2025, in cooperation with the Małopolska Institute of Culture and the WFTGA Training Committee. This internationally […]
Shanghai Institute of Tourism Students Showcase Responsible Tourist Behavior and Net Zero Carbon Tourism at World Vocational College Skills Competition
At the 2025 World Vocational College Skills Competition taking place on 25-26 August, 2025, four students from the Tourism Management Program of the Shanghai Institute of Tourism won the Silver Award in the Tourism track with their project “Silk Road International Tourism University Cultural Exchange Tour.” The project, themed “Remembering the Truth of History, Moving […]
Slow tourism, simple freedom – with the Deutschlandticket
One click, one subscription, and you’re free: the Deutschlandticket lets you travel all local and regional trains, buses, trams and metros across Germany for 58€ per month. Add your bike for just 6€ a day and suddenly the country opens up—no planning stress, no complicated fares, just jump in or out wherever curiosity calls. Since […]
In Memory of Giovanna Maria Giammarino — A Call to Action for the Guiding Profession
It is with profound sorrow that the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) learns of the tragic passing of Giovanna Maria Giammarino, a 56-year-old Italian tourist guide who collapsed and died while leading a tour at the Colosseum amid sweltering heat on August 20, 2025. Despite efforts to save her life, she passed away […]
Bidding for the Convention 2028
We are excited to announce that bidding for the WFTGA Convention 2028 is now open – with a completely redesigned process. We have learned from past experiences and created a clear, transparent, and supportive bidding framework, now outlined step-by-step on our website. You can also watch the recording of our webinar introducing the new process. […]
Call for Keynote Speakers & Workshop Facilitators
As we prepare for the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan, we are looking for inspiring keynote speakers and experienced workshop leaders to contribute to our diverse and dynamic programme. This is a unique opportunity to share your expertise, inspire fellow guides from around the globe, and help shape the conversations that will define the […]
WFTGA Statement – Support for Maintaining Licensing Requirements for Tourist Guides in Montreal
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) has issued a formal statement to the City of Montreal, expressing strong support for keeping the licensing requirement for tourist guides in place. Licensing ensures high professional standards, protects visitor safety, supports sustainable tourism, and strengthens local economies. In our letter of 25 January 2025, we highlighted […]
WFTGA Statement – Appeal to Preserve Bulgaria’s Tourist Guiding Regulation
he World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) has formally appealed to the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria to maintain its existing Tourist Guiding Regulation. This regulation ensures that only qualified, certified guides may professionally practise in Bulgaria, safeguarding the quality, authenticity, and integrity of the country’s cultural tourism offer. In our […]
Best Tourist Guide of Chile – Training, Inspiring, and Celebrating Excellence
Best Tourist Guide of Chile – Training, Inspiring, and Celebrating Excellence By Helga Sturzenegger, WFTGA International Trainer What a privilege and a joy to recently train 26 passionate tourist guides from FEGUITUR Chile as part of the very first National Competition “Best Tourist Guides and Guides of the Future” 2025. This exciting initiative, organised by […]
Introducing co-opted WFTGA Training Committee Member: Zhanar Gabit
Following the Sabah Trainer Convention earlier this year the Training Committee has welcomed a number of co-opted members, who are now contributing their talents and time to specific training-related projects. Today, let’s meet National Trainer in Kazakhstan: Zhanar Gabit (pictured above at the Heritage Interpretation CPD Course in Armenia). Many of you will have met Zhanar at the […]
Alternatives to Pre- & Post-Programme! Update
We’re delighted to share some highly anticipated news! One of the most frequent questions we receive is, “Will there be alternatives to the sold-out Pre- and Post-Programmes?” We can now officially confirm with a resounding “Yes!”
Welcome to the WFTGA Convention 2026 – Your Journey Begins!
Dear Participant, A warm welcome and heartfelt congratulations – you are officially registered for the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Japan! We are truly delighted to have you with us. From this moment forward, we are here to accompany you on your journey – to make your Convention experience in Japan inspiring, enjoyable, and stress-free. To […]
Convention 2026 | Optional Tours
we’re absolutely thrilled that preparations for the WFTGA Convention 2026 are well underway, and we wake up each morning to new registrations from all over the world! ❤️ This incredible demand brings some bittersweet news: The Pre-Programme is indeed sold-out. We are currently working on alternatives and will notify you as soon as plans are […]
Weaves and Wonders: Tour Guides Preserving Cultural and Natural Heritage Through Responsible Tourism
The 12th National Tour Guides Convention and General Assembly, hosted in the breathtaking province of Davao Oriental, was a convergence of passion, culture, and professional growth. Organized by the Philippine Federation of Professional Tour Guide Associations, Inc. (TGFed) in partnership with Guide Davao, the local tour guide association, and warmly supported by the Department of […]
Tourist Guides and War
By Amir Hossein Masoudi, National Trainer, World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) In light of the ongoing war in Iran, I felt compelled to reflect on the role of tourist guides during times of conflict—viewing our profession through a different lens. This essay, originally published on Iranian tourism and social media platforms, is now […]
Walking with Legends: A Cultour Card Visit to Recoleta Cemetery
By Helga Sturzenegger, WFTGA Member Thanks to the Cultour Card, I recently enjoyed free access and a guided tour of Recoleta Cemetery, one of Buenos Aires’ most iconic landmarks. Often compared to Père Lachaise in Paris, Recoleta stands out as a place where Argentine history and funerary art converge in a setting of remarkable beauty and symbolism. Like Père Lachaise, Recoleta is […]