Our flagship event
The WFTGA Convention
Every two years, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations brings professional tourist guides from all over the world together in one destination — for training, for the decisions that shape our Federation, and for the friendships that make a worldwide profession feel like one community.
- International training — seminars, workshops and Train the Trainer courses
- The Delegates' Meeting — where our 90 member associations set WFTGA's direction
- Global networking — colleagues from 50 countries in one place
- Pre- and post-tours — the host country, guided by its own qualified tourist guides
Ivana Ćuruvija
Head of Conventions — “See you in Peru!”
Tourist guides from every continent — moments from past Conventions
What is a WFTGA Convention?
Since the first Convention in Tel Aviv in 1985, the WFTGA Convention has been the largest regular gathering of professional tourist guides in the world. It is hosted every two years by a member association in partnership with WFTGA — and every edition is shaped by the destination that welcomes it. This is what makes a Convention:
A training event
An international programme of seminars, hands-on workshops and Train the Trainer courses, plus field training in heritage interpretation.
Our general assembly
At the Delegates' Meeting, our member associations elect the Executive Board, decide policy and choose the host of the next Convention.
Discover the destination
Pre- and post-tours, field experiences and cultural programmes — the host country through the eyes of its own qualified local guides.
International top speakers
Keynotes and panels from leading voices in tourism, heritage and the guiding profession — ideas you take home to your own tours.
A fair and marketplace
A trade fair and job fair where guides, associations, destinations and industry stakeholders meet, exhibit and find new opportunities.
One big family
Gala evenings, music and dancing with colleagues from every continent — the reunion of a profession that feels like family.
Conventions are open to members of WFTGA member associations and to individual members — from experienced trainers to newly qualified tourist guides. Wherever it takes place, the Convention is where our worldwide profession meets.
Next stop: South America
22nd WFTGA Convention — Peru, early March 2028
At the 2026 Convention in Fukuoka, Japan, the delegates of our member associations chose Peru to host the 22nd WFTGA Convention — the first Convention ever held in South America. Following inspiring, highly professional presentations from Ethiopia, Kazakhstan and Malaysia, the decision was anything but easy.
The Convention will take place in early March 2028 — exact dates, venues and registration details will be announced here and in our newsletter.
- International training seminars, workshops and Train the Trainer courses
- Field training and heritage interpretation in one of the world's richest cultural landscapes
- Forums on sustainability and professional standards
- Pre- and post-tours showcasing Peru's living heritage
The moment the bid was won — Fukuoka, February 2026
Could your destination host a WFTGA Convention?
Hosting a Convention is a partnership: WFTGA manages the international programme and convention operations, while the host destination designs the experiences only its local tourist guides can offer. Bidding for the 2030 Convention will open after Peru 2028 — start early and see what a winning bid looks like.
1985 – 2026
Past Conventions
Fukuoka, Japan
Siracusa, Italy
Madrid, Spain
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tehran, Iran
Prague, Czech Republic
Macau, SAR China
Tallinn, Estonia
Bali, Indonesia
Cairo, Egypt
Melbourne, Austrailia
Dunblane, Scotland
Nicosia, Cyprus
Hong Kong, China
Montréal, Canada
Singapore, Singapore
Pretoria, South Africa
Tampere, Finland
Nicosia, Cyprus
Vienna, Austria
Tel Aviv, Israel
