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.
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
New WFTGA Endorsed Course – The ABC of online guided tours
New CPD Opportunity for Tourist Guides We are delighted to announce the launch of the ABC of Online Guided Tours (OGT) CPD Training Course, endorsed by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA). Free course preview: Join us on Tuesday, November 4,
Reflections of a newly qualified WFTGA National Trainer
WFTGA Train the Trainer Course – Willemstad, Curaçao – supported by Curaçao Tourist Board This past August, I had the privilege of joining the WFTGA’s Train the Trainer course in Willemstad, Curaçao, organised by the Curaçao Tourist Board. As a
World Tourism Day Celebration in Makeni Elevates Tourism with NACTOG Sierra Leone
Makeni, Sierra Leone — The National Association of Certified Tourist Guides (NACTOG) Sierra Leone amplified World Tourism Day with a dynamic programme featuring a symposium, cultural displays, and a children’s fun day. The event underscored Makeni’s embrace of World Tourism
World Tourism Day 2025 – “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”
Tourist Guides and the Real Work of Sustainable Transformation Vienna – On this year’s World Tourism Day, celebrated under the UN’s theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) proudly reaffirms its commitment to a
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Munich Tourist Guide Association
Munich, Germany – The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is proud to join the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the Munich Tourist Guide Association. On this special occasion, WFTGA President Sebastian Frankenberger addressed the gathering, paying tribute
Guiding Peace: Building Bridges Through Tourism – On the Occasion of the 80th United Nations General Assembly
Vienna – On this significant day, as the United Nations convenes its 80th General Assembly under the banners of peace, cooperation and sustainable development, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) stands in alignment with these global aspirations. As
The First DOT Tour Guide Summit in the Philippines
On 17 September 2025, the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Office of Human Capital Development (OHCD) brought together around 400 tour guides from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for the first-ever Tour Guide Summit in Cebu City. With the theme “Love Our
Endorsed CPD Course: Halal Tourist Guide Training
Earlier this year WFTGA endorsed the first CPD Course. Now the team is ready to bring this course to you. To put your name on the mailing list for course dates e-mail the course team. What is it about? Tourist
Responsible Tourist Behavior Guidelines
Drafted by SIT Faculty Distributed at Beijing Tourist Guide Stations The Responsible Tourist Behavior Guidelines, drafted by Mr. Liu Tang, faculty member of the Shanghai Institute of Tourism, have recently been distributed at tourist guide stations across Beijing. Developed in
Registrations Now Open for the CPD Course: Heritage Interpretation – Kraków, Poland, December 2025
WFTGA is delighted to announce the next Continuous Professional Development opportunity for qualified tourist guides: the Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training course, certified by Interpret Europe. This 5-day, in-person programme will take place in Kraków, Poland, from 8–12 December 2025,
Shanghai Institute of Tourism Students Showcase Responsible Tourist Behavior and Net Zero Carbon Tourism at World Vocational College Skills Competition
At the 2025 World Vocational College Skills Competition taking place on 25-26 August, 2025, four students from the Tourism Management Program of the Shanghai Institute of Tourism won the Silver Award in the Tourism track with their project “Silk Road
Slow tourism, simple freedom – with the Deutschlandticket
One click, one subscription, and you’re free: the Deutschlandticket lets you travel all local and regional trains, buses, trams and metros across Germany for 58€ per month. Add your bike for just 6€ a day and suddenly the country opens
In Memory of Giovanna Maria Giammarino — A Call to Action for the Guiding Profession
It is with profound sorrow that the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) learns of the tragic passing of Giovanna Maria Giammarino, a 56-year-old Italian tourist guide who collapsed and died while leading a tour at the Colosseum amid
Bidding for the Convention 2028
We are excited to announce that bidding for the WFTGA Convention 2028 is now open – with a completely redesigned process. We have learned from past experiences and created a clear, transparent, and supportive bidding framework, now outlined step-by-step on
Call for Keynote Speakers & Workshop Facilitators
As we prepare for the WFTGA Convention 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan, we are looking for inspiring keynote speakers and experienced workshop leaders to contribute to our diverse and dynamic programme. This is a unique opportunity to share your expertise, inspire
WFTGA Statement – Support for Maintaining Licensing Requirements for Tourist Guides in Montreal
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) has issued a formal statement to the City of Montreal, expressing strong support for keeping the licensing requirement for tourist guides in place. Licensing ensures high professional standards, protects visitor safety, supports
WFTGA Statement – Appeal to Preserve Bulgaria’s Tourist Guiding Regulation
he World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) has formally appealed to the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria to maintain its existing Tourist Guiding Regulation. This regulation ensures that only qualified, certified guides may professionally practise in
Best Tourist Guide of Chile – Training, Inspiring, and Celebrating Excellence
Best Tourist Guide of Chile – Training, Inspiring, and Celebrating Excellence By Helga Sturzenegger, WFTGA International Trainer What a privilege and a joy to recently train 26 passionate tourist guides from FEGUITUR Chile as part of the very first National
Introducing co-opted WFTGA Training Committee Member: Zhanar Gabit
Following the Sabah Trainer Convention earlier this year the Training Committee has welcomed a number of co-opted members, who are now contributing their talents and time to specific training-related projects. Today, let’s meet National Trainer in Kazakhstan: Zhanar Gabit (pictured above at the
Convention 2026 | Optional Tours
we’re absolutely thrilled that preparations for the WFTGA Convention 2026 are well underway, and we wake up each morning to new registrations from all over the world! ❤️ This incredible demand brings some bittersweet news: The Pre-Programme is indeed sold-out.
Weaves and Wonders: Tour Guides Preserving Cultural and Natural Heritage Through Responsible Tourism
The 12th National Tour Guides Convention and General Assembly, hosted in the breathtaking province of Davao Oriental, was a convergence of passion, culture, and professional growth. Organized by the Philippine Federation of Professional Tour Guide Associations, Inc. (TGFed) in partnership
Walking with Legends: A Cultour Card Visit to Recoleta Cemetery
By Helga Sturzenegger, WFTGA Member Thanks to the Cultour Card, I recently enjoyed free access and a guided tour of Recoleta Cemetery, one of Buenos Aires’ most iconic landmarks. Often compared to Père Lachaise in Paris, Recoleta stands out as a place where Argentine history and
Lion Sands’ Jason Gipson wins Safari Guide of the Year 2025 at Prestigious National Awards
The prestigious Safari Guide of the Year Awards (SGOTY) has officially named Jason Gipson of Lion Sands Game Reserve as the 2025 Safari Guide of the Year, following an intense multi-day competition held at Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern
WFTGA at the FEGUITUR International Convention in San Pedro de Atacama
Our two Area Representatives, Helga Sturzenegger and Patricia Oviedo, had the pleasure and unique opportunity to participate in the international convention organized by FEGUITUR in the stunning setting of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. The programme featured inspiring and thought-provoking
WFTGA Statement on Heat Warnings: Professional Responsibility Begins with Self-Care
As heatwaves across Europe intensify, our responsibility as tourist guides grows – not just toward our guests, but also toward ourselves. Extreme heat is no longer an exception; it is a new reality that demands attention, adaptation, and solidarity within
“Free Tours” in Focus: A Fair Dialogue on Quality, Professionalism and Sustainable Practices
In recent years, Free Tours have become a familiar feature in urban tourism landscapes worldwide. What began as an innovative, customer-oriented model—offering “pay-what-you-like” walking tours—has grown into a global phenomenon. These tours, often promoted via digital platforms with impressive marketing
Convention 2026 Japan – Register now!
A huge thank you to so many of you who joined us live for the webinar introducing the 2026 Convention! We were truly delighted and overwhelmed to see people from all over the world connecting with us and each other.