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.
From one guide to another: Pope Leo XIV’s message to journalists – an inspiration for tourist guides worldwide
On 12 May 2025, Pope Leo XIV addressed members of the global media with a powerful message that resonates far beyond the walls of newsrooms. His words serve as a profound reminder of the role we play as Tourist Guides—pathfinders,
Global Peace Ambassador Maricar Donato Welcomes WFTGA Affiliate Member Candidate Sahara Holidays in Marrakesh
In the heart of Marrakesh’s historic Old Medina, Global Peace Ambassador and WFTGA Executive Board Member Maricar Donato welcomed Sahara Holidays, represented by El Khalil Balla, as a candidate for WFTGA Affiliate Membership. The warm reception took place at the
WFTGA Statement on the Eurovision Song Contest, Political Neutrality, and the Responsibility for Shared Values
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) has always been a vibrant celebration of music and cultures, bringing together millions of people—regardless of origin, language, or beliefs. Officially, the ESC is considered an apolitical event, prohibiting political gestures and instrumentalisation. However, time
Calling Members to host WFTGA Training Courses
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is constitutionally committed to raising the global standards of professional tourist guiding through high-quality training and promotion of ethical practice worldwide. But we cannot do it alone. At our inaugural Trainer Convention
Commemorating the End of World War II – The Responsibility of Tourist Guides in Addressing Historical and Political Themes
Vienna, 8 May 2025 – On this significant day, marking the end of World War II, we not only remember the historical event but also acknowledge the profound responsibility it carries. Tourist Guides around the world play a crucial role
Trainer Representative 2025 to 2027
WFTGA’s Training Committee proudly oversees the day-to-day training-related activities of our global network for professional tourist guides. The committee’s members hold distinct positions and perform specific, crucial tasks. A key role within the committee is the liaison between the entire
Continuous Profession Development 20th May
Dimitria Papadopoulou (WFTGA Lead International Trainer) This workshop is part of our 2025 series of Continuous Professional Development ‘Stay Ahead, Stay Informed, Stay Inspired’ and will introduce tourist guides to the basic principles for successful communication when they are guiding
WFTGA Convention 2026 Japan | NEWSLETTER 4
Hello everyone, this is Sam Takashima, Chairman of the Host Committee for the WFTGA 2026 Convention. As we prepare for the Fukuoka Convention scheduled for February 2026, the host organisation, K-iTG, has been holding intensive internal meetings and online discussions
Newly qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guides for Scotland
News from the Scottish Tourist Guides Association (STGA) by Vice-Chair Fergus Halliday It was an absolute joy and pleasure to be at the Cowane’s Trust Hospital to welcome our latest batch of qualified guides in Scotland. The Scottish Tourist Guides
Farewell to Pope Francis – A Role Model for Us All
Today, we bid farewell to Pope Francis – a man whose life and work deeply touched the world. He stood as a symbol of kindness, humility, and profound humanity. His unwavering commitment to the poor, the marginalised, and the vulnerable
Save the Date & Book Now for the FEG AGM 2025 in Sweden! ✨️
We’re thrilled to invite all FEG members to the 24th European Tourist Guide Meeting & Delegates Annual General Meeting, taking place in Sweden from 24 to 30 November 2025 and hosted by our member SveGuide Theme: Magic Sweden – From
WFTGA at Interpret Europe 2025 Conference — Sharing Expertise, Embracing New Perspectives
From 11–14 April 2025, Viola Lewis, Susanne Kirchberger and Mateusz Tomaszczyk – three WFTGA trainers proudly represented our global guiding community at the Interpret Europe Conference in Sulejówek, Poland. Set in the inspiring surroundings of the Muzeum Józefa Piłsudskiego, the conference welcomed
WFTGA Engages at ICCA Association Readiness Lab in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. | April 9, 2025 – The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) proudly participated in the ICCA Association Readiness Lab: Navigating Disruption in Unpredictable Times, a dynamic and interactive workshop focused on preparing associations for current and
NEW: Global Networking Forum for Tourist Guides
Launching this April and running through November 2025, we are proud to introduce the Global Networking Forum for Tourist Guides. Hosted by the WFTGA Area Representatives, this new series will offer a dynamic space for continued dialogue, shared learning, and
Airbnb calls for Experience submissions from WFTGA
We’re excited to share that Airbnb is calling for submissions—with powerful features designed to help top-tier operators, hosts, and guides grow their businesses more easily than ever. We think you’ll be a great fit and would love for you to
Celebrating Ruby Roy: A Lifetime of Dedication and Recognition
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is proud to celebrate Ruby Roy, who served as our President from 2003 to 2007. To this day, Ruby remains a valued member of our community, always offering her guidance, support, and
Join the Global Movement: Become a WFTGA Area Representative!
Are you passionate about guiding and eager to make a lasting impact on the global tourism community? The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is calling on dedicated professionals like YOU to step forward as an Area Representative and help shape
Korčula Tourist Guide Association Hosts Croatian Tourist Guide Association’s General Assembly
The Korčula Tourist Guides Association, a proud member of the Croatian Tourist Guide Association (CTGA), recently welcomed fellow guides to Korčula Town for the CTGA General Assembly, held on 8–9 March 2025. The event showcased Korčula’s rich history, cultural heritage,
Empowering Guides in a Changing World: The Latest Innovations from Vox Group
The world of guiding is evolving, and so are the expectations of today’s tech-savvy travellers. As visitor needs shift towards seamless, multilingual, and interactive experiences, guides remain at the heart of this transformation. At Vox Group, we are committed to
A Meaningful Encounter in Singapore: Learning from May Hui
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to meet with fellow tourist guides over a coffee to exchange insights about our profession as well as about training. In Singapore, I had the privilege of joining WFTGA trainer May Hui
International Tourist Guide Day 2025: Tourist Guides as Peace Ambassadors
Every year on 21st February, tourist guides around the world come together to celebrate International Tourist Guide Day (ITGD), honouring their profession and its vital role in society. The 2025 theme, “Tourist Guides as Peace Ambassadors,” highlights the unique contribution
Training Without Borders: Tourist Guides as a Bridge Between Cultures
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia – In a time when borders are being reinforced and differences are often used to divide, Tourist Guides play a crucial role in fostering connections, explaining cultures, and promoting mutual understanding. However, this responsibility requires much more
WFTGA Convention 2026 Japan | NEWSLETTER 3
My name is Sam and I am the Chairman of the Fukuoka Host Committee for 21st WFTGA Convention in 2026. We recently hosted President Sebastian and Head of Training Viola from WFTGA for the site inspection visit. We visited many tourist
The Future of Guiding: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming the Profession
On 31 January, 2025, Sebastian Frankenberger, president of the WFTGA delivered a talk on Artificial Intelligence for Tourist Guides to members of the NFTGA. He showed how recent developments in A.I. can now enable guides to automate and simplify many
2025 WFTGA Sabah Trainer Convention – Workshop Announcement 6
Have you ever wondered if you are fully up-to-date with your training methods or if there are ways to work smarter? Learn from Maricar Donato, the master of embracing trends and innovations and be inspired by her energy and passion
2025 WFTGA Sabah Trainer Convention – Workshop Announcement 5
Working as a tourist guide and especially trainer of tourist guides can bring stress and intensity. We all want to give our best, always. However, we can’t look after others, if we don’t look after ourselves and find ways to
2025 WFTGA Sabah Trainer Convention – Workshop Announcement 3 and 4
The Art of Storytelling in Training Wildlife/Nature Guiding Facilitator: Grace Leong (WFTGA National Trainer) With her extensive 35 years guiding experience and continuing training assignments with Government and Colleges, as well as WFTGA, Grace will be leading 2 workshops
International Tourist Guide Day 2025
Tourist Guides as Peace Ambassadors – this is a bold vision, but one deeply rooted in our history. Since our foundation, we have been promoting peace by telling the stories of the past and showing how peace has transformed communities.
2025 WFTGA Sabah Trainer Convention – Workshop Announcement 2
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) give us an overarching and wide-reaching framework for ambition and action. Discover how you already embrace the SDG and how to further integrate them into your training activities. Topic: Training Tourist Guides as
2025 WFTGA Sabah Trainer Convention – Workshop Announcement 1
What exactly is the role of WFTGA trainers and how can they become truly sustainable, with leaving a legacy across cultures? Topic: Facilitation in the work of the trainer (ITtT debrief) Facilitator: Mateusz Tomaszczyk (WFTGA Lead International Trainer) Description: The
