Japan, 23 February 2026 – During the official meeting of delegates held in Japan on 23 February, the new Executive Board (ExBo) of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) was elected for the forthcoming two-year term.
Sebastian Frankenberger (Austria) was confirmed in office as President and re-elected for a further two years. The membership of the Federation has thereby expressed its confidence in continuity, experience and a clear strategic direction in support of professional, sustainable and ethically responsible tourist guiding worldwide.
“It is a great honour to continue serving our global community of tourist guides. I sincerely thank our members for their trust. Together, we will further strengthen professional standards, cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and the recognition of our profession across the world,” said President Frankenberger following his re-election.
The Executive Board 2026–2028
In the official photograph (from left to right):
- James Saunders (Canada)
- Marián Bilačič (Slovakia)
- Ivana Ćuruvija (Serbia)
- Smaro Touloupa (Greece)
- Sebastian Frankenberger, President (Austria)
- Emma Guest-Consales (USA)
- Juan Ignacio Vazquez, Treasurer (Spain)
Details regarding the specific portfolios of each Board Member will be communicated in the coming days through official WFTGA channels, following the first formal meeting of the new Executive Board.
The WFTGA, as the global umbrella organisation for national tourist guide associations, is committed to upholding the highest standards of professional excellence, ethics, inclusivity and sustainability, aligned with the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
We warmly congratulate the newly elected Executive Board and wish them every success in their leadership of our Federation over the next two years. We are confident that our members worldwide will offer their enthusiastic support and cooperation in the important work ahead.