Save the date: 1st WFTGA Trainer Convention
We are excited to announce the launch of a biennial interim conference that will take place between the WFTGA Conventions. We are pleased to share that the Tourist Guide Association of Malaysia, Sabah, has made a wonderful offer to host the first Trainer Conference. This event will be held from 18th to 21st February 2025 […]
Liaison between Training Committee and Area Reps
On 05 Aug the TC will meet the Area Reps to gain more insight into each other’s roles and to strengthen co-operation and communication. To make this happen the Training Committee has appointed its member Hussein Dehghan as permanent liaison between the 2 teams. Who better than Hussein, who has been a long-standing Area Rep […]
Historic Participation for “Empowering African Tourist Guides: Collaborative Strategies for Success”
We are delighted to announce that the upcoming virtual event, “Empowering African Tourist Guides: Collaborative Strategies for Success,” has garnered unprecedented interest, with over 330 participants registered. This significant turnout reflects the growing recognition of the vital role tourist guides play in promoting sustainable tourism and enriching visitor experiences across Africa. Scheduled for 20th July, […]
Host Committee official Kick-Off
Thanks to the last WFTGA Convention in Siracusa, “Team Japan” for inviting WFTGA 2026 Convention has been smoothly converted into the Host Committee. We had a kick-off session at K-iTG Annual Assembly with 90 attendees of professional guides, travel agencies and local governments on June-8. At the session, we performed “Dontaku” – the local festival […]
11th National Tour Guides Convention and 2nd Philippine Tour Guides Conference and Caravan
The 11th National Tour Guides Convention and 2nd Philippine Tour Guides Conference and Caravanheld last June 9-11, 2024 at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City was a beautiful experience attended by more than 200 Tour guides from different organization nationwide. The MULATGAP, Multi-ligual Accredited Tour Guides Association of the Philippines headed by their President Evangeline Ana Sevilla […]
Meet the Board – June 2024
Tea Chats are back, and we’ve given them a fresh twist! Introducing “Meet the Board” Chats-a super casual, once-a-month online hangout where you can chat with board members about anything you want. Mark your calendars for our first get-together: Date: June 7, 2024 Time: 18:30 PM CET (Vienna time) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85023681704 This time, […]
Ready is the Guide training (educational) Film “Land of Bay(s) / Cool Land”
An educational (training) film “Land of Bay(s) / Cool Land” about Lahemaa National Park and historical Lahemaa tour guiding. (Subtitles in English). Length: 28.26. In the film, Marek Vahula, the lifelong famous guide of Lahemaa National Park exemplifies his approx. 70 tour guide tips. With the help of the film, guide Marek’s strong vision of […]
Social Media Campaigns
Members’ Monday We are restarting this popular social media event on Instagram and facebook. Every Monday one Association Member will be highlighted. For this, we need material from you! Keeping it short and simple will help. It should boost impact and hits. You can share the WFTGA post featuring your association – a two-way street. […]
The WFTGA ExBo 2024 – 2026
In the constitutive session of the Executive Board, in accordance with the WFTGA Constitution we, as Executive Board, have elected the Vice President, the Secretary and appointed the Head of the Training Division. President: Sebastian Frankenberger Sebastian Frankenberger brings over 20 years of extensive experience in tourism, particularly as a guide and trainer. […]
Persian Phoenix to rise from pandemic ashes celebrating 2024 ITGD with 900 members
Iran Federation of Tourist Guide Associations could hold its ITGD convention after fours years of hiatus with 100 guests of honor reaching a totall of 1000 people in the convention on Friday 17 Februrary 2024 in Tehran. Aside from the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism & Tourism and his Tourism Deputy, and some top managers, […]
INTERNATIONAL TOURIST GUIDE DAY 2024
On the 21st of February each year we celebrate the occasion of International Tourist Guide Day. This is a day dedicated to the profession of Tourist Guiding and affords us the opportunity to highlight and showcase this profession on the global stage. This is a day that was set in motion in 1989 at the 3rd […]
A message from the outgoing President, Alushca Ritchie 2017 – 2024
Colleagues, Friends, and Members, As I stand before you today, I am filled with a mix of emotions – gratitude, nostalgia, and a tinge of sadness. It is with a heavy heart that I address you as I bid farewell to this incredible association. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to […]
JANE ORDE SCHOLARSHIP 2024
Thank you to all the participants who contributed with items towards the auction and raffle draws. These assisted in raising funds towards future Jane Orde Scholarship recipients. Our three Jane Orde Scholarship recipients finally met in person at the 20th Convention in Italy. We are proud to have hosted them and look forward to hearing […]
Welcome to the WFTGA Executive Board Members for 2024 – 2026
The WFTGA are pleased to announce the elected President for 2024 – 2026 as Sebastian Frankenberger, Germany. He will be supported by the elected WFTGA Executive Board for 2024 – 2026, Viola Lewis (UK/Scotland), James Saunders (Canada), Juan Ignacio Vazquez (Spain), Kalliopi Panou (Greece), Cristina Leal (Portugal) and Ivana Curuvija (Serbia).
Tourist guides as peace ambassadors
WFTGA serves as the global forum for professional tourist guides and operates as a non-political organization. Our worldwide Tourist Guide members play a crucial role as peace ambassadors, fostering unity among cultures and people. Functioning as heritage interpreters, we advocate for a value-based approach to heritage interpretation, standing firm in our commitment to a peaceful […]
WFTGA Convention 2026 – K-iTG, Fukuoka, Japan
The hosts for the 21st WFTGA Convention 2026, as voted by the Delegates at the 2024 General Assembly will be WFTGA Member association K-iTG, Fukuoka, Japan. The announcement was made at the Gala Dinner.
News from Indonesian Tourist Guides Association
Indonesia Tourist Guides Association mourns the death of their former President and SEATGA President too, Mangku Nyoman Kandia who passed away last January 16, 2024 just before our Siracusa Convention due to a Heart Attack while training tourist guides in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He was 58. He will missed by his colleagues and as well as […]
WFTGA CONVENTION – 2026 BIDDING COUNTRIES
In alphabetical order we can confirm the following four 2026 bidding countries and associations will continue through to Italy for the final presentations and Q&A sessions before voting takes place by your Delegates. IRELAND – Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland (ATGI CLG) JAPAN – Kyushu Association of Interpreters, Translators and Guide-Interpreters (K-iTG) MALAYSIA – Sabah Tourist […]
New Year Message
2023 has arrived and we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely wish you all the very best for the New Year. Each year is a gift that holds hope for new adventures. Over the past 12 months we have focused largely on the recovery of the Tourism and Tourist Guiding sectors. Moving forward […]
Join us this week for the 2022 Association Journeys!
Join us this week for the 2022 Association Journeys! These presentations are an opportunity for our members to share their success stories, challenges and their future plans. Now in its third year, the Journeys have proven to be a wonderful platform to learn from others and share news that traditionally is shared in the format of […]
WORLD STANDARDS DAY observed on 14 October highlights the importance of standards in all sectors.
“Shared vision for a better world ~ We want a world that is better, fairer and more sustainable. A world that can be enjoyed today and protected for future generations. The Sustainable Development Goals SDGs) represent a shared vision for peace and prosperity, for people and the planet. Every SDG is a call for action, but […]
Due to global Pandemic, WFTGA ExBo and Serbian Hosts have made a difficult decision to no longer run the 19th Convention in Novi Sad Serbia.
Dear Colleagues, Tourist Guides, WFTGA Partners and Friends, This announcement serves to inform you that the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Executive Board in collaboration with our Hosts, the Serbian National Tourist Guide Association, have made the difficult decision to no longer run the 19th WFTGA Convention scheduled to take place in February […]
2024 Convention Bidding Countries and Associations announced!
The WFTGA Executive Board and Convention Team are pleased to announce the list of 2024 Bidding countries and Associations. We were extremely impressed with the high quality of the submissions. Having received an unprecedented amount of submissions to host the WFTGA 2024 Convention we will be featuring an elimination round towards the end of November […]
14 OCTOBER – WORLD STANDARDS DAY
“Shared vision for a better world ~ We want a world that is better, fairer and more sustainable. A world that can be enjoyed today and protected for future generations. The Sustainable Development Goals SDGs) represent a shared vision for peace and prosperity, for people and the planet. Every SDG is a call for action, […]
Associations Journey 2021
This is an opportunity for our WFTGA Association Members to share their challenges and success stories following the unprecedented time we have faced this year. Why not use it as a platform to share your goals and projects for the reactivation of Tourism and Tourist Guiding in the coming months. It will be an opportunity […]
Convention 2022 – Newsletter#7
Early bird registration is now open! Newsletter#7 [registration] (PDF)
Meet us at the WTM London 2021
Welcome to the World Travel Market We bring the travel industry together through world leading events, content and digital tools, which make it easier for you to find personal and business opportunities and do more effective business. We support the growth of your business and the global travel industry by facilitating new connections and lasting […]
Convention 2022 – Newsletter#6
Our Newsletter #6 is here! Newsletter #6 final (PDF)
WFTGA mini virtual Conference
15th September at 15:30 CET (Vienna) Main Guest Speaker: Professor Karen HarrisTopic: “Doubling up Tourism in Times of Trouble: A Covid Survival Strategy” Join us as we explain the purpose and traditions of ‘International Tourist Guide Day’ (celebrated on 21st February of each year). How can you participate? How can you join Tourist Guides across the globe […]
Training Handbook for Silk Road Heritage Guides
They are here! The printed copies of the Training Handbook for Silk Road Heritage Guides have arrived in the WFTGA library. First published in 2016, UNESCO and WFTGA set out to produce a revised and extended edition of this popular handbook, which is used in tourist guide training throughout Central Asia. The global pandemic meant […]
WFTGA Tree – World Environment Day
Around the world the tourist guide community is mindful of World Environment Day – not only on one day, but every day. How do Tourist Guides contribute to the protection of our natural environment? How do we engage in a beneficial way with local communities? Is it possible to earn a living in the tourism […]
Register now for the Convention 2022
Express your interest to join us in Novi Sad, Serbia in February 2022 by pre-registering. Pre-registration will give you direct access to the Convention Newsletter, the latest news and you will be the first to receive the opportunity to register for the Early Bird registrations and choose your preferred Convention hotel. register now
Convention 2022 – Newsletter#5
Vojvodina is a Balkan melting pot, with over 20 nationalities living here. With such cultural diversity comes many celebrations filled with a rainbow of customs all year long. During early spring we have two Easters – one celebrated following Catholic and the other celebrated following Orthodox customs. Most of the families celebrate both, as friends […]
FOOD TRAVEL TALK!
Access the recording here: https://youtu.be/116v6Qa2XLQ To find our more about the online course visit: https://members.worldfoodtravel.org/courses/culinary-tourist-guide-certification/ WFTGA Tourist Guide members receive a discount! Contact us to find out more info@wftga.org
The strong comeback case for hard-hit tourist guides
For tourist guides who have been able to hang on to their jobs, grasp new trends, and buff up on technology, the time to shine is near as travel starts to rebound. Sadly, that’s a smaller group. — Raini Hamdi While tourist guides are among the most decimated professional ranks in tourism during the pandemic, they […]
New co-opted ExBo Members
A call was put out to members to apply for co-option onto the Executive Board to assist with the two open positions. There was also an opportunity to apply in assisting with Special Projects and to take part in the WFTGA Mentorship year. We thank all those who applied! We will be in touch shortly in order to […]
Area Representative Family keeps growing
Our WFTGA Area Representative Family keeps growing! The Area Representatives play a valuable role for WFTGA in assisting us in keeping in contact with our members and Tourist Guides across the globe. We would like to welcome our 5 new Area Representatives to the WFTGA Family. They will be joining our existing 10 Area Representatives in […]
The Virtual Conference 2021
Join the WFTGA Virtual Conference Day 2. The Future of Tourist Guiding with Leading Experts. View our programme for more information. Limited Spaces available – Register and Book your ticket now: https://virtual.wftga.org
Tourist guides worldwide are ready to restart tourism
Participants from almost 90 countries were united in a three-day long virtual conference 4-6 March 2021 arranged by the WFTGA (World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations) – the first of its kind for Tourist Guides by Tourist Guides with the theme “The Future of Tourist Guiding”. The days discussions were much about how to prepare […]
Share your Associations 2020 Journey – Part 3
An opportunity for our WFTGA Association Members to share their challenges and success stories during this unprecedented year of the Pandemic. It will be an opportunity and environment to inspire, learn, acknowledge and support one another. Registration and Livestreams: [events-calendar-templates template=”minimal-list” style=”style-3″ category=”webinar” date_format=”default” start_date=”2021-01-19″ end_date=”2021-01-21″ limit=”2″ order=”ASC” hide-venue=”no” time=”future” featured-only=”false” columns=”2″ autoplay=”true” tags=”” venues=”” […]
Convention 2022
The 19th Convention will be in Novi Sad, Serbia in FEBRUARY 2022. The convention website will be online in a few days. Until that join us on Facebook.
virtual birthday celebrations
WFTGA virtual birthday celebrations throughout the day on 18th December. 1985 – 2020
EXBO Report Summer 2020
Please find attached the new WFTGA EXBO report from Alushca Ritchie, covering the period from May 2020 to August 2020. WFTGA Presidents report May – Aug 2020
Convention 2022 – Newsletter#4
We have been asked about convention newsletter #4. It was drafted and ready to go out, but was then overtaking by events caused by the global pandemic. Therefore we decided not to send it. All new information is included in Newsletter #5, as well as in our regular social media post. Enjoy reading them. See […]
Convention 2022 – Newsletter#3
Welcome to Novi Sad, The second-largest city in Serbia and the capital of Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Novi Sad is the small city that has everything you need and more. Our ‘Serbian Athens’ is the cultural centre for Serbs and many nationalities living in Vojvodina. As proof of its multiculturality, it even has official names […]
A short film about Serbia – Host of next convention 2021
A short film about Serbia in 5 minutes that reveals its journey through history, filled with natural and cultural values and greatness! A fairytale country, a land of welcoming people, a land of opportunity and tourism. Check it out and enjoy!
Presentation on “A Journey Through Serbia”
Big thank you to our ambassador H.E. Đerđ Matković and WFTGA ambassador our colleague Maricar Donato for organizing promotion of the 19th WFTGA conventintion that will be in Novi Sad Serbia in February 2022. Thanks as well to all our colleagues from Washington DC. See you soon in Serbia.
Convention 2022 – Newsletter#2
Newsletter2-19thWFTGA
Convention 2022 – Newsletter #1
Newsletter1-19thWFTGA-1
WFTGA EXBO report
Please find attached the new WFTGA EXBO report from Alushca Ritchie, covering the period from May 2020 to August 2020. WFTGA 2019 Feb-May EXBO report
