News
Here we regularly publish public news about our association. In the members' area you will find the newsletters for our members' associations, tourist guides and trainers.
International Tourist Guide Day 2026
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
WFTGA Peace Ceremony in Nagasaki Highlights Ethical Responsibility of Tourist Guides Worldwide
1,000 Paper Cranes and Joint Peace Declaration Frame a Powerful Call for Truth, Context and Professional Integrity Nagasaki, Japan – 2026 During the WFTGA Conference 2026 in Japan, tourist guides from across the globe gathered in Nagasaki for a
Peru Wins the Bid to Host the 22nd WFTGA Convention in 2028
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is delighted to announce that Peru has been selected as the host country for the 22nd WFTGA Convention in 2028. Following inspiring and highly professional presentations, the delegates have chosen Peru as
New Executive Board of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) Elected in Japan – President Sebastian Frankenberger Confirmed in Office
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
600 Professional Tourist Guides from 50 Nations Gather in Fukuoka for Groundbreaking Sustainability Summit
World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Convention 2026 Addresses Professional Sustainability and Global Tourism Standards Fukuoka, Japan – 9 February 2026 – The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) opened its 2026 Convention today in Fukuoka, bringing together 600
WFTGA 2026 Convention – Advance Convention Training and Preparation Programme
As anticipation builds for the WFTGA 2026 Convention, the spotlight falls not only on the event itself, but on the vital preparation that takes place beforehand. For professional tourist guides, training is more than a necessity — it’s the bedrock
Western Japan Social Media Contest – Show Your Best Moments & Win Big!
We are delighted to launch the Western Japan Social Media Contest — a special initiative celebrating the culture, landscapes and experiences of Western Japan in connection with the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan. This contest is open to all
Statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Our Responsibility as Tourist Guides
Today, on the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the world observes International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This year’s theme, “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights,” reminds us that remembrance is not merely about the past – it is
Online Registration Now Open
We are pleased to announce that online registration for the virtual participation in the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan is now open. Join colleagues from across the globe for a full week of inspiration, professional exchange and cultural discovery — live from Japan
A Statement of Solidarity from the WFTGA
Free Virtual Participation in the WFTGA Convention 2026 In a world marked by uncertainty, conflict and growing economic challenges, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) reaffirms its commitment to solidarity, inclusion and professional support within the global guiding
Guiding at the Highest Level in Nicosia: Professional Standards and Dialogue in Practice
During an official visit to Nicosia, WFTGA President Emeritus Titina guided Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, together with Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, along the ceasefire line. Cyprus is not a post-conflict destination.
WFTGA Training: Building the Foundation for Strategic Transformation
By Viola Lewis, Head of Training (2019 to 2026) As I approach the constitutional end of my term as Head of Training it is time to reflect on achievements whilst highlighting the critical strategic work that now needs to begin
Shape the Future of Professional Guiding – Join the WFTGA Executive Board!
Are you passionate about advancing our profession? Do you want to make a real difference for tourist guides worldwide? Now is your chance. The election process for the new WFTGA Executive Board is officially open, and we’re looking for dedicated
Statement on Iran: Solidarity with Tourist Guides and Our Ethical Responsibility
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is following the current situation in Iran with deep concern. Our thoughts are with our Iranian colleagues, with whom we share long-standing professional relationships, personal friendships and a common commitment to the
WFTGA Year-End Update: From Survival to Momentum
Dear Members, dear colleagues, The end of the year is always a good moment to pause and reflect on where we stand. This message was originally intended to reach you before New Year, but as it will now go out
European Tourist Guides Support EU HECTOR Awareness Event on Protecting Touristic Sites
Qualified tourist guides and members of the European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG), representing 25 European countries, were pleased to take part in the EU HECTOR project Awareness Event dedicated to the Protection of Touristic Sites in Europe. The
Convention Bidding Process Update – Meet the Bidders!
The bidding process for the upcoming convention unfolded over two exciting rounds. After not having enough eligible bidders in the first round, we opened a second round to any organization ready to step forward and host — and the response
Merry Christmas 2025 – Light in the Darkness. A Story We Carry Forward
Dear Tourist Guides, Dear Trainers, Dear Colleagues, Dear Partners, Dear Friends, Once upon a time – this is how many of the stories we cherish begin. And it is no coincidence that the Christmas story is among the most powerful
Inclusive city tours by telephone – German project seeks German-speaking guides worldwide
Dear tourist guides, dear WFTGA members, We would like to introduce you to a successful, inclusive project from Germany – and hope that you will be enthusiastic about participating. The idea is as simple as it is effective:
Run your own course with WFTGA’s seal of approval (endorsement)
Did you know that you can create your own course and have it endorsed by the WFTGA? This is exactly what a group of WFTGA Trainers have done. The Online Guided Tours Team that consists of 5 WFTGA trainers created a
Reopening the 2028 Bidding Process
We would like to inform our members and partners of an important update regarding the current bidding round for a future WFTGA Convention. We received several expressions of interest, and the deadline for submitting all required documents was yesterday. Unfortunately,
Hands on Tourist Guiding (HOT) Course – Sabah, Malaysia
The Sabah Tourist Guide Association, with their very own trainers under the leadership of Grace Leong, delivered another HOT Course under accreditation. Course Accreditation empowers our qualified WFTGA Trainers to provide their own courses locally in the place, at the
Convention 2026 – Webinar 2 | Workshops, Keynote speeches, alternative Pre- and Post- Programmes
We’d like to extend an invitation to all of you, both registered participants and those still deciding, to join our second webinar on November 20th at 12:00 (noon) CET. During this session, we will share details about the alternative Pre-
Opening of the WFTGA Train the Trainer Course, Cyprus
Welcome speech to the participants of the Train the Trainer Course, Cyprus 16 to 30 Nov 2025 By Viola Lewis, WFTGA ExBo Member, Head of Training Dear Colleagues, dear esteemed guests, dear supporters and sponsors, Deputy Ministry of Tourism, University
Vox Aura: A New Tool That Supports Tourist Guides and Expands Their Opportunities
Vox Group is pleased to share an update with the international guiding community on the launch of Vox Aura, the new AI-powered device that delivers real-time multilingual commentary during guided tours. The system was introduced at WTM London 2025 and
World Tourism Day 2025 in Theldeniya: A Celebration of Sustainable Tourism
On 10th October 2025, the town of Theldeniya in Sri Lanka hosted a vibrant and meaningful celebration of World Tourism Day, under the theme of ecological awareness, cultural pride, and youth education. The event was organised by the Central Province
WFTGA Applauds Toledo’s Groundbreaking Tourist Flow Ordinance – A Global Model for Sustainable Urban Tourism
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) proudly commends the City of Toledo (Spain) for its pioneering municipal ordinance designed to manage tourist flows in the historic city centre. This forward-looking regulation marks a decisive step toward a sustainable,
Speak Clearly, Lead Confidently: Accent Training for Tourist Guides
A team of volunteers – mainly WFTGA Trainers – came together to provide conversation sessions for our colleagues in Fukuoka, Japan, in preparation for our 2026 Convention. Our ranks were strengthened by Jessica Campbell – an expert on accent improvement. Something
New Partnership: WFTGA and Keyguides Connect – A Digital Opportunity for Tourist Guides Worldwide
We are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership between the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) and Keyguides Connect, a new digital platform designed to empower professional tourist guides across the globe. Keyguides Connect is not just another
Bridging Connections of Understanding
Guild members joined an inspiring cultural orientation at the Embassy of Japan, hosted by the Japan Information & Culture Center, in Washington DC as part of their preparation for the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka. On 20 October 2025, members