Welcome to the FAQ section for the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan!
We’ve gathered the most common questions and answers to help you prepare for an unforgettable Convention experience. Whether you’re curious about registration, travel, accommodation, the programme, or what to pack – this is the place to find clear and helpful information.
If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us directly using the contact form or via email at:
We’re here to support you – from your first question to your last day in Fukuoka!
Head of Registrations, Participants affairs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Convention?
The official programme runs from 9–13 February 2026, with optional Pre- and Post-Tours before and after.
What will the weather be like in Fukuoka in February?
Expect cool, mild winter temperatures:
- Daytime: 8–13 °C (46–55 °F)
- Night: 3–6 °C (37–43 °F)
Warm layers and a windproof jacket are recommended.
How many participants are expected?
While we’re expecting around 350 participants, the Main Convention can host up to 700 participants from all continents, representing tourist guides, organisations, and tourism professionals.
The Pre- and Post-Programme are capped at 250 participants.
Who can attend the Convention?
The Convention is open to:
- Licensed tourist guides (WFTGA members and non-members)
- Delegates of WFTGA member associations
- Tourism professionals and academics
- Accompanying persons (e.g. spouses, family members aged 13+)
Can I bring an accompanying person or child?
Yes! Accompanying persons are very welcome. They’ll follow a separate cultural programme while you attend workshops, trainings or official sessions.
The accompanying programme is designed for participants aged 13 and above.
If you wish to bring younger children, please arrange your own childcare. The host committee is happy to assist where possible – contact us at:
Will there be an online platform for participants?
Yes. In autumn 2026, all registered participants will receive access to a secure online area with:
Presentations and materials from the speakers
Participant directory (opt-in) for networking and travel planning
A gallery to share photos with other attendees
Login credentials will be sent to all participants via email.
Can I bring my partner or a friend?
Yes! Accompanying persons are warmly welcome and will have their own cultural programme, running in parallel with the Convention.
Is there a special programme for accompanying persons?
Yes – a carefully curated cultural and sightseeing programme, including tours, local experiences, and culinary highlights. They’ll join Convention participants during social events and excursions where relevant.
Which hotel should I choose?
We recommend staying at the Hotel Okura, the Convention’s partner hotel – a comfortable, centrally located 5-star property near the venue.
Other hotel options will be available in various price ranges. A full list will be published upon registration opening.
Will there be Japanese food?
Absolutely – Japan’s unique cuisine is an essential part of the Convention experience!
Meals will include a variety of Japanese and international options to suit all tastes.
Will dietary needs and allergies be considered?
Yes. When you register, you’ll be asked to provide dietary preferences or allergy information, and the catering team will do their best to accommodate these.
Do I need to take a taxi from the Fukuoka Airport?
Not necessarily. The airport is centrally located and accessible by public transport. A WFTGA Welcome Desk will assist with transport advice upon arrival.
Do I need a data plan for Japan?
We recommend installing an eSIM before your trip (e.g. via Saily) for easy, affordable mobile data. Free Wi-Fi is also available at most hotels and venues.
Do you organise flights?
No. Participants are responsible for booking their own travel.
Will we travel by bullet train (Shinkansen)?
Yes – on Pre- and Post-Programme, we will travel on Japan’s famous high-speed trains to experience sustainable and iconic Japanese travel.
Can non-members of WFTGA attend?
Yes! The Convention is open to licensed guides worldwide, regardless of membership status.
Do I have to be a tourist guide to attend?
The core programme is designed for professional tourist guides. However, those from related fields (e.g. interpretation, tourism education, cultural heritage) are also welcome.
Can tourism organisations and associations attend?
Yes – national and local guide associations, DMOs, and tourism institutions are welcome to register. Special sessions for professional exchange are planned.
Will there be recordings of the presentations?
Yes. Where permitted, presentations and materials will be uploaded to the secure participant area after the Convention.
What is the benefit of attending a Convention like this?
You’ll gain:
- Inspiration, skills and new methods
- International best practices
- A strong professional network
- Personal growth and unforgettable experiences
All this in a Convention by guides – for guides, with insider access you won’t find in any travel brochure.
What is the official language of the Convention?
The official working language of the Convention is English.
However, don’t worry if you’re not fully confident – this is a global community of tourist guides, and there will always be colleagues nearby happy to support and help with translation in informal settings.
We are currently exploring the use of AI-powered live translation tools to offer real-time interpretation into several languages during the main sessions – though this feature is still in development and not yet guaranteed.
For those joining us online, we aim to provide live subtitles in English, with additional languages depending on availability.
In the spirit of our profession, we believe in mutual support and understanding, and language should never be a barrier to participation or connection.
Accessibility and Mobility Support
We want every participant to feel welcome, included, and able to fully enjoy the Convention experience.
If you have mobility limitations or require extra time during walks and excursions, please indicate this when registering. We will offer a special “Gentle Walker” group for selected tours and activities – with shorter walking distances, additional breaks, and appropriate transport options where needed.
Our team is happy to accommodate further accessibility needs (e.g. seating, dietary concerns, or assistance during sessions) wherever possible.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in advance at convention2026@wftga.org so we can make arrangements that ensure your comfort and full participation.
Will there be invited speakers/ workshops from Kamikatsu - Japan’s zero-waste town?
Thank you for this great suggestion. We are still in the process of finalizing the speaker lineup and will do our best to include someone from them.
Here is the call for all speakers:
https://wftga.org/activities/convention/2026-fukuoka-japan/programm/speakers/
Will WFTGA be able to provide an official invitation letter for the Japan convention to support visa applications for participants who require a visa?
Yes. During the registration process, you can request a support letter. We even go a step further: you can make use of a full visa service for around €50, and we will take care of your visa matters for you.
Will there be Meet and Greet in Fukuoka airport to hotel.
Yes, there will be a meet & greet at the airport. For sustainability reasons, we have chosen to use the subway to reach the hotels — it’s really just four stops and very easy. If you prefer to take a taxi, the staff at the meet & greet will be happy to assist you.
Whats the difference between Double room for Single and Twin Room at Hotel Fukuoka
The room is exactly the same. Twin means you share with a person, double for single means you are using the whole room for your own.
Will there be special prices that can be arranged through member Tourist Guide Associations?
if your tourist gudie association is a member of WFTGA you can choose „particiona WFTGA member“. you pay a reduced price 🙂
What are the requirements and submission guidelines for delegates? Are publications double blind and peer reviewed?
Delegates will eventually need a support letter from their associations. However, we’ll be sending out the details about this requirement to members after November. So, for now, you can register as a delegate without uploading this letter.
Can acccompanying persons be guides who are not active?
Yes
When is the international Train the Trainers Course?
The next Train the Trainer Course is starting 16th November in Cyprus: https://wftga.org/events/wftga-train-the-trainer-course-itc-cyprus/
There is no course planed in Japan before or after the convention.
Can we do different payment methods in the reservation block?
Yes, you can either pay for everything as a single package (Convention, Hotel, Pre and Post tours) all at once, or you can choose to book and pay each part separately. For each payment, you’re welcome to use different credit cards or opt for a bank transfer.
With regard to submissions, I actually referred to the type of submissions accepted. Do these take on the format of conferences papers (academic/ industry?), posters, creative formats?
We haven’t defined strict formats yet — we’re open to everything! You’re very welcome to submit any idea, whether it’s a conference-style paper, a creative format, or something entirely different.
The best way is to use the Call for Speakers form to submit your proposal, or simply send us an email at president@wftga.org. We’ll be happy to take a look and get back to you.
Is there a max number of members per Guide Association who will get reduced price?
unlimited 🙂
Do you accept payments via PayPal?
Unfortunately, no.
We accept only credit card or bank transfer.
Can I stay at a friend's house for the duration of the Convention?
Yes, of course! Simply book the convention package without booking a Hotel.
Can we bring more than 3 people as accompanying persons?
Yes, just write us an email at convention2026@wftga.org
Will there be special prices for airplane tickets? Should we wait before we book our tickets?
Special air fare prices will only be available for Japanese airlines. We are still in the middle of negotiations and will let you know as soon as a decision has been reached.
We are traveling as a group but don't all want to room together. How does this work for registering the rooms and then for payment?
You can add more then 1 room in the registration system.
can we participate only on pre or posr tour?
No, this isn’t possible. Pre and post tours can only be booked after you’ve completed the registration for the Main Convention.
What will be the weather like that time ?
Expect cool, mild winter temperatures:
- Daytime: 8–13 °C (46–55 °F)
- Night: 3–6 °C (37–43 °F)
Warm layers and a windproof jacket are recommended.
Will there be an airline partner like ANA, JAL, or KE for convention discounts?
We are currently in negotiations for dicounts with Japanes airlines.
Till when can we register?
Theoretically until November 30th but we think the Convention will be sold out in 1-2 months.
I want to share a hotel room with somebody but pay seperately for the Convention. What should I do?
Please refer to the Convention website. Our live webinar and PDF presentation will be posted there, explaining the registration process.
If you still have questions after seeing or reading it, please send us an email at: convention2026@wftga.org
How should we time our return flights out of Fukuoka or after the Post-Programme?
- You’re going home after the Main Convention: The Main Convention ends February 13 in Fukuoka around noon.
- You’re joining us for the Post-Programme: The Post-Programme ends February 17 in Kyoto in the afternoon.