WFTGA at the FEGUITUR International Convention in San Pedro de Atacama
Our two Area Representatives, Helga Sturzenegger and Patricia Oviedo, had the pleasure and unique opportunity to participate in the international convention organized by FEGUITUR in the stunning setting of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. The programme featured inspiring and thought-provoking conferences. Highlights included a session on astronomy, with insights from the nearby ALMA Observatory — one of […]
WFTGA Statement on Heat Warnings: Professional Responsibility Begins with Self-Care
As heatwaves across Europe intensify, our responsibility as tourist guides grows – not just toward our guests, but also toward ourselves. Extreme heat is no longer an exception; it is a new reality that demands attention, adaptation, and solidarity within our profession. In these challenging conditions, the role of licensed and well-trained guides, especially those […]
“Free Tours” in Focus: A Fair Dialogue on Quality, Professionalism and Sustainable Practices
In recent years, Free Tours have become a familiar feature in urban tourism landscapes worldwide. What began as an innovative, customer-oriented model—offering “pay-what-you-like” walking tours—has grown into a global phenomenon. These tours, often promoted via digital platforms with impressive marketing strategies and social media reach, have succeeded in capturing a significant market share. At the […]
Convention 2026 Japan – Register now!
A huge thank you to so many of you who joined us live for the webinar introducing the 2026 Convention! We were truly delighted and overwhelmed to see people from all over the world connecting with us and each other. It really emphasized the reach of our global guiding community,
When Silence Becomes a Lie: Queer History as an Opportunity for City Tours
Tour guides are more than navigators – they decide which stories survive. It’s high time that queer history finds its natural place in guided tours. Matthew López poses a fundamental question in his play “The Inheritance”: “If we can no longer be in conversation with our past, what will our future be?” These words strike […]
Tourist Guides as Catalysts for the Sustainable Development Goals
An Essential Partner for Sustainable Development The Overlooked Agents of Sustainability Whilst the world grapples with the triple challenges of climate change, global inequality, and cultural polarisation, there exists a professional group working daily at the frontlines of human connection and sustainable change: Tourist Guides. They are the invisible architects of cultural exchange and the […]
Empowering Responsible Tourism through Education: A Case Study from Shanghai Institute of Tourism
As the global tourism industry continues to recover and evolve in the post-pandemic era, the role of tourist guides has never been more essential. At the Shanghai Institute of Tourism (SIT), we believe that guides are not only interpreters of destinations but also educators for responsible travel behavior. To that end, we have developed a […]
NU Baliwag School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Joins the Celebration of National Tour Guides Day 2025!
In partnership with the Central Luzon Tour Guides Association (CLTGA) and Department of Tourism Region III, we proudly celebrate the passion and purpose of our tourist guides the heart of cultural storytelling and heritage preservation. June 16, 2025 Event Title: Tourist Guides 3:0 – Guiding Society Towards Sustainable Development This year’s celebration spotlighted […]
Train the Trainer Course now OPEN for applications
Do you share the desire to become a world-class tourist guide? Are you dreaming of passing on your skills and knowledge to the next generation of tourist guides? Are you keen in shaping the future of our ever evolving profession? Well, now is the time to become a WFTGA Trainer. We are inviting applications for […]
Official Statement of the WFTGA on Peace, Diversity and Human Dignity
As the global federation of tourist guides, we count among our valued and beloved members diverse individual members and associations from around the world. We continue to extend our heartfelt thoughts to all affected by ongoing painful conflicts and wars. War is never a solution for disputes. At our core, humanity seeks peace, connection, and […]
Newsletter: The Wait Is Over – Registration for WFTGA Convention 2026 Opens Soon!
Dear colleagues and friends, After months of anticipation and careful preparation, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived: The registration for the 21st WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan is about to open! To celebrate this special occasion, we warmly invite you to join us for a live launch webinar on: Date: […]
Convention 2026 | Newsletter #5
Dear colleagues, dear friends of the WFTGA, We hope our recent newsletter about the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan, has sparked your excitement and anticipation for this very special gathering of our global guiding community. Today, we would like to provide a brief but important update regarding registration. While our initial plan was to […]
From one guide to another: Pope Leo XIV’s message to journalists – an inspiration for tourist guides worldwide
On 12 May 2025, Pope Leo XIV addressed members of the global media with a powerful message that resonates far beyond the walls of newsrooms. His words serve as a profound reminder of the role we play as Tourist Guides—pathfinders, storytellers, and ambassadors of peace. The Pope likened the work of journalists to that of […]
Global Brand Ambassador Maricar Donato Welcomes WFTGA Affiliate Member Candidate Sahara Holidays in Marrakesh
In the heart of Marrakesh’s historic Old Medina, WFTGA Global Brand Ambassador Maricar Donato welcomed Sahara Holidays, represented by El Khalil Balla, as a candidate for WFTGA Affiliate Membership. The warm reception took place at the picturesque Riad Christina, symbolising a growing network of unity and collaboration within the global tourism community. Accompanying the meeting […]
WFTGA Statement on the Eurovision Song Contest, Political Neutrality, and the Responsibility for Shared Values
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) has always been a vibrant celebration of music and cultures, bringing together millions of people—regardless of origin, language, or beliefs. Officially, the ESC is considered an apolitical event, prohibiting political gestures and instrumentalisation. However, time and again, it becomes evident that where cultural diversity is celebrated, values like freedom, tolerance, […]
Calling Members to host WFTGA Training Courses
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is constitutionally committed to raising the global standards of professional tourist guiding through high-quality training and promotion of ethical practice worldwide. But we cannot do it alone. At our inaugural Trainer Convention in Sabah in February 2025, we reaffirmed our mission to make accessible, sustainable, in-person training […]
Commemorating the End of World War II – The Responsibility of Tourist Guides in Addressing Historical and Political Themes
Vienna, 8 May 2025 – On this significant day, marking the end of World War II, we not only remember the historical event but also acknowledge the profound responsibility it carries. Tourist Guides around the world play a crucial role in conveying history and its consequences. It is time to overcome the longstanding taboo that […]
Trainer Representative 2025 to 2027
WFTGA’s Training Committee proudly oversees the day-to-day training-related activities of our global network for professional tourist guides. The committee’s members hold distinct positions and perform specific, crucial tasks. A key role within the committee is the liaison between the entire WFTGA Trainer Team, composed of over 100 trainers, and the committee. This essential connection is […]
Continuous Profession Development 20th May
Dimitria Papadopoulou (WFTGA Lead International Trainer) This workshop is part of our 2025 series of Continuous Professional Development ‘Stay Ahead, Stay Informed, Stay Inspired’ and will introduce tourist guides to the basic principles for successful communication when they are guiding groups. The participants will learn not only how to structure their message but mainly how […]
Convention 2026 | NEWSLETTER 4
Hello everyone, this is Sam Takashima, Chairman of the Host Committee for the WFTGA 2026 Convention. As we prepare for the Fukuoka Convention scheduled for February 2026, the host organisation, K-iTG, has been holding intensive internal meetings and online discussions with WFTGA over the past months. We have been making every effort to open the […]
Newly qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guides for Scotland
News from the Scottish Tourist Guides Association (STGA) by Vice-Chair Fergus Halliday It was an absolute joy and pleasure to be at the Cowane’s Trust Hospital to welcome our latest batch of qualified guides in Scotland. The Scottish Tourist Guides Association Blue Badge, is a globally accredited, 20 month-long qualification that proves both the knowledge […]
Farewell to Pope Francis – A Role Model for Us All
Today, we bid farewell to Pope Francis – a man whose life and work deeply touched the world. He stood as a symbol of kindness, humility, and profound humanity. His unwavering commitment to the poor, the marginalised, and the vulnerable will remain in our hearts and calls us all to reflect on our own responsibilities. […]
Save the Date & Book Now for the FEG AGM 2025 in Sweden! ✨️
We’re thrilled to invite all FEG members to the 24th European Tourist Guide Meeting & Delegates Annual General Meeting, taking place in Sweden from 24 to 30 November 2025 and hosted by our member SveGuide Theme: Magic Sweden – From Royal Streets to Rustic Retreats Discover the elegant royal atmosphere of #Stockholm, followed by the […]
WFTGA at Interpret Europe 2025 Conference — Sharing Expertise, Embracing New Perspectives
From 11–14 April 2025, Viola Lewis, Susanne Kirchberger and Mateusz Tomaszczyk – three WFTGA trainers proudly represented our global guiding community at the Interpret Europe Conference in Sulejówek, Poland. Set in the inspiring surroundings of the Muzeum Józefa Piłsudskiego, the conference welcomed over 100 delegates from 25 countries to explore this year’s compelling theme: “Heroes, anti-heroes, and […]
WFTGA Engages at ICCA Association Readiness Lab in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. | April 9, 2025 – The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) proudly participated in the ICCA Association Readiness Lab: Navigating Disruption in Unpredictable Times, a dynamic and interactive workshop focused on preparing associations for current and future challenges in an evolving global landscape. Representing WFTGA at the event was Maricar Donato, […]
NEW: Global Networking Forum for Tourist Guides
Launching this April and running through November 2025, we are proud to introduce the Global Networking Forum for Tourist Guides. Hosted by the WFTGA Area Representatives, this new series will offer a dynamic space for continued dialogue, shared learning, and professional growth. Each month, guides from around the world will come together to: Identify emerging […]
Airbnb calls for Experience submissions from WFTGA
We’re excited to share that Airbnb is calling for submissions—with powerful features designed to help top-tier operators, hosts, and guides grow their businesses more easily than ever. We think you’ll be a great fit and would love for you to submit your experiences to the platform. Here’s what you need to know: Easier Listing Creation: […]
Celebrating Ruby Roy: A Lifetime of Dedication and Recognition
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is proud to celebrate Ruby Roy, who served as our President from 2003 to 2007. To this day, Ruby remains a valued member of our community, always offering her guidance, support, and expertise to WFTGA whenever needed. We are especially delighted to share the wonderful news that […]
Join the Global Movement: Become a WFTGA Area Representative!
Are you passionate about guiding and eager to make a lasting impact on the global tourism community? The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is calling on dedicated professionals like YOU to step forward as an Area Representative and help shape the future of our industry! Why Volunteer? As an Area Representative, you become a vital […]
Korčula Tourist Guide Association Hosts Croatian Tourist Guide Association’s General Assembly
The Korčula Tourist Guides Association, a proud member of the Croatian Tourist Guide Association (CTGA), recently welcomed fellow guides to Korčula Town for the CTGA General Assembly, held on 8–9 March 2025. The event showcased Korčula’s rich history, cultural heritage, and unique traditions, including the famous Moreška and Kumpanija/Moštra sword dances. Delegates explored the island’s […]
Empowering Guides in a Changing World: The Latest Innovations from Vox Group
The world of guiding is evolving, and so are the expectations of today’s tech-savvy travellers. As visitor needs shift towards seamless, multilingual, and interactive experiences, guides remain at the heart of this transformation. At Vox Group, we are committed to ensuring that technology supports, rather than replaces, the guide’s role—enhancing communication, improving group management, and […]
A Meaningful Encounter in Singapore: Learning from May Hui
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to meet with fellow tourist guides over a coffee to exchange insights about our profession as well as about training. In Singapore, I had the privilege of joining WFTGA trainer May Hui on one of her « training » walking tours for Tourist Guides —an experience that left a […]
International Tourist Guide Day 2025: Tourist Guides as Peace Ambassadors
Every year on 21st February, tourist guides around the world come together to celebrate International Tourist Guide Day (ITGD), honouring their profession and its vital role in society. The 2025 theme, “Tourist Guides as Peace Ambassadors,” highlights the unique contribution of guides in fostering understanding, inclusion, and harmony among cultures. “As tourist guides, we don’t […]
Training Without Borders: Tourist Guides as a Bridge Between Cultures
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia – In a time when borders are being reinforced and differences are often used to divide, Tourist Guides play a crucial role in fostering connections, explaining cultures, and promoting mutual understanding. However, this responsibility requires much more than just local knowledge—it demands excellent guiding skills, intercultural competence, conflict management abilities, and the […]
Online links
Dear online participant of the WFTGA Trainer Convention, We are delighted you will join us online for the hybrid events of our WFTGA Trainer Convention in Sabah, Malaysia. Please refer to the programme WFTGA Trainer Convention 2025 for the details of the hybrid sessions. In addition to the earlier advertised sessions, we have added […]
Convention 2026 | NEWSLETTER 3
My name is Sam and I am the Chairman of the Fukuoka Host Committee for 21st WFTGA Convention in 2026. We recently hosted President Sebastian and Head of Training Viola from WFTGA for the site inspection visit. We visited many tourist places in Fukuoka and we are satisfied with the progression of the convention planning.
3rd up-date for in-person participants
Dear in-person participants of the WFTGA Trainer Convention in Sabah, Here comes the third up-date on our up-coming Trainer Convention. For those of you, who have just registered, please scroll down to see the earlier e-mails. Thank you for sending your arrival times / flight itineraries to the organisers. If you haven’t done so, please […]
The Future of Guiding: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming the Profession
On 31 January, 2025, Sebastian Frankenberger, president of the WFTGA delivered a talk on Artificial Intelligence for Tourist Guides to members of the NFTGA. He showed how recent developments in A.I. can now enable guides to automate and simplify many time-consuming tasks such as replying to emails, creating and updating schedules, preparing summary documents of […]
2025 WFTGA Sabah Trainer Convention – Workshop Announcement 6
Have you ever wondered if you are fully up-to-date with your training methods or if there are ways to work smarter? Learn from Maricar Donato, the master of embracing trends and innovations and be inspired by her energy and passion for training. Topic: Smart, Sustainable and Savvy – Modernise your Training Methods Facilitator: Maricar Donato […]
2nd up-date for participants
Dear WFTGA Trainers, WFTGA Members and aspiring trainers, Dear Participants of the WFTGA Trainer Convention in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, I have now arrived in Kota Kinabalu and look forward to seeing you – either in-person or online – in just under 2 weeks’ time. Our hosts, the Sabah Tourist Guides Association, are pulling out all […]
2025 WFTGA Sabah Trainer Convention – Workshop Announcement 5
Working as a tourist guide and especially trainer of tourist guides can bring stress and intensity. We all want to give our best, always. However, we can’t look after others, if we don’t look after ourselves and find ways to relax. Topic: Health & Wellness in Training – The Use of Essential Oil by Mdm […]
2025 WFTGA Sabah Trainer Convention – Workshop Announcement 3 and 4
The Art of Storytelling in Training Wildlife/Nature Guiding Facilitator: Grace Leong (WFTGA National Trainer) With her extensive 35 years guiding experience and continuing training assignments with Government and Colleges, as well as WFTGA, Grace will be leading 2 workshops with special emphasis on sustainable training and guiding practices. Join us for the Inaugural WFTGA […]
International Tourist Guide Day 2025
Tourist Guides as Peace Ambassadors – this is a bold vision, but one deeply rooted in our history. Since our foundation, we have been promoting peace by telling the stories of the past and showing how peace has transformed communities. Who better to illustrate the impact of peace than tourist guides? We guide visitors through […]
2025 WFTGA Sabah Trainer Convention – Workshop Announcement 2
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) give us an overarching and wide-reaching framework for ambition and action. Discover how you already embrace the SDG and how to further integrate them into your training activities. Topic: Training Tourist Guides as facilitators of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Facilitators: Viola Lewis (WFTGA Lead International Trainer) and […]
2025 WFTGA Sabah Trainer Convention – Workshop Announcement 1
What exactly is the role of WFTGA trainers and how can they become truly sustainable, with leaving a legacy across cultures? Topic: Facilitation in the work of the trainer (ITtT debrief) Facilitator: Mateusz Tomaszczyk (WFTGA Lead International Trainer) Description: The workshop is intended to point out the differences in the facilitator’s approach in the context […]
Sebastian Frankenberger Highlights Ethical Responsibility of Tour Guides in an Era of Misinformation and Populism
Yesterday, Sebastian Frankenberger, president of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, addressed a group of DC tour guides at the George Washington School of Business on the Ethical Responsibility of Tourist Guides in the Age of Alternative Truths and Populism. He explained that tourist guides today, in addition to conveying historical and architectural information, […]
Tourist Guiding During Turbulent Times – Maria Rastvorova (WFTGA National Trainer)
I am feeling very proud and professionally happy about the start of the New 2025 year with the online session l initiated, moderated and co-organised as Mariia Rastvorova_(WFTGA National Tourist Guide Trainer for Ukraine) with a great support of Mateusz Tomaszczyk (WFTGA Lead International Trainer) and Viola Lewis (Head of WFTGA Training) Geopolitical turbulence has […]
up-date for participants
Dear Colleagues, Dear WFTGA Trainers, WFTGA Members and aspiring trainers, Dear Participants of the WFTGA Trainer Convention in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Just over 3 weeks to go until we meet for our first ever Trainer Convention. Thank you for registering and lending your support – either in-person or online. You can look forward to an […]
2025 Sabah Trainer Convention – Keynote Speakers announced
Only three weeks to go to our inaugural WFTGA Trainer Convention in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The convention theme is Sustainable Training without Borders. We are delighted to announce three prestigious keynote speakers who will address this theme during the opening plenary on Thursday 20 Feb 2025: Dr. Maklarin Bin Lakim (Director of Sabah Parks) […]
SNATTI – Guias de Portugal Certification & Quality Tests for National and Regional Tourist Guides
SNATTI – Guias de Portugal is pleased to announce that, from January 13 to February 5, the Certification and Quality Tests for National and Regional Tourist Guides will take place. These tests represent a crucial milestone in promoting professionalism and excellence in the sector, paving the way for obtaining the prestigious Official Tourist GuideBadge, an exclusive designation […]
