In the meeting, the team discussed the upcoming session and its technicalities. They decided to record the session for internal use and agreed to keep the timing of each speaker's presentation to 15 minutes. The team also discussed the possibility of Hussein's presentation being shorter than expected, but he confirmed he would aim for 7-8 minutes. The team also discussed the need for each speaker to send their preferred photo for the session. Lastly, they agreed to use the session to discuss the changing role of the tourist guide.

In the meeting, WFTGA, Mariia, Yoni, and others discussed the upcoming session with various speakers from different countries. Mariia confirmed the order of speakers, starting with Alina and Yoni from Israel, followed by Natalia from Ukraine, Mateusz representing Lebanon, Hussein from Iran, and finally a presentation from Kiev. Yoni suggested that Mariia should introduce him and Alina together at the beginning of their presentation. The team also discussed the use of Whatsapp for communication during the session and the importance of adhering to the planned timing. The conversation ended with James sharing his positive experience with eye clinics in Toronto.

In the meeting, the participants discussed the importance of the topic of tourist guiding during turbulent times, particularly in the context of ongoing global conflicts. The session was organized by the WFTGA Training Committee and was moderated by Mariia. The speakers included Natalia Lihitska from Ukraine, Alina Tomer and Yoni Shadpiro from Israel, Hussein Denan from Iran, and an anonymous speaker from Lebanon. The session aimed to systemize the experiences of tourist guides who continue their work in turbulent situations and to define the skills and competencies that are crucial in such circumstances. The participants were encouraged to share their reflections and questions via the Zoom chat. The session was recorded for internal use by the WFTGA.

Yoni discussed the impact of the recent war on Israel, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity and trauma management when guiding tourists. He highlighted the need for accurate and balanced narratives, especially when discussing the war's aftermath. Yoni also stressed the importance of community involvement and respecting the local community's experiences. He suggested that tourists should be encouraged to share their experiences and support the local economy. Yoni concluded by emphasizing the need for emotional management and responsible storytelling when discussing traumatic events.

In the meeting, Mariia introduced the Ukrainian Tourist Guides Association and the challenges faced by the tourism sector since February 2022. She then invited Natalia Lihitska, a tourist guide from Kiev, to share her insights on the new competencies and skills required for tourist guides in the situation of war. Natalia highlighted the importance of psychological resilience and stress resistance, leadership qualities, the ability to make quick decisions, the skill to listen and hear, the ability to answer sharp and debatable questions, and the skill to work with inclusive groups and people with post-traumatic stress disorder. She also shared her experience of conducting tours for internally displaced persons and the importance of empathy in these situations. The conversation ended with a discussion on the challenges faced by tourist guides during the war and the importance of their skills in helping people feel better during difficult times.

Marina Radova shares insights on tourism and guiding in Kyiv during wartime. Despite the significant impact of the invasion, Kyiv is seeing a gradual reopening of tourism facilities and increased interest from individual tourists. The city organizes weekly free city tours to support mental health, with guides' salaries funded by the city budget. Special tours are also arranged for people with disabilities and Ukrainian defenders. Safety measures include planning stops near shelters and using metro stations as shelters. The city collaborates with professional associations to provide training for guides on inclusivity and conducting tours during wartime.

In the meeting, Mariia led a discussion on the new roles of tourist guides during turbulent times, particularly in the context of war. The speakers shared their insights and experiences, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and providing psychological support to tourists. They also discussed the need for guides to be prepared for emergencies and to have contingency plans. The conversation ended with a discussion on how to systematize these insights and potentially prepare a paper for a conference in Portugal.