Convention Archives

Webinar for Convention 2028 Bidders

We warmly invite all interested Member Associations to join our upcoming webinar on Wednesday, 24 July at 13:00 CET, dedicated to the bidding process for the WFTGA Convention 2028. We are currently revising the entire bidding framework with the aim of making it more streamlined, transparent, and supportive. Key updates will include: A more professional […]

Registration Launch – WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka

Join us live for the official launch of the registration for the 21st WFTGA Convention in Fukuoka, Japan! During this interactive session, we will: Reveal the theme and structure of the Convention Present the Host Committee and why Fukuoka is an unforgettable destination Give you a first look at the Pre- and Post-Convention tours Explain how to register and how to apply as a […]

WFTGA Convention 2026

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: […]

Training Tourist Guides as facilitators of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Facilitators: Viola Lewis (WFTGA Lead International Trainer) and Helga Sturzenegger (WFTGA International Trainer)

Reach your full potential within the WFTGA Training Division – navigating the resource library

Tutorial by Sebastian Frankenberger (WFTGA President)

Virtual and Remote Training Excellence – making the most of the virtual learning environment

– by the WFTGA Training Committee

Live from Sabah! FREE online guided heritage tour

Join us for a special live event as we celebrate International Tourist Guide Day – a day dedicated to recognising the invaluable work of professional tourist guides worldwide! Founded by WFTGA in 1990, this annual event highlights the role of guides in preserving and sharing our global heritage. ✨ As part of International Tourist Guide […]

Panel Discussion: The Future of Training – Embracing AI and Technology

Case study: the WFTGA Hands On Tourist Guiding (HOT) Course – with Sebastian Frankenberger (WFTGA President) and WFTGA Trainers Maricar Donato, Helga Sturzenegger and Viola Lewis – moderated by Mateusz Tomaszczyk WFTGA Lead International Trainer and Training Committee Member)

Trainer Convention 2025 – Plenary Session

08:30 Welcome in Sabah Style 08:40 Welcoming Remarks by Roger Rajah, President, Sabah Tourist Guides Association 08:50 Opening Remarks by Sebastian Frankenberger, WFTGA President 09:00 Officiating Address by Guest of Honour: Datuk Joniston Bangkuai Assistant Minister, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment 09:10 Keynote: Julinus Jeffery Jimit (CEO of Sabah Tourism Board) – Topic: Sustainable […]

Overview of WFTGA Training and the Vision for the Future

Overview of WFTGA Training and the Vision for the Future (Sustainable Training without Borders), led by WFTGA President Sebastian Frankenberger and WFTGA ExBo Member and Head of Training Viola Lewis – with an intervention on Cultural Dexterity by Hussein Dehghan (WFTGA Internationnal Trainer) – open to all convention participants – compulsory for returning WFTGA Trainers […]

Training Division Meeting (hybrid) during Sabah Trainer Convention

Being a business meeting, the Training Division Meeting is free to attend for all fully-paid up members of the Training Division. The meeting will take place from 13:00 to 17:00 Sabah time at the Ming Garden Hotel, meeting room ‘Kota Kinabalu’ on floor 2. This time corresponds to early morning in Europe, where many of […]

WFTGA Office Closure

The WFTGA Volunteers will be taking a well deserved break for the festive season and the office will be closed from Friday 20 December 2024 to Monday 06 January 2025. During this period, our office will be unavailable, and responses to emails and other communications may be delayed. We look forward to serving you again […]

Closing of professional day – Alushca Ritchie

Interested in hearing from the Professionals and leaders in the industry? Join us for this day of high profile and informative Speakers.

How to create an impactful online presence and stand out from the competition – Dragan Kovacevic

The global pandemic changed the game. It negatively affected many industries and even left many without work. Only the ones willing to adapt and find their spot in the online world continue to grow and find their ways to succeed. With limited resources, only a smart Internet marketing strategy can make you competitive.

How you can leverage e-commerce tools like Shopify to start your own business – Janice Sousa

Janice has 15+ years as a Tour Operator & Guide. She recently launched Indie, a software built to help small operators and Guides launch their own business. Work for yourself leading the tours you have always led and rebuild your business with more control over your margin and distribution.

Smart whisper systems from Guiding- Group – Urlich Berger

With a vast amount of experience Ulrich will share his views on moving forward post pandemic and explore some new technology options available to tourist guides. Ulrich joins as as a follow up from our Virtual conference held in early 2021.

Passion for the Planet – Chantal Cooke

Chantal Cooke is an award-winning environmental journalist and broadcaster – turned PR guru. Chantal is on the Board for WFTA where her particular focus is on sustainability and planet-friendly food.

Using culinary tourism in driving recovery in our destinations – Erik Wolf

Executive Director and Founder – World Food Travel Association

Working with partners – a success story – Monica Figuerola

Our colleagues from CEFAPIT, Juan Ignacio will introduce their partner Monica Figuerola, Head of International Business Development. Monica will discuss the interesting agreement that has formed between the Tourist Guide Association and the Hospitality program of the Hospital Quiron for visitors to Spain.