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 […]
A Gentle Reminder as We Conclude Our Journey 🌸
Dear Participants of the Post Tour 🇯🇵✨ I am very aware that we have been travelling together for nearly two weeks now during the conference, and it is only natural that a certain sense of “cabin fever” may begin to set in. May I gently remind us all that our guides are truly giving their […]
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 […]
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 […]
Details for Thursday 12th February
Wasn’t that a wonderful Study Tour Day? With perfect weather conditions, inspiring encounters, and so many memorable experiences throughout the day. And what a delightful conclusion at the Fukuoka City Museum — excellent food, a warm atmosphere, and the joy of sharing impressions together as colleagues and friends. Now, we are slowly approaching one of […]
Your Details for Wednesday 11th February
Let’s continue this incredible journey together after a day full of discussions, workshops, lectures and a lot of knowledge and best practice sharing. Below you will find all the essential information for our Study Tour on Wednesday, 11 February. As this will be a full and rewarding day, we kindly ask you to review the […]
Next Steps Following the Bidder Presentations
Dear Participants, What inspiring presentations we enjoyed yesterday – the visual material shared by the bidders truly brought their visions to life. Thank you all for your engagement and the many thoughtful follow-up questions we have since received. We would therefore like to clarify the next steps in the process. Decision-Making Process The final […]
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 […]
The Adventure Begins!
The Adventure Begins! It’s finally time — the 21st WFTGA Tourist Guide Convention in Fukuoka, Japan is about to begin. Dear {firstname}, The weather here is a crisp 5°C (41°F). Whether that feels mild or chilly, the warmth of the local people and the incredible food will make you feel right at home. The […]
WFTGA 2026 Convention – Advance Convention Training and Preparation Programme
As anticipation builds for the WFTGA 2026 Convention, the spotlight falls not only on the event itself, but on the vital preparation that takes place beforehand. For professional tourist guides, training is more than a necessity — it’s the bedrock of excellence, ensuring that each guide is ready to deliver outstanding experiences to visitors from […]
Western Japan Social Media Contest – Show Your Best Moments & Win Big!
We are delighted to launch the Western Japan Social Media Contest — a special initiative celebrating the culture, landscapes and experiences of Western Japan in connection with the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan. This contest is open to all WFTGA members, regardless of where you are located! 🏆 Grand Prize One winner will […]
Webinar Summary – Helpful Information
Dear Convention Participants, In the blink of an eye, the Convention is just around the corner! We had a wonderful webinar on January 22nd, and we want to thank you for all your kind words of encouragement. You can watch the full webinar recording below (the Japanese lesson and the sneak peak at the Convention […]
Raffle – Please Bring a Small Gift from Your Home Region
Dear WFTGA Convention Participants, One of the most cherished traditions of our WFTGA conventions is the generosity of our participants. Once again, we warmly invite you to take part in this spirit by contributing to our WFTGA Raffle. What we kindly ask you to bring In keeping with the spirit of our sustainable convention, we […]
Online Registration Now Open
We are pleased to announce that online registration for the virtual participation in the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan is now open. Join colleagues from across the globe for a full week of inspiration, professional exchange and cultural discovery — live from Japan and accessible wherever you are. 🗓️ Highlights of the Virtual Programme Monday – Opening & […]
A Statement of Solidarity from the WFTGA
Free Virtual Participation in the WFTGA Convention 2026 In a world marked by uncertainty, conflict and growing economic challenges, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) reaffirms its commitment to solidarity, inclusion and professional support within the global guiding community. Tourist guides play a unique role in society. They foster dialogue, preserve cultural heritage […]
Correction: Date of Online Briefing – This Thursday, 22 January
ear Convention Participants, dear colleagues, A quick correction regarding our previous message — we would like to apologise for the confusion. The online briefing will take place this Thursday, 22 January, not in February as previously stated. Convention 2026 – Helpful Information for Participants 🗓 Thursday, 22 January ⏰ 13:00–14:00 CET 💻 Online (the session […]
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 […]
Japan Kyushu Rail Pass – Clarifications
Dear Convention Participants, We have received several inquiries regarding the JR Kyushu Rail Pass discount mentioned in the last newsletter, and we would like to provide some clarification and corrections. Where can the pass be used? Please note that the Kyushu Rail Pass advertised in the last newsletter is only valid within Kyushu(Japan’s […]
Japan Rail Pass Discount & Special Tour Offer
Akemashite Omedetou! 🎊 We’re celebrating the year of the horse. A year that is said to be good for career moves, social connections and perfect for a tourist guide convention 😉 Click the button below for a detailed explanation on how to proceed. We hope your year is off to a wonderful start! As we […]
Registration for Workshops and Experiences was startet & Recording of Webinar 3
Hello dear friends A huge thank you to everyone who joined our webinar on Monday! It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm as we unveiled the latest updates for our upcoming convention. Whether you missed the live session or just want to dive back into the details, we’ve made everything available for you. Explore […]
WFTGA 2026 Convention Programme Finalised – Live Walkthrough & Sign-Up Guide (22 December, 1:30 pm CET)
Dear friends! ❤️ Thank you to everyone who registered for the WFTGA 2026 Convention! We are excited to announce that the Main Convention Programme is now finalized. There are a variety of options of workshops, study tours, and city tours to choose from. To help you navigate your choices, we will hold a detailed walkthrough of […]
Flight Info – Updates and Summary
Dear world-travelers ✈️ We have fantastic news for all attendees who have yet to book their travel to, or within, Japan! Your WFTGA team has been hard at work securing special flight discounts just for you: International Flights: WFTGA’s very own James has successfully negotiated with Lufthansa for exclusive international flight discounts! Domestic Flights (Within Japan): […]
Convention 2026 – Webinar 2 | Workshops, Keynote speeches, alternative Pre- and Post- Programmes
We’d like to extend an invitation to all of you, both registered participants and those still deciding, to join our second webinar on November 20th at 12:00 (noon) CET. During this session, we will share details about the alternative Pre- and Post-Programmes, walk through the day-by-day schedule, provide insights into the keynote speeches, workshops, and […]
Speak Clearly, Lead Confidently: Accent Training for Tourist Guides
A team of volunteers – mainly WFTGA Trainers – came together to provide conversation sessions for our colleagues in Fukuoka, Japan, in preparation for our 2026 Convention. Our ranks were strengthened by Jessica Campbell – an expert on accent improvement. Something for your off-season CPD? Speak Clearly, Lead Confidently: Accent Training for Tourist Guides WFTGA recently […]
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 […]
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 […]
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,
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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: […]
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 […]