hybrid – WFTGA

Summary of Global Networking Forums

10-Minute Break

A little respite before we introduce our first keynote speaker.

What do we really mean by sustainable tourism, and why does sustainable tourism matter?

Despite its widespread use, the concept of sustainable tourism remains ambiguously defined, unevenly operationalised and is increasingly marked by a sense of fatigue generated through overuse. This presentation begins by asking two foundational questions: what do we really mean by sustainable tourism, and why does sustainable tourism matter? Rather than treating sustainability as a technical […]

Cultivating the Good Life: How a Character Strengths Approach Nurtures Sustainable Tourism

Tourist guides embrace multiple roles in a given day. Their contributions to developing tourism include a mediating role (brokering access, encounters, understanding and empathy), as interpreters, storytellers, timekeepers and psychologists. Although Tourist Guides’ contributions to sustainability are documented in academic literature, it is timely to revisit these a decade later. Namely, there are eight sustainability […]

Gala Dinner

It’s time to dress up and celebrate! We cordially invite you to an unforgettable Gala Dinner at the prestigious Hotel Okura Fukuoka. Set in a luxurious 5-star atmosphere, the evening will feature an exquisite full-course meal, live music, and delightful company. The night’s highlight will be the official announcement of the WFTGA Convention 2028 host […]

Closing Ceremony

While it’s bittersweet to see our time together come to an end, we eagerly anticipate celebrating the successful conclusion of the WFTGA Convention 2026 with the Closing Ceremony in the Main Hall of the FICC. Though we’ll be sad to say goodbye to many of you, we’re thrilled that some will extend their journey through […]

Fukuoka’s Western Seashore

Meeting Point and time depend on your group which you will be informed about shortly. The western coast of Fukuoka City is largely defined by striking modern urban development, much of it built on reclaimed land along Hakata Bay. This area is home to both the city’s Disaster Prevention Center and the iconic Fukuoka Tower, […]

Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Kimono

Explore the historic Fukuoka Castle Ruins, once the largest fortress in Kyushu, followed by an introduction to the traditional Japanese garment, the kimono, still worn and celebrated today. Perfect for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the local history of Fukuoka City. (This course is held during the morning; your specific timeslot will be […]

Training Division Meeting 2026

This is the formal biennial (every 2 years) business meeting of the WFTGA Training Division. It is open to all fully paid-up, qualified WFTGA Trainers. WFTGA is at a crucial time of strategic change. This meeting will look back at the achievements over the last 2 years, will highlight challenges and, in the second part, […]

Leave No Trace

According to the World Tourism Organisation, “Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological […]

The Impact of Overtourism on Amsterdam Plus the Toledo Ordinance

During this workshop, I will present the findings of my research and then work with you to explore specific issues you may encounter at your own destinations. As the challenges could range from quite similar to markedly different, together we will build a comprehensive overview of the potential impacts associated with increased visitor numbers, as […]

Community-Based Tourism

In this workshop Masanori will share his experience of turning local residents into heroes – in his own words: “In many village areas traditional cultures have their own answers to environmental conservation. These important stories are all too often lost, all over the world. For the purpose of environmental conservation, cultural protection, and economic stability […]

A “Guidebook to Japan”

Host Committee members will get on stage and introduce Japanese culture and customs – Everything you need to know to enjoy your stay in Japan!

Iaido

Iaidō is the Japanese martial art of the sword. Each technique is characterized by starting with the sword sheathed in the scabbard, and the practitioner responding to a variety of opponents attacking from situations a samurai would traditionally have had to deal with before resheathing the sword—from fighting in narrow spaces, buildings with low ceilings, […]

Bidding Countries’ Presentations

The wait is over! Watch the presentations from the four countries competing to host the next WFTGA Convention.

Closing Remarks

Closing remarks and a look ahead to the coming days, presented by the WFTGA President.

From Human Connection to Collective Power – The Future of Guiding in a Digital Age

Tourist Guides know that the first moments with a group set the tone for everything that follows. The heart of guiding is not information, but human connection — presence, energy, and trust. Yet too often, guides are weighed down by admin, bureaucracy, and unfair conditions that drain the very energy needed to create memorable experiences. […]

Guiding with Values – UNESCO Normative Frameworks for Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Heritage Interpretation

Tourist guides are at the frontline of sustainable tourism. Through their daily interactions with visitors, they translate global values into lived experience and shape how heritage is understood, respected and transmitted. This keynote situates the work of tourist guides within UNESCO’s normative frameworks, highlighting how these instruments can support value-based heritage interpretation in the face […]

Surprise Performance & Welcoming Words

At 09:00 AM sharp the Host Committee will start with an opening act that you don’t want to miss! We won’t share more information so as not to ruin the surprise but let’s just say that you’ll experience a part of Japanese culture that not many get to see. This will be followed by welcoming […]

Gourmet and Food Tours

Gourmet and food tours offer a unique, immersive way to explore local culture, history, and gastronomy, making them ideal for fostering sustainable and responsible tourism. From savouring tropical smoothies in Rio to discovering hidden culinary gems in Paris, these experiences create lasting memories and deepen visitors’ connection to a destination. Led by knowledgeable guides, such […]

ChatGPT for Tourist Guides

In a world where digital tools are becoming travel companions, tourist guides must evolve. This dynamic workshop introduces ChatGPT not just as a technology, but as a new language — a language of creativity, adaptability, and smart storytelling. This hands-on session explores how AI can amplify your voice, elevate storytelling, and streamline your professional workflow. […]

The Evolution of Japan’s Inbound Guiding and Its Sustainable Future

I will speak about Japan’s guide qualification system, the current state of the inbound tourism industry—which is said to have revived after the pandemic—its various challenges, and the essential mindset that guides should convey in their guiding.

Sustainability of Kyushu Island: Move Japan Forward from Kyushu

During his tenure as Chairman of the Kyushu Economic Federation, Mr. Aso prioritised tourism and agriculture, recognising them as Kyushu’s key strengths. In his keynote speech, he will discuss some of the initiatives he implemented in these two areas. In terms of tourism, the idea behind the “Tour de Kyushu” was that holding cycling races in […]