Tourist Guides Worldwide Celebrate Their Role as Bridge-Builders for Peace and Understanding
On 21 February, tourist guides around the globe celebrate International Tourist Guide Day, honouring a profession that plays a vital role in fostering cultural understanding, dialogue, and responsible travel.
This year’s message comes from Japan, where the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) has just concluded its 2026 Convention with more than 600 participants from 50 countries. Under the theme of sustainable tourism, delegates explored the evolving responsibilities of tourist guides in times of overtourism, global transformation, and increasing societal challenges.
A particularly moving highlight of the Convention was the Peace Ceremony held in Nagasaki. In this historic city, a powerful symbol of both tragedy and reconciliation, delegates signed a Peace Declaration reaffirming the ethical responsibility of tourist guides worldwide.
“Travel changes people,” said Sebastian Frankenberger, President of the WFTGA. “And tourist guides influence how travellers perceive history, culture, and one another. This influence carries responsibility.”
The Declaration underscores the profession’s commitment to human rights, mutual respect, sustainability, and the promotion of peaceful dialogue. Tourist guides are not merely transmitters of information; they are facilitators of understanding and ambassadors of cultural heritage. Through their work, they contribute to breaking down stereotypes, encouraging intercultural exchange, and supporting sustainable local communities.
In many countries, International Tourist Guide Day is marked by guides offering complimentary tours, educational initiatives, and community events, demonstrating their dedication and pride in their profession.
At a time when global tensions and rapid technological change are reshaping the travel landscape, the role of the tourist guide remains profoundly human: creating meaningful encounters, providing context and interpretation, and fostering genuine connection between people.
On this International Tourist Guide Day 2026, the WFTGA calls upon guides worldwide to celebrate not only their profession, but also their shared responsibility to contribute to a more respectful, sustainable, and peaceful world.
Happy International Tourist Guide Day 2026.