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The meeting focused on the World Federation of Tourist Guides Associations (WFTGA) and addressed various topics related to the tourist guide profession. Participants discussed challenges faced by guides, the importance of training and professional development, and the role of area representatives in different regions. The conversation ended with discussions on future plans, including upcoming webinars and the "Association's Journeys" event, as well as the importance of collaboration and communication within the WFTGA community.
Team Dynamics and Technology Discussion
Sebastian, Smaro, Maricar, and Helga discuss team dynamics and technology before their meeting starts. Sebastian mentions using his phone to accept credit card payments. Maricar is waiting for a moderator to join before beginning the actual meeting.
European Guides and Collaborative Strategies
In the meeting, Maricar and Sturzenegger discussed the need to admit more people into the webinar. They also mentioned that they were waiting for Saber to join. The meeting was about a webinar series on European Guides and Collaborative Strategies for Success. Saber, the moderator, introduced the World Federation of Tourist Guides Associations and its representation in over 70 countries. He also mentioned the importance of tourist guides as "eyes and ears" for travelers, as stated by Ibn Batoutah in the 14th century.
Tourist Guide Needs and Expectations
The meeting began with Saber introducing the agenda for the evening, which included a presentation by the President of the Wftga, an introduction to the new board members, and a discussion on the needs of tourist guides. Sebastian, the President, welcomed everyone and explained the purpose of the meeting, which was to listen to the needs of tourist guides from different regions. He also mentioned that the meeting was part of a series of webinars aimed at understanding the needs of guides from different parts of the world. The meeting then proceeded to a poll to gather information about the attendees, including their profession, years of experience, and the percentage of their income that comes from guiding. The results of the poll showed that 70% of the attendees were tourist guides, 20% were tour guides, and 60% had been guiding for more than 10 years. The poll also showed that 60% of the attendees' main income came from guiding. The meeting then moved on to a presentation by Maricar, the Global Brand Ambassador and Area Representative Coordinator, who introduced the area representatives from different regions. The conversation ended with a poll to gather information about the attendees' expectations from local and international associations. The results showed that 84% of the attendees were members of a local tourist guide association, and the most important expectations were organizing training for guides, networking events, and setting standard rates for the industry.
European WFTGA Representatives Share Roles
The meeting involved representatives from different regions of Europe discussing their roles and responsibilities in representing the WFTGA. Saber, Helga, Sarah, Smaro, and Ioannis shared their experiences and areas of representation. They emphasized the importance of communication and understanding the needs of their respective regions. They also mentioned their involvement in training new guides and supporting the WFTGA in various capacities. The representatives encouraged the attendees to get in touch with them for any needs or suggestions.
Breakout Rooms for Language-Based Discussions
In the meeting, Saber outlined the plan to divide the participants into four breakout rooms based on language, with each room lasting 30 minutes. The discussions in these rooms would be recorded and focused on three main topics. The facilitators for each room were identified as Saber, Helga, Ioannis, and Smaro. The participants were asked to take a picture of the slide containing the discussion questions. After the breakout sessions, the participants would return to the main room for a debriefing session. The facilitators were also instructed to record the conversations in their breakout rooms.
Connecting With African Tour Guide Associations
At the meeting, the participants discussed connecting with tour guide associations in Africa. Yannick, a participant from Cameroon, provided his contact information and requested to be connected with representatives in Africa. James assured him that he would share Yannick's details with the coordinator, Marika, who would facilitate communication with Davoud, the African area representative. The group also welcomed back members who had rejoined after being in breakout rooms. James mentioned he was unable to assign people to rooms as he was not made a co-host.
Tourist Guide Challenges and Support
The meeting involved discussions on various issues faced by tourist guides across different countries. The main challenges included the legal guidance required on a daily basis, threats from tour operators, and the need for support from the World Federation. The group also discussed the importance of setting an example by admitting only licensed tourist guides and ensuring that associations that become members are indeed tourist guides as per the ISO definition of the profession. The meeting also touched upon the need for current training standards and methods, as well as the promotion of the tourist guide profession. The group also discussed the possibility of supporting tourist guides suffering in some places around the world due to political issues or wars. The conversation ended with discussions on the membership process and benefits of the World Federation of Tourist Guides Associations (WFTGA), with a focus on the need for more benefits for members. The training aspect was also discussed, with the decision made not to train tourist guides but to fill the gaps in the existing training systems.
International Training Center Programs Discussed
Viola discussed the training programs offered by the International Training Center in Cyprus. The center provides a trainer training course and an international trainer training course, which is being delivered by Smaro. Viola also mentioned that the training committee is looking into strengthening their Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program for qualified guides. The CPD program aims to fill gaps in new developments and refresh knowledge. The training can be delivered in person in Cyprus or remotely. James, a member of the Training Committee, emphasized that the committee's ideas come from various members, not just trainers. Smaro clarified that the training offered by the committee is specialized in common knowledge and skills that are not typically offered by associations. The committee is also exploring the use of technology, such as artificial intelligence, to assist in guiding.
WFTGA Training Committee Update
Saber thanked everyone for attending the meeting and expressed his hope for continued collaboration. He mentioned that the training committee is still delivering courses and encouraged attendees to contact them for updates. Saber also shared his appreciation for the attendees' presence and expressed his desire for them to be updated on the WFTGA's activities. He mentioned the availability of the WFTGA's website, Facebook page, Instagram account, and YouTube channel for further information. Saber also mentioned that a survey would be displayed after the webinar, and he encouraged attendees to participate. He ended the conversation by thanking everyone again and wishing them a good evening.
Arabic Travelers and Association Journeys
In this meeting segment, Saber explains that he prepared a presentation featuring quotes from Arabic travelers to frame the discussion. Ioannis asks for clarification on the "Association's Journeys" event, which James explains is an opportunity for member associations to present updates and information to the wider community. Maricar provides details on the number of associations signed up to present across different days. James emphasizes the importance of inviting associations in various languages to be inclusive. The meeting concludes with logistics around the meeting room.
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