WFTGA Applauds Toledo’s Groundbreaking Tourist Flow Ordinance – A Global Model for Sustainable Urban Tourism
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) proudly commends the City of Toledo (Spain) for its pioneering municipal ordinance designed to manage tourist flows in the historic city centre. This forward-looking regulation marks a decisive step toward a sustainable, inclusive and resident-friendly tourism model, balancing the needs of the local community with those of […]
New Partnership: WFTGA and Keyguides Connect – A Digital Opportunity for Tourist Guides Worldwide
We are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership between the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) and Keyguides Connect, a new digital platform designed to empower professional tourist guides across the globe. Keyguides Connect is not just another marketplace – it’s a tool built with guides in mind, offering visibility, flexibility, and fairness. […]
Bridging Connections of Understanding
Guild members joined an inspiring cultural orientation at the Embassy of Japan, hosted by the Japan Information & Culture Center, in Washington DC as part of their preparation for the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka. On 20 October 2025, members of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, D.C. were warmly hosted by the […]
World Tourism Day 2025 – “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”
Tourist Guides and the Real Work of Sustainable Transformation Vienna – On this year’s World Tourism Day, celebrated under the UN’s theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) proudly reaffirms its commitment to a tourism future that is just, inclusive, resilient, and human-centred. As an NGO Affiliate of UN […]
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Munich Tourist Guide Association
Munich, Germany – The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is proud to join the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the Munich Tourist Guide Association. On this special occasion, WFTGA President Sebastian Frankenberger addressed the gathering, paying tribute to the achievements and contributions of the association and its members. “It is a great […]
Guiding Peace: Building Bridges Through Tourism – On the Occasion of the 80th United Nations General Assembly
Vienna – On this significant day, as the United Nations convenes its 80th General Assembly under the banners of peace, cooperation and sustainable development, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) stands in alignment with these global aspirations. As a non-governmental affiliate of the United Nations, the WFTGA believes that Tourist Guides are uniquely […]
The First DOT Tour Guide Summit in the Philippines
On 17 September 2025, the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Office of Human Capital Development (OHCD) brought together around 400 tour guides from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for the first-ever Tour Guide Summit in Cebu City. With the theme “Love Our Islands, Love Our Stories”, the one-day gathering created a national platform for tour guides, industry […]
Responsible Tourist Behavior Guidelines
Drafted by SIT Faculty Distributed at Beijing Tourist Guide Stations The Responsible Tourist Behavior Guidelines, drafted by Mr. Liu Tang, faculty member of the Shanghai Institute of Tourism, have recently been distributed at tourist guide stations across Beijing. Developed in accordance with the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism issued by the United Nations World […]
Shanghai Institute of Tourism Students Showcase Responsible Tourist Behavior and Net Zero Carbon Tourism at World Vocational College Skills Competition
At the 2025 World Vocational College Skills Competition taking place on 25-26 August, 2025, four students from the Tourism Management Program of the Shanghai Institute of Tourism won the Silver Award in the Tourism track with their project “Silk Road International Tourism University Cultural Exchange Tour.” The project, themed “Remembering the Truth of History, Moving […]
Slow tourism, simple freedom – with the Deutschlandticket
One click, one subscription, and you’re free: the Deutschlandticket lets you travel all local and regional trains, buses, trams and metros across Germany for 58€ per month. Add your bike for just 6€ a day and suddenly the country opens up—no planning stress, no complicated fares, just jump in or out wherever curiosity calls. Since […]
In Memory of Giovanna Maria Giammarino — A Call to Action for the Guiding Profession
It is with profound sorrow that the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) learns of the tragic passing of Giovanna Maria Giammarino, a 56-year-old Italian tourist guide who collapsed and died while leading a tour at the Colosseum amid sweltering heat on August 20, 2025. Despite efforts to save her life, she passed away […]
Bidding for the Convention 2028
We are excited to announce that bidding for the WFTGA Convention 2028 is now open – with a completely redesigned process. We have learned from past experiences and created a clear, transparent, and supportive bidding framework, now outlined step-by-step on our website. You can also watch the recording of our webinar introducing the new process. […]
Call for Keynote Speakers & Workshop Facilitators
As we prepare for the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan, we are looking for inspiring keynote speakers and experienced workshop leaders to contribute to our diverse and dynamic programme. This is a unique opportunity to share your expertise, inspire fellow guides from around the globe, and help shape the conversations that will define the […]
WFTGA Statement – Support for Maintaining Licensing Requirements for Tourist Guides in Montreal
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) has issued a formal statement to the City of Montreal, expressing strong support for keeping the licensing requirement for tourist guides in place. Licensing ensures high professional standards, protects visitor safety, supports sustainable tourism, and strengthens local economies. In our letter of 25 January 2025, we highlighted […]
WFTGA Statement – Appeal to Preserve Bulgaria’s Tourist Guiding Regulation
he World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) has formally appealed to the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria to maintain its existing Tourist Guiding Regulation. This regulation ensures that only qualified, certified guides may professionally practise in Bulgaria, safeguarding the quality, authenticity, and integrity of the country’s cultural tourism offer. In our […]
Alternatives to Pre- & Post-Programme! Update
We’re delighted to share some highly anticipated news! One of the most frequent questions we receive is, “Will there be alternatives to the sold-out Pre- and Post-Programmes?” We can now officially confirm with a resounding “Yes!”
Welcome to the WFTGA Convention 2026 – Your Journey Begins!
Dear Participant, A warm welcome and heartfelt congratulations – you are officially registered for the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Japan! We are truly delighted to have you with us. From this moment forward, we are here to accompany you on your journey – to make your Convention experience in Japan inspiring, enjoyable, and stress-free. To […]
Convention 2026 | Optional Tours
we’re absolutely thrilled that preparations for the WFTGA Convention 2026 are well underway, and we wake up each morning to new registrations from all over the world! ❤️ This incredible demand brings some bittersweet news: The Pre-Programme is indeed sold-out. We are currently working on alternatives and will notify you as soon as plans are […]
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 […]