Our mission and vision
Why we exist, what we work for, and the five commitments that guide everything the Federation does.
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations is the global, non-profit, apolitical federation of professional tourist guides, registered in Vienna, Austria. Everything we do serves one purpose: that qualified, licensed tourist guides are recognised, supported and heard, everywhere in the world.
To be the global voice of excellence in professional tourist guiding: inspiring cultural exchange, safeguarding heritage and connecting communities through the power of guided experiences.
To advance the guiding profession globally through structured support for individual tourist guides and tourist guide associations: promoting quality, solidarity and ethical responsibility in tourism.
Five commitments
How we fulfil this mission, every day and in every region of the world.
Strengthen the profession
- Empower guides through training, certification and professional development
- Provide tools and platforms for professional visibility
- Promote high standards rooted in responsibility, authenticity and skill
Support associations
- Assist with the creation, growth and leadership of tourist guide associations
- Provide resources and guidance for effective association management
- Encourage cooperation and exchange between member organisations
Advocacy and representation
- Advocate for tourist guiding as a skilled profession in tourism policy
- Represent guides in international tourism fora, with UN Tourism, UNESCO and partners
- Promote ethical and inclusive tourism practices industry-wide
Capacity building and community
- Organise international conventions, meetings and workshops
- Support innovation and knowledge exchange through networks and partnerships
- Encourage adaptation and resilience in a changing tourism environment
Ethical foundation
- Uphold truthfulness, transparency and respect for universal human rights
- Actively counter disinformation, propaganda and hate speech
- Ask all members to commit to the WFTGA Code of Guiding Practice
From words to work
Our Code of Guiding Practice, our training programmes and our conventions turn these commitments into everyday reality for guides around the world.
A federation of practising tourist guides
WFTGA is the global, non-profit, apolitical federation of professional tourist guides, registered in Vienna, Austria. Our Executive Board, our Area Representatives and our trainers are tourist guides themselves, and they serve the Federation as volunteers.
Discover more about WFTGA
History since 1985
From 250 guides in Israel to a worldwide federation.
Code of Guiding Practice
The ethical principles of our profession.
Executive Board
The elected volunteers who run the Federation.
Get involved
Volunteer, represent your region or stand for the Board.
Share our mission
Join a member association, train with WFTGA or volunteer with us. The hand of friendship is stretched out to you.