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600 Professional Tourist Guides from 50 Nations Gather in Fukuoka for Groundbreaking Sustainability Summit

World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Convention 2026 Addresses Professional Sustainability and Global Tourism Standards Fukuoka, Japan – 9 February 2026 – The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) opened its 2026 Convention today in Fukuoka, bringing together 600 professional tourist guides from over 50 countries alongside representatives from UN Tourism and UNESCO for […]

Invitation to the WFTGA Online Global Round Tables

Dear online Participants:   As part of the WFTGA International Convention in Japan, we are pleased to warmly invite all online participants to take in a series of moderated Global Round Tables held online. This format ensures inclusive participation from our worldwide guiding community, regardless of location. 🗓 Tuesday, 10 February ⏰ 17:00–18:30 (exceptionally Vienna […]

The Opening of the WFTGA Convention 2026 is About to Begin

Dear colleagues, The opening of the WFTGA Convention 2026 is about to begin. We wish all participants travelling to the Convention Centre a safe and pleasant journey. You are also very welcome to join us online via Zoom or YouTube. See you shortly. Kind regards Sebastian Frankenberger President of World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations […]

Opening Ceremony

We are so excited to officially begin our Convention week at the FICC. Get ready for a day filled with Japanese culture, inspiring speakers, and a first look at our future host candidates.   Logistics & Getting There ⏰ Start Time: 09:00 AM sharp 📍 Location: FICC 🚌 Shuttle Bus: Runs from 07:30–09:00 AM (and […]

Details for tomorrow (Feb 8)

We hope you had an incredible 2 days on the road, discovering Kyushu. Below you can find all the crucial details for tomorrow (February 8th). Basic Information Let’s start off with the most crucial information for tomorrow. Meeting Time: {pre-start-time-feb-8}   Meeting Place: {pre-meeting-point-feb-8} Bus Number: {pre-group-feb-8} You will visit: {pre-schedule-feb8} Transportation: {pre-transportation-feb-8}   Daily Logistics: […]

Links for virtual participation

Dear Convention Participants, Whether you’re joining us in Fukuoka or participating virtually, this Convention brings together our global community of professional tourist guides. To everyone who registered – including those who may have needed to cancel at short notice or found themselves unable to travel to Japan – you remain an essential part of this […]

Details for tomorrow (Feb 7)

Let’s continue this incredible journey! Below you can find all the crucial details for tomorrow (February 7th). Basic Information Let’s start off with the most crucial information for tomorrow. Meeting Time: {pre-start-time-feb-7} Meeting Place: {pre-meeting-point-feb-7} Bus Number: {pre-group-feb-7} You will visit: {pre-schedule-feb7} Transportation: {pre-transportation-feb-7}   Daily Logistics: Lunch: {pre-lunch-feb-7} Dinner: {pre-dinner-feb-7} End Time: {pre-end-time-feb-7} Luggage: […]

Your Details for February 6

To ensure everything runs smoothly, we have made some last-minute adjustments to the schedule. Please double-check your meeting time and hotel details below, as they may have changed from your original itinerary. The “Golden Rule” of Travel in Japan If you’ve taken the train in Japan you might have noticed, that Japan runs on strict […]

Your Details for February 5

We are so excited to have you here. Please remember to stop by the Hotel Okura lobby tomorrow, February 5th, to collect your name badge. Our team will be at the desk from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but please don’t worry if your travels are delayed. We will remain on-site until every late-arriving guest […]

The Adventure Begins!

The Adventure Begins! It’s finally time — the 21st WFTGA Tourist Guide Convention in Fukuoka, Japan is about to begin.   Dear {firstname}, The weather here is a crisp 5°C (41°F). Whether that feels mild or chilly, the warmth of the local people and the incredible food will make you feel right at home. The […]

WFTGA 2026 Convention – Advance Convention Training and Preparation Programme

As anticipation builds for the WFTGA 2026 Convention, the spotlight falls not only on the event itself, but on the vital preparation that takes place beforehand. For professional tourist guides, training is more than a necessity — it’s the bedrock of excellence, ensuring that each guide is ready to deliver outstanding experiences to visitors from […]

Western Japan Social Media Contest – Show Your Best Moments & Win Big!

We are delighted to launch the Western Japan Social Media Contest — a special initiative celebrating the culture, landscapes and experiences of Western Japan in connection with the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan. This contest is open to all WFTGA members, regardless of where you are located!    🏆 Grand Prize One winner will […]

Webinar Summary – Helpful Information

Dear Convention Participants, In the blink of an eye, the Convention is just around the corner! We had a wonderful webinar on January 22nd, and we want to thank you for all your kind words of encouragement. You can watch the full webinar recording below (the Japanese lesson and the sneak peak at the Convention […]

Statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Our Responsibility as Tourist Guides

Today, on the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the world observes International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This year’s theme, “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights,” reminds us that remembrance is not merely about the past – it is a commitment to the present and future. As professional tourist guides, we stand at the […]

Raffle – Please Bring a Small Gift from Your Home Region

Dear WFTGA Convention Participants, One of the most cherished traditions of our WFTGA conventions is the generosity of our participants. Once again, we warmly invite you to take part in this spirit by contributing to our WFTGA Raffle. What we kindly ask you to bring In keeping with the spirit of our sustainable convention, we […]

Online Registration Now Open

We are pleased to announce that online registration for the virtual participation in the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan is now open. Join colleagues from across the globe for a full week of inspiration, professional exchange and cultural discovery — live from Japan and accessible wherever you are. 🗓️ Highlights of the Virtual Programme Monday – Opening & […]

A Statement of Solidarity from the WFTGA

Free Virtual Participation in the WFTGA Convention 2026 In a world marked by uncertainty, conflict and growing economic challenges, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) reaffirms its commitment to solidarity, inclusion and professional support within the global guiding community. Tourist guides play a unique role in society. They foster dialogue, preserve cultural heritage […]

Correction: Date of Online Briefing – This Thursday, 22 January

ear Convention Participants, dear colleagues, A quick correction regarding our previous message — we would like to apologise for the confusion. The online briefing will take place this Thursday, 22 January, not in February as previously stated. Convention 2026 – Helpful Information for Participants 🗓 Thursday, 22 January ⏰ 13:00–14:00 CET 💻 Online (the session […]

Guiding at the Highest Level in Nicosia: Professional Standards and Dialogue in Practice

During an official visit to Nicosia, WFTGA President Emeritus Titina guided Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, together with Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, along the ceasefire line. Cyprus is not a post-conflict destination. The division of the island remains a lived reality. Guiding in such a place requires […]

WFTGA Training: Building the Foundation for Strategic Transformation

By Viola Lewis, Head of Training (2019 to 2026) As I approach the constitutional end of my term as Head of Training it is time to reflect on achievements whilst highlighting the critical strategic work that now needs to begin – work that will require fresh leadership and vision. Major Achievements: Sabah Trainer Convention and […]

Participant webinar with helpful information – 22 January, 13:00–14:00 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 […]

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, […]

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): […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]