Virtual General Assembly 2025

Dear WFTGA FULL Member,   we are pleased to invite you to attend the Virtual General Assembly. This important assembly is convened to engage with our Members and appointed Delegates regarding the following key topics: Updates on several projects new bidding documents improvements of the website new cultour card idea of tourist guide booking portal […]

AreaRep Guidelines and Task Manual 2025 Study Session 2

Join our Learning Team led by Eva Helfenstein on Tuesday 8July at 6:00pmCET as we complete our study of Part2 of the AreaRep Guidelines and Task Manual 2025. Let us learn from one another about our WFTGA guidelines and tasks .

Webinar for Convention 2028 Bidders

We warmly invite all interested Member Associations to join our upcoming webinar on Wednesday, 24 July at 13:00 CET, dedicated to the bidding process for the WFTGA Convention 2028. We are currently revising the entire bidding framework with the aim of making it more streamlined, transparent, and supportive. Key updates will include: A more professional […]

CPD: Chat GPT for Tourist Guides: Speak the Language of AI, Stay Ahead of the Game

ChatGPT for Tourist Guides: Speak the Language of AI, Stay Ahead of the Game Key Features of ChatGPT for Tourist Guides: * – Compose Engaging Content: Craft compelling stories, formulate pertinent questions, and meticulously plan itineraries using ChatGPT. * – Real-Time Object and Landmark Identification: Gain the ability to pinpoint objects and landmarks with unparalleled […]

Registration Launch – WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka

Join us live for the official launch of the registration for the 21st WFTGA Convention in Fukuoka, Japan! During this interactive session, we will: Reveal the theme and structure of the Convention Present the Host Committee and why Fukuoka is an unforgettable destination Give you a first look at the Pre- and Post-Convention tours Explain how to register and how to apply as a […]

CPD: Practical Tips for Effective Communication in Tourist Guiding

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 […]

CPD: Cultural Awareness when Training

This workshop is part of our 2025 series of Continuous Professional Development ‘Stay Ahead, Stay Informed, Stay Inspired’ and will look at cultural awarenss when training tourist guides. 

CPD: Guiding Smart, Sustainable & Savvy Tours

This workshop is part of our 2025 series of Continuous Professional Development ‘Stay Ahead, Stay Informed, Stay Inspired’ and our International Trainer Maricar Donato will look at guiding smart, sustainable and savvy tours. 

WFTGA Train the Trainer Course – ITC Cyprus

We are delighted to announce the DATES of our next WFTGA Train the Trainer Course – open to all active and experienced tourist guides. The course will take place from 16 to 30 Nov 2025 and will be hosted at the WFTGA International Training Centre in Nicosia, Cyprus.  To pre-register and join the WFTGA Training […]

European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG) – Magic Sweden – From Royal Streets to Rustic Retreats

The European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG) invites you to this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and an unforgettable cultural journey through the heart of Sweden. Hosted by SveGuide, this exceptional gathering blends professional development with rich local heritage, picturesque landscapes, and festive traditions. ️ Main Programme Highlights Begin your Swedish adventure in Stockholm, […]

Interview for Trainer Representative Applicants

Herewith we cordially invite you to the interviews for the position of Trainer Representative – an information session for the Training Division Voters.   A special edition of Training Matters will be published in due course. It will contain your applications and supporting documentation, again designed as information for the voters.   Feel free to […]

Global Networking Forum- Hosted by the WFTGA Area Representatives Team Africa

Two networking sessions from each continent hosted by our Area Representatives. A special webinar series to dive deep into current challenges and empower guides to speak their own language – literally and figuratively Connect with global peers Exchange valuable ideas and insights. Participate in critical, real-time discussions on guiding trends and solutions

Tourist guides and online tour booking platforms

The next session in our 2025 CPD Series Stay Ahead, Stay Informed, Stay Inspired will facilitated by our National Trainer in Crete, Greece Eftihia Xiruhaki: Eftihia Xiruhaki (About) 1. Choosing the right platform 2. Finding optimum ways to add content (what to include and avoid) 3. Arguing copyright issues of contributed platform content 4. Deciding […]

Ethical Responsibility of Tourist Guides in the Age of Alternative Truths and Populism (FSAG)

How can tourist guides navigate their ethical responsibility in an era dominated by alternative truths, populist politics, and corporate influence? This keynote addresses the critical role of guides as mediators of factual accuracy and cultural understanding amidst growing societal and political pressures. The session will explore strategies for confronting distorted narratives, fostering resilience against external […]

Live from Sabah! FREE online guided heritage tour

Join us for a special live event as we celebrate International Tourist Guide Day – a day dedicated to recognising the invaluable work of professional tourist guides worldwide! Founded by WFTGA in 1990, this annual event highlights the role of guides in preserving and sharing our global heritage. ✨ As part of International Tourist Guide […]

Trainer Convention 2025 – Plenary Session

08:30 Welcome in Sabah Style 08:40 Welcoming Remarks by Roger Rajah, President, Sabah Tourist Guides Association 08:50 Opening Remarks by Sebastian Frankenberger, WFTGA President 09:00 Officiating Address by Guest of Honour: Datuk Joniston Bangkuai Assistant Minister, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment 09:10 Keynote: Julinus Jeffery Jimit (CEO of Sabah Tourism Board) – Topic: Sustainable […]

Overview of WFTGA Training and the Vision for the Future

Overview of WFTGA Training and the Vision for the Future (Sustainable Training without Borders), led by WFTGA President Sebastian Frankenberger and WFTGA ExBo Member and Head of Training Viola Lewis – with an intervention on Cultural Dexterity by Hussein Dehghan (WFTGA Internationnal Trainer) – open to all convention participants – compulsory for returning WFTGA Trainers […]

Training Committee February 17th

Dear TC Colleagues, Please find attached the agenda for our upcoming in-person meeting. As usual this included the link to the papers in g-drive. Thanks, Mateusz, for your two papers. James, the meeting will be at 22:00 San Francisco time. Are you able to and would you like to join? Many best wishes Viola 00 […]

Training Division Meeting (hybrid) during Sabah Trainer Convention

Being a business meeting, the Training Division Meeting is free to attend for all fully-paid up members of the Training Division.  The meeting will take place from 13:00 to 17:00 Sabah time at the Ming Garden Hotel, meeting room ‘Kota Kinabalu’ on floor 2. This time corresponds to early morning in Europe, where many of […]

International Tourist Guide Day 2025

The International Tourist Guide Day (ITGD) is celebrated annually on 21st February to recognise the skills and contributions of professional tourist guides in their regions. Launched in 1990 by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) with participation from 15 countries, the event has since grown, with guides worldwide offering free tours and activities […]

Meet the Board – February 2025

We are delighted to invite you to our next Meet the Board – a low-threshold offering for all tourist guides! This virtual gathering is open to every guide, regardless of WFTGA membership. Take this opportunity to connect and network with colleagues from around the world. The Meet the Board will be hosted by a member […]

Ethical Responsibility of Tourist Guides in the Age of Alternative Truths and Populism

How can tourist guides navigate their ethical responsibility in an era dominated by alternative truths, populist politics, and corporate influence? This keynote addresses the critical role of guides as mediators of factual accuracy and cultural understanding amidst growing societal and political pressures. The session will explore strategies for confronting distorted narratives, fostering resilience against external […]