Quick recap

The WFTGA team discussed their recent in-person meeting in Cyprus, the ongoing change process within the organization, and the importance of digitalization and professionalization. They also discussed the organization's efforts to shift from a volunteer-based to a professional structure, the Training Committee's work, and the need for financial management and transparency. The team also focused on the future direction of the WFTGA, including the need for a clear vision and mission, the importance of online education, better communication with associations, and the need for a minimum standard for guides to become members of the association.

Next steps

• Sebastian and Expo team to prepare and present a more detailed vision, mission, and action plan at the virtual General Assembly between March and May.
• Christina, Ivana, Sonia, and Maricar to work on improving communication with associations and updating contact details.
• Inaki and Finance Committee to prepare budget for the upcoming year and evaluate income and expenses.
• Expo team to explore funding options and potential partnerships to support WFTGA initiatives.
• Training Committee to develop online education opportunities for guides on various topics as suggested by Nives.
• Expo team to review and potentially update the culture card system, considering digital options.
• Expo team to consider implementing minimum standards for guides to become members of WFTGA-affiliated associations.
• Social media team to align social media strategy with the new vision and mission.
• Expo team to explore options for creating an international membership card or ID for guides.
• Expo team to consider developing a portal on the WFTGA website for member profiles and booking.

Summary

Preparing for Delegates Meeting and Elections

In the meeting, Viola and James prepared for a delegates meeting, finalizing a PowerPoint presentation. They encountered some confusion about the timing of the meeting, but proceeded with the agenda. The meeting was attended by various individuals, including Sonia, Yoni, and Christina. Kapi announced the elections in their association and invited all Greek trainers to join. Viola also mentioned that Ivana would try to join the meeting for the last 15 minutes if her internet connection allowed. The meeting was recorded for potential use on YouTube.

Wftga's in-Person Meeting and Challenges

Sebastian, the president of the Wftga, discussed the organization's recent in-person meeting in Cyprus, which was the first of its kind. The meeting was held to acknowledge the training center in Cyprus and to discuss the organization's future. Sebastian emphasized the importance of digitalization and professionalization, acknowledging the growth of the organization but also the challenges it faces due to limited resources and internal structures. He mentioned that the board is composed of full-time guides who volunteer their time and work. Sebastian also mentioned that the organization's website and social media team are managed by volunteers. He concluded by stating that the organization is undergoing a change process to distribute the workload more evenly and to ensure that the president is not overwhelmed.

Organizational Change and Membership Expansion

Sebastian discussed the ongoing change process within the organization, emphasizing the shift towards a more independent and collaborative decision-making approach. He highlighted the transition from a single decision-maker to a team-based structure, with each portfolio leader taking on more responsibility. Sebastian also mentioned the introduction of a financial committee for more inclusive decision-making. Christina then presented the membership portfolio, emphasizing the importance of maintaining close contact with members and area reps, and the need for more members from different regions. She also mentioned the successful re-admittance of Iran and the addition of Ghana as new members. James was acknowledged for his work in expanding the organization's reach in South America.

WFTGA Representation and Newsletter Update

Cristina discussed her involvement with members and area reps, highlighting her representation of the WFTGA in Slovenia at a conference focused on empowering students as stakeholders in the future of tourism. She also mentioned her role in the association journeys, where area reps introduce their regions and associations. Sebastian added that the area reps had a much bigger role and involvement, and that the board had been involved in various countries, including Cyprus. He also announced a reorganization of the newsletter, with Sonia now responsible for writing and sending it out, and the board members providing news from their respective areas.

Organizational Shifts and Training Initiatives

Sebastian discussed the organization's efforts to shift from a volunteer-based to a professional structure, including the rethinking of administrative work and the potential hiring of employees. He also mentioned the incorporation of a design process to enhance the organization's corporate identity and the need for a more professional look in all documents and presentations. Viola then took over, discussing the Training Committee's work, including the introduction of an endorsement process for courses, a partnership with the European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, and the ongoing efforts to maintain online engagement. She also highlighted the importance of the World Standards Day and the need to update the code of guiding practice to reflect the Sustainable Development Goals.

Setting Criteria for Trainer Recognition

Viola led the discussion, emphasizing the importance of setting criteria for mutual recognition of trainers and the need for resources to sustain ongoing projects. Kapi added that the criteria for mutual recognition are currently under examination. James, representing the Training Committee, discussed the importance of social media and the need for trainers to be recognized. He also mentioned the upcoming International Tourist Guide Day and his role as a non-trainer on the committee. Sebastian then discussed the progress made in internal member areas on the website, the need for more tutorials, and the improvements made in database management. He also acknowledged Kapi's successful organization of an in-person meeting in Cyprus.

Improving Financial Management and Control

Inaki, the treasurer, discussed the importance of financial management and the challenges faced in the process. He highlighted the need for transparency and control in financial transactions, and the necessity of a more efficient system. Inaki also mentioned the role of the finance committee in assisting him and the need for a more streamlined process for payments. Sebastian acknowledged the improvements made in financial recording and the need to adapt to changing laws and bank policies. The team is currently working on updating the constitution and budget to ensure transparency and better decision-making.

Wftga Vision, Mission, and Collaboration

Sebastian led a discussion about the vision and mission of the Wftga, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the bigger picture rather than just daily tasks. He proposed a vision statement that aims to be the global voice of excellence in professional tourist guiding, inspiring cultural exchange, safeguarding heritage, and connecting communities through guided experiences. He also suggested a mission statement to empower professional tourist guides worldwide through training, accreditation, and advocacy. Sebastian stressed the need for international collaboration and the importance of upholding the highest standards of quality, inclusivity, and sustainability in guided tourism. He also raised questions about the qualifications for membership and the expectations of stakeholders. The team agreed to further discuss these points and possibly create a Wikipedia page for the association to store all their knowledge.

WFTGA's Future Direction and Changes

Sebastian led a discussion about the future direction of the WFTGA, focusing on membership, fees, training, and conventions. He proposed increasing membership numbers, adjusting fees to reflect the growth of countries, and implementing more hybrid elements in conventions. He also suggested a rotation system for hosting conventions to ensure fair representation from all continents. Sebastian emphasized the need for increased ownership and professionalism within the organization, and outlined a timeline for implementing these changes, including a virtual general assembly and a focus on sustainability. He encouraged feedback and participation from all members.

Expanding Tour Guide Definition Discussed

Emma proposed expanding the definition of a tourist guide to include tour directors, as some countries have no strict regulations regarding qualifications. She argued that excluding these professionals would be shortsighted and counter to the mission of being a global federation. Kapi agreed that if they are discussing the same profession, they should be included. However, Helga expressed concern about lowering standards if they include tour directors, who may not have the same area-specific knowledge as tourist guides. GREECE emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards and defining their profession, while Sebastian suggested focusing on the most important aspects and discussing the topic further. Viola highlighted the importance of heritage interpretation and working together for peace, suggesting that all professionals in the tourism sector should be included.

Wftga Vision, Communication, and Funding

The meeting focused on discussing the future direction and vision of the Wftga. Sebastian led the discussion, emphasizing the need for a clear vision and mission for the organization. The team discussed the need for more online education, better communication with associations, and the importance of funding. They also discussed the need for a minimum standard for guides to become members of the association. The team agreed to work on a long-term vision for Wftga and to present this at the upcoming virtual General Assembly. They also discussed the need for better communication with associations and the importance of funding. The conversation ended with a discussion on the need for a minimum standard for guides to become members of the association.

WFTGA Culture Card and Future

Elisabeth discussed the WFTGA culture card, which has been distributed to members and has been positively received. She suggested that the card could be made virtual in the future. Sebastian agreed, noting that the digital culture card is a complex issue and requires further discussion. He also mentioned the possibility of an international membership card. Helga shared her experience with the culture card at the Louvre, highlighting the need for a more secure card. Sebastian then discussed the need for a change process within the association, emphasizing the importance of a global mindset and open-mindedness. He also mentioned the need for more volunteers and new ideas to drive the association's future. The conversation ended with Sebastian thanking everyone for their participation and wishing them a peaceful festive season.

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