Closing Message and Looking Ahead to Peru
Dear colleagues, dear friends, These days in Japan have been intense, vibrant and deeply inspiring. We have discussed, learned and laughed. We have stood together in the crowds before the golden pagoda, and we have shared quiet moments of reflection. Perhaps that is the most beautiful image of this Convention. We were on a journey […]
International Tourist Guide Day 2026
Tourist Guides Worldwide Celebrate Their Role as Bridge-Builders for Peace and Understanding On 21 February, tourist guides around the globe celebrate International Tourist Guide Day, honouring a profession that plays a vital role in fostering cultural understanding, dialogue, and responsible travel. This year’s message comes from Japan, where the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations […]
WFTGA Peace Ceremony in Nagasaki Highlights Ethical Responsibility of Tourist Guides Worldwide
1,000 Paper Cranes and Joint Peace Declaration Frame a Powerful Call for Truth, Context and Professional Integrity Nagasaki, Japan – 2026 During the WFTGA Conference 2026 in Japan, tourist guides from across the globe gathered in Nagasaki for a Peace Ceremony that became one of the most meaningful moments of the entire conference. Throughout […]
Details for February 14th
Wasn’t our first day in Nagasaki truly unforgettable? From our introduction to the city’s rich history to that rare, up-close encounter with Nagasaki Geisha, it was a wonderful start. Today is a fully packed day of exploration. What Awaits You: To ensure a seamless experience and avoid overcrowding at our historic venues, the groups will […]
Peru Wins the Bid to Host the 22nd WFTGA Convention in 2028
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is delighted to announce that Peru has been selected as the host country for the 22nd WFTGA Convention in 2028. Following inspiring and highly professional presentations, the delegates have chosen Peru as the next Convention destination. We warmly congratulate our Peruvian colleagues on their well-deserved success and […]
New Executive Board of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) Elected in Japan – President Sebastian Frankenberger Confirmed in Office
Japan, 23 February 2026 – During the official meeting of delegates held in Japan on 23 February, the new Executive Board (ExBo) of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) was elected for the forthcoming two-year term. Sebastian Frankenberger (Austria) was confirmed in office as President and re-elected for a further two years. The […]
Details for Friday 13th February
While the Closing Ceremony marks the end of the Convention for many, for you the adventure is just beginning. We are delighted that you are joining the Post-Programme. Departure Logistics Luggage: Please pack a day bag and bring all luggage to the Convention Centre (last drop-off 12:00 PM). Shuttles: Departures from Hotel Okura begin at […]
600 Professional Tourist Guides from 50 Nations Gather in Fukuoka for Groundbreaking Sustainability Summit
World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Convention 2026 Addresses Professional Sustainability and Global Tourism Standards Fukuoka, Japan – 9 February 2026 – The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) opened its 2026 Convention today in Fukuoka, bringing together 600 professional tourist guides from over 50 countries alongside representatives from UN Tourism and UNESCO for […]
Invitation to the WFTGA Online Global Round Tables
Dear online Participants: As part of the WFTGA International Convention in Japan, we are pleased to warmly invite all online participants to take in a series of moderated Global Round Tables held online. This format ensures inclusive participation from our worldwide guiding community, regardless of location. 🗓 Tuesday, 10 February ⏰ 17:00–18:30 (exceptionally Vienna […]
The Opening of the WFTGA Convention 2026 is About to Begin
Dear colleagues, The opening of the WFTGA Convention 2026 is about to begin. We wish all participants travelling to the Convention Centre a safe and pleasant journey. You are also very welcome to join us online via Zoom or YouTube. See you shortly. Kind regards Sebastian Frankenberger President of World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations […]
Opening Ceremony
We are so excited to officially begin our Convention week at the FICC. Get ready for a day filled with Japanese culture, inspiring speakers, and a first look at our future host candidates. Logistics & Getting There ⏰ Start Time: 09:00 AM sharp 📍 Location: FICC 🚌 Shuttle Bus: Runs from 07:30–09:00 AM (and […]
Details for tomorrow (Feb 8)
We hope you had an incredible 2 days on the road, discovering Kyushu. Below you can find all the crucial details for tomorrow (February 8th). Basic Information Let’s start off with the most crucial information for tomorrow. Meeting Time: {pre-start-time-feb-8} Meeting Place: {pre-meeting-point-feb-8} Bus Number: {pre-group-feb-8} You will visit: {pre-schedule-feb8} Transportation: {pre-transportation-feb-8} Daily Logistics: […]
Links for virtual participation
Dear Convention Participants, Whether you’re joining us in Fukuoka or participating virtually, this Convention brings together our global community of professional tourist guides. To everyone who registered – including those who may have needed to cancel at short notice or found themselves unable to travel to Japan – you remain an essential part of this […]
Details for tomorrow (Feb 7)
Let’s continue this incredible journey! Below you can find all the crucial details for tomorrow (February 7th). Basic Information Let’s start off with the most crucial information for tomorrow. Meeting Time: {pre-start-time-feb-7} Meeting Place: {pre-meeting-point-feb-7} Bus Number: {pre-group-feb-7} You will visit: {pre-schedule-feb7} Transportation: {pre-transportation-feb-7} Daily Logistics: Lunch: {pre-lunch-feb-7} Dinner: {pre-dinner-feb-7} End Time: {pre-end-time-feb-7} Luggage: […]
Your Details for February 6
To ensure everything runs smoothly, we have made some last-minute adjustments to the schedule. Please double-check your meeting time and hotel details below, as they may have changed from your original itinerary. The “Golden Rule” of Travel in Japan If you’ve taken the train in Japan you might have noticed, that Japan runs on strict […]
Your Details for February 5
We are so excited to have you here. Please remember to stop by the Hotel Okura lobby tomorrow, February 5th, to collect your name badge. Our team will be at the desk from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but please don’t worry if your travels are delayed. We will remain on-site until every late-arriving guest […]
Guiding at the Highest Level in Nicosia: Professional Standards and Dialogue in Practice
During an official visit to Nicosia, WFTGA President Emeritus Titina guided Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, together with Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, along the ceasefire line. Cyprus is not a post-conflict destination. The division of the island remains a lived reality. Guiding in such a place requires […]
Participant webinar with helpful information – 22 January, 13:00–14:00 CET
Dear Convention Participants, dear colleagues, As we move closer to our Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, we would like to invite you to a practical and informative online briefing designed to help you prepare confidently for your journey to Japan and for your participation in the Convention. Convention 2026 – Helpful Information for Participants 🗓 22 […]