Weaves and Wonders: Tour Guides Preserving Cultural and Natural Heritage Through Responsible Tourism
The 12th National Tour Guides Convention and General Assembly, hosted in the breathtaking province of Davao Oriental, was a convergence of passion, culture, and professional growth. Organized by the Philippine Federation of Professional Tour Guide Associations, Inc. (TGFed) in partnership with Guide Davao, the local tour guide association, and warmly supported by the Department of […]
Tourist Guides and War
By Amir Hossein Masoudi, National Trainer, World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) In light of the ongoing war in Iran, I felt compelled to reflect on the role of tourist guides during times of conflict—viewing our profession through a different lens. This essay, originally published on Iranian tourism and social media platforms, is now […]
Walking with Legends: A Cultour Card Visit to Recoleta Cemetery
By Helga Sturzenegger, WFTGA Member Thanks to the Cultour Card, I recently enjoyed free access and a guided tour of Recoleta Cemetery, one of Buenos Aires’ most iconic landmarks. Often compared to Père Lachaise in Paris, Recoleta stands out as a place where Argentine history and funerary art converge in a setting of remarkable beauty and symbolism. Like Père Lachaise, Recoleta is […]
Lion Sands’ Jason Gipson wins Safari Guide of the Year 2025 at Prestigious National Awards
The prestigious Safari Guide of the Year Awards (SGOTY) has officially named Jason Gipson of Lion Sands Game Reserve as the 2025 Safari Guide of the Year, following an intense multi-day competition held at Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. Founded in 2011 by Mike Karantonis and endorsed by the Field Guides Association of […]
WFTGA at the FEGUITUR International Convention in San Pedro de Atacama
Our two Area Representatives, Helga Sturzenegger and Patricia Oviedo, had the pleasure and unique opportunity to participate in the international convention organized by FEGUITUR in the stunning setting of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. The programme featured inspiring and thought-provoking conferences. Highlights included a session on astronomy, with insights from the nearby ALMA Observatory — one of […]
WFTGA Statement on Heat Warnings: Professional Responsibility Begins with Self-Care
As heatwaves across Europe intensify, our responsibility as tourist guides grows – not just toward our guests, but also toward ourselves. Extreme heat is no longer an exception; it is a new reality that demands attention, adaptation, and solidarity within our profession. In these challenging conditions, the role of licensed and well-trained guides, especially those […]
“Free Tours” in Focus: A Fair Dialogue on Quality, Professionalism and Sustainable Practices
In recent years, Free Tours have become a familiar feature in urban tourism landscapes worldwide. What began as an innovative, customer-oriented model—offering “pay-what-you-like” walking tours—has grown into a global phenomenon. These tours, often promoted via digital platforms with impressive marketing strategies and social media reach, have succeeded in capturing a significant market share. At the […]
Convention 2026 Japan – Register now!
A huge thank you to so many of you who joined us live for the webinar introducing the 2026 Convention! We were truly delighted and overwhelmed to see people from all over the world connecting with us and each other. It really emphasized the reach of our global guiding community,
When Silence Becomes a Lie: Queer History as an Opportunity for City Tours
Tour guides are more than navigators – they decide which stories survive. It’s high time that queer history finds its natural place in guided tours. Matthew López poses a fundamental question in his play “The Inheritance”: “If we can no longer be in conversation with our past, what will our future be?” These words strike […]
Tourist Guides as Catalysts for the Sustainable Development Goals
An Essential Partner for Sustainable Development The Overlooked Agents of Sustainability Whilst the world grapples with the triple challenges of climate change, global inequality, and cultural polarisation, there exists a professional group working daily at the frontlines of human connection and sustainable change: Tourist Guides. They are the invisible architects of cultural exchange and the […]
Empowering Responsible Tourism through Education: A Case Study from Shanghai Institute of Tourism
As the global tourism industry continues to recover and evolve in the post-pandemic era, the role of tourist guides has never been more essential. At the Shanghai Institute of Tourism (SIT), we believe that guides are not only interpreters of destinations but also educators for responsible travel behavior. To that end, we have developed a […]
NU Baliwag School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Joins the Celebration of National Tour Guides Day 2025!
In partnership with the Central Luzon Tour Guides Association (CLTGA) and Department of Tourism Region III, we proudly celebrate the passion and purpose of our tourist guides the heart of cultural storytelling and heritage preservation. June 16, 2025 Event Title: Tourist Guides 3:0 – Guiding Society Towards Sustainable Development This year’s celebration spotlighted […]
Newsletter: The Wait Is Over – Registration for WFTGA Convention 2026 Opens Soon!
Dear colleagues and friends, After months of anticipation and careful preparation, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived: The registration for the 21st WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan is about to open! To celebrate this special occasion, we warmly invite you to join us for a live launch webinar on: Date: […]
Convention 2026 | Newsletter #5
Dear colleagues, dear friends of the WFTGA, We hope our recent newsletter about the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan, has sparked your excitement and anticipation for this very special gathering of our global guiding community. Today, we would like to provide a brief but important update regarding registration. While our initial plan was to […]
From one guide to another: Pope Leo XIV’s message to journalists – an inspiration for tourist guides worldwide
On 12 May 2025, Pope Leo XIV addressed members of the global media with a powerful message that resonates far beyond the walls of newsrooms. His words serve as a profound reminder of the role we play as Tourist Guides—pathfinders, storytellers, and ambassadors of peace. The Pope likened the work of journalists to that of […]
Global Brand Ambassador Maricar Donato Welcomes WFTGA Affiliate Member Candidate Sahara Holidays in Marrakesh
In the heart of Marrakesh’s historic Old Medina, WFTGA Global Brand Ambassador Maricar Donato welcomed Sahara Holidays, represented by El Khalil Balla, as a candidate for WFTGA Affiliate Membership. The warm reception took place at the picturesque Riad Christina, symbolising a growing network of unity and collaboration within the global tourism community. Accompanying the meeting […]
WFTGA Statement on the Eurovision Song Contest, Political Neutrality, and the Responsibility for Shared Values
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) has always been a vibrant celebration of music and cultures, bringing together millions of people—regardless of origin, language, or beliefs. Officially, the ESC is considered an apolitical event, prohibiting political gestures and instrumentalisation. However, time and again, it becomes evident that where cultural diversity is celebrated, values like freedom, tolerance, […]
Commemorating the End of World War II – The Responsibility of Tourist Guides in Addressing Historical and Political Themes
Vienna, 8 May 2025 – On this significant day, marking the end of World War II, we not only remember the historical event but also acknowledge the profound responsibility it carries. Tourist Guides around the world play a crucial role in conveying history and its consequences. It is time to overcome the longstanding taboo that […]
Convention 2026 | NEWSLETTER 4
Hello everyone, this is Sam Takashima, Chairman of the Host Committee for the WFTGA 2026 Convention. As we prepare for the Fukuoka Convention scheduled for February 2026, the host organisation, K-iTG, has been holding intensive internal meetings and online discussions with WFTGA over the past months. We have been making every effort to open the […]
Farewell to Pope Francis – A Role Model for Us All
Today, we bid farewell to Pope Francis – a man whose life and work deeply touched the world. He stood as a symbol of kindness, humility, and profound humanity. His unwavering commitment to the poor, the marginalised, and the vulnerable will remain in our hearts and calls us all to reflect on our own responsibilities. […]
Save the Date & Book Now for the FEG AGM 2025 in Sweden! ✨️
We’re thrilled to invite all FEG members to the 24th European Tourist Guide Meeting & Delegates Annual General Meeting, taking place in Sweden from 24 to 30 November 2025 and hosted by our member SveGuide Theme: Magic Sweden – From Royal Streets to Rustic Retreats Discover the elegant royal atmosphere of #Stockholm, followed by the […]
WFTGA at Interpret Europe 2025 Conference — Sharing Expertise, Embracing New Perspectives
From 11–14 April 2025, Viola Lewis, Susanne Kirchberger and Mateusz Tomaszczyk – three WFTGA trainers proudly represented our global guiding community at the Interpret Europe Conference in Sulejówek, Poland. Set in the inspiring surroundings of the Muzeum Józefa Piłsudskiego, the conference welcomed over 100 delegates from 25 countries to explore this year’s compelling theme: “Heroes, anti-heroes, and […]
WFTGA Engages at ICCA Association Readiness Lab in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. | April 9, 2025 – The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) proudly participated in the ICCA Association Readiness Lab: Navigating Disruption in Unpredictable Times, a dynamic and interactive workshop focused on preparing associations for current and future challenges in an evolving global landscape. Representing WFTGA at the event was Maricar Donato, […]
NEW: Global Networking Forum for Tourist Guides
Launching this April and running through November 2025, we are proud to introduce the Global Networking Forum for Tourist Guides. Hosted by the WFTGA Area Representatives, this new series will offer a dynamic space for continued dialogue, shared learning, and professional growth. Each month, guides from around the world will come together to: Identify emerging […]
Airbnb calls for Experience submissions from WFTGA
We’re excited to share that Airbnb is calling for submissions—with powerful features designed to help top-tier operators, hosts, and guides grow their businesses more easily than ever. We think you’ll be a great fit and would love for you to submit your experiences to the platform. Here’s what you need to know: Easier Listing Creation: […]
Celebrating Ruby Roy: A Lifetime of Dedication and Recognition
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is proud to celebrate Ruby Roy, who served as our President from 2003 to 2007. To this day, Ruby remains a valued member of our community, always offering her guidance, support, and expertise to WFTGA whenever needed. We are especially delighted to share the wonderful news that […]
Join the Global Movement: Become a WFTGA Area Representative!
Are you passionate about guiding and eager to make a lasting impact on the global tourism community? The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is calling on dedicated professionals like YOU to step forward as an Area Representative and help shape the future of our industry! Why Volunteer? As an Area Representative, you become a vital […]
Korčula Tourist Guide Association Hosts Croatian Tourist Guide Association’s General Assembly
The Korčula Tourist Guides Association, a proud member of the Croatian Tourist Guide Association (CTGA), recently welcomed fellow guides to Korčula Town for the CTGA General Assembly, held on 8–9 March 2025. The event showcased Korčula’s rich history, cultural heritage, and unique traditions, including the famous Moreška and Kumpanija/Moštra sword dances. Delegates explored the island’s […]
Empowering Guides in a Changing World: The Latest Innovations from Vox Group
The world of guiding is evolving, and so are the expectations of today’s tech-savvy travellers. As visitor needs shift towards seamless, multilingual, and interactive experiences, guides remain at the heart of this transformation. At Vox Group, we are committed to ensuring that technology supports, rather than replaces, the guide’s role—enhancing communication, improving group management, and […]
A Meaningful Encounter in Singapore: Learning from May Hui
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to meet with fellow tourist guides over a coffee to exchange insights about our profession as well as about training. In Singapore, I had the privilege of joining WFTGA trainer May Hui on one of her « training » walking tours for Tourist Guides —an experience that left a […]
International Tourist Guide Day 2025: Tourist Guides as Peace Ambassadors
Every year on 21st February, tourist guides around the world come together to celebrate International Tourist Guide Day (ITGD), honouring their profession and its vital role in society. The 2025 theme, “Tourist Guides as Peace Ambassadors,” highlights the unique contribution of guides in fostering understanding, inclusion, and harmony among cultures. “As tourist guides, we don’t […]
Training Without Borders: Tourist Guides as a Bridge Between Cultures
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia – In a time when borders are being reinforced and differences are often used to divide, Tourist Guides play a crucial role in fostering connections, explaining cultures, and promoting mutual understanding. However, this responsibility requires much more than just local knowledge—it demands excellent guiding skills, intercultural competence, conflict management abilities, and the […]
Online links
Dear online participant of the WFTGA Trainer Convention, We are delighted you will join us online for the hybrid events of our WFTGA Trainer Convention in Sabah, Malaysia. Please refer to the programme WFTGA Trainer Convention 2025 for the details of the hybrid sessions. In addition to the earlier advertised sessions, we have added […]
Convention 2026 | NEWSLETTER 3
My name is Sam and I am the Chairman of the Fukuoka Host Committee for 21st WFTGA Convention in 2026. We recently hosted President Sebastian and Head of Training Viola from WFTGA for the site inspection visit. We visited many tourist places in Fukuoka and we are satisfied with the progression of the convention planning.
3rd up-date for in-person participants
Dear in-person participants of the WFTGA Trainer Convention in Sabah, Here comes the third up-date on our up-coming Trainer Convention. For those of you, who have just registered, please scroll down to see the earlier e-mails. Thank you for sending your arrival times / flight itineraries to the organisers. If you haven’t done so, please […]
The Future of Guiding: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming the Profession
On 31 January, 2025, Sebastian Frankenberger, president of the WFTGA delivered a talk on Artificial Intelligence for Tourist Guides to members of the NFTGA. He showed how recent developments in A.I. can now enable guides to automate and simplify many time-consuming tasks such as replying to emails, creating and updating schedules, preparing summary documents of […]
2nd up-date for participants
Dear WFTGA Trainers, WFTGA Members and aspiring trainers, Dear Participants of the WFTGA Trainer Convention in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, I have now arrived in Kota Kinabalu and look forward to seeing you – either in-person or online – in just under 2 weeks’ time. Our hosts, the Sabah Tourist Guides Association, are pulling out all […]
Sebastian Frankenberger Highlights Ethical Responsibility of Tour Guides in an Era of Misinformation and Populism
Yesterday, Sebastian Frankenberger, president of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, addressed a group of DC tour guides at the George Washington School of Business on the Ethical Responsibility of Tourist Guides in the Age of Alternative Truths and Populism. He explained that tourist guides today, in addition to conveying historical and architectural information, […]
up-date for participants
Dear Colleagues, Dear WFTGA Trainers, WFTGA Members and aspiring trainers, Dear Participants of the WFTGA Trainer Convention in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Just over 3 weeks to go until we meet for our first ever Trainer Convention. Thank you for registering and lending your support – either in-person or online. You can look forward to an […]
Convention 2026 | NEWSLETTER 2
My name is Miz and I am the President of Team Japan K-iTG. Thank you to the many people who submitted their Intention Surveys. We have received many comments from many people across the globe that they would like to visit Japan. At the WFTGA 2026 Bid held in Sicily, Italy, Japan was selected as […]
Happy Holidays!
As we approach the close of 2024 and look forward to an exciting 2025, I am filled with gratitude for the immense support we have received throughout this journey. Together, we have laid the groundwork for many of the ideas we plan to bring to fruition in the coming year. I invite you to explore […]
Strengthening Global Ties: Maricar Donato’s Visit to SLINT GL in Sri Lanka
On December 3, 2024, WFTGA Global Brand Ambassador Maricar Donato had the privilege of visiting the Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers (SLINT GL), a Full Member of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA). The visit marked a significant moment of cultural exchange and professional collaboration. Donato was welcomed with a […]
WFTGA Executive Board Meets with Cyprus Deputy Minister of Tourism
The Executive Board (WxBo) of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) held a productive meeting with the Deputy Minister of Tourism of Cyprus, Mr. Kostas Koumis, on Monday, November 25, 2024. The meeting, conducted in a constructive and collaborative atmosphere at the offices of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, also included representatives from […]
WFTGA ExBo member meet with colleagues from the Sabah Tourist Guide Association
During her family vacation in Sabah Malaysia, WFTGA ExBo member and appointed secretary Ivana Ćuruvija, had a chance to meet with colleagues from the Sabah Tourist Guide Association. Ivana and her family were privileged to be guided by WFTGA International Trainer Roger Rajah, the president of STGA, and WFTGA National Trainer, the Vice president of STGA, Grace Leong […]
History of the Yerevan International Training Center
The history of the Yerevan International Training Center began in 2014 when at the Ministry of Economy of Armenia the WFTGA President Felicitas Wressnig and Lia Bakhshinyan, President of the Armenian Guides Guild (AGG), signed the document that stated the establishment of the center. However, our first acquaintance with the WFTGA had taken place even […]
Convention 2026 | NEWSLETTER 1
Join us for the first EVER international convention of tourist guides in Japan. We look forward to the opportunity to introduce Fukuoka to the international participants and tourist guides of the WFTGA. Become “Fukuoka ambassadors” while we showcase our local members the “global standard” of guiding. We want to help our members learn about international […]
The WFTGA 21st Tourist Guide Convention 2026 website is now live!
The WFTGA 21st Tourist Guide Convention 2026 website is now live! During the coming weeks and months we will be adding further information. convention.wftga.org Save the date: Main Convention: 9th to 13th February 2026 Pre Programme: 5th to 8th February 2026 Post Programme: 13th to 17th February 2026 Convention 2026 intention survey to attend: […]
Three HOT Courses in Almaty
With the sponsorship support of Almaty Tourism Department, WFTGA delivered 2 HOT (Hands on Tourist Guiding) courses in Almaty, with the 3rd one to follow. The team of Lead International Trainers, including Gennadiy Chudnovets, Jean Wang and Ivana Ćuruvija, was working with the support of WFTGA National Trainers Zhanar Gabit to organise and deliver a […]
Launch of Social Media Campaign – Training Thursday
We are live with Training Thursday – a snappy, eye-catching introduction to you, our WFTGA Trainers on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instragram. How can you feature: update your Trainer Profile on the website e-mail us a high resolution qualify photograph of yourself in action as tourist guide or trainer Answer 4 simple questions: Where do you […]
Strategic Partnership to Support Culinary Tourism Industry Growth
The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) and the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) are thrilled to announce the relaunch of their strategic partnership, focusing on the training and certification of culinary tourist guides and tour directors. This collaboration aims to address the growing interest in food and beverage as primary attractions for travelers […]
