The WFTGA International Convention
Every two years, WFTGA 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 with colleagues from 50 countries in one place
- Pre- and post-tours guided by the host country’s own qualified tourist guides
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.
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, with 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.
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. After 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
Past Conventions, 1985 to 2026
Twenty-one Conventions on five continents. Open the archive pages for stories, documents and photographs.
Fukuoka, Japan
21st International Convention
Siracusa, Italy
20th International Convention
Madrid, Spain (hybrid)
19th International Convention
Tbilisi, Georgia
18th International Convention
Tehran, Iran
17th International Convention
Prague, Czech Republic
16th International Convention
Macau, SAR China
15th International Convention
Tallinn, Estonia
14th International Convention
Bali, Indonesia
13th International Convention
Cairo, Egypt
12th International Convention
Melbourne, Australia
11th International Convention
Dunblane, Scotland
10th International Convention
Nicosia, Cyprus
9th International Convention
Hong Kong, China
8th International Convention
Montréal, Canada
7th International Convention
Singapore
6th International Convention
Pretoria, South Africa
5th International Convention
Tampere, Finland
4th International Convention
Nicosia, Cyprus
3rd International Convention
Vienna, Austria
2nd International Convention
Tel Aviv, Israel
1st International Convention
Impressions from past Conventions
Prague 2015 on video
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.