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.
WFTGA Area Representative Sergio Buitrago at FIEXPO Latin America
WFTGA Area Representative Sergio Buitrago at FIEXPO Latin America Sergio Buitrago attended FIEXPO Latin America 2026 as a Hosted Buyer representing the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) in his capacity as Area Representative for Central and South America.
News from the Global Networking Forums
Starting in January 2026, WFTGA Area Representatives from the Americas, Oceania, Caribbean, Europe, and Asia hosted six Global Networking Forums (GNF); three more hosted by Team Africa are coming up over the summer. The series will continue in the autumn
Welcome New Area Representatives!
From Europe to Asia, Africa to the Americas, our WFTGA Area Representatives have been the cornerstone of unity and progress. Their dedication and tireless efforts have forged connections, empowered communities, and elevated our profession worldwide. We are excited to introduce
Proposal for new ISO Working Group on Tourist Guide Services
At the recent plenary meeting of ISO/TC 228 held in Hangzhou on 16 May 2026, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) together with Japan Industrial Standards Committee proudly presented the proposal to establish a new ISO Working Group dedicated to tourist guide services. The
Healing Happens in the Encounter — Why Tourist Guides Are Europe’s Untapped Health Resource
A New Voice in the Health Tourism Conversation The Overlooked Health Partners Whilst Europe debates the future of health tourism — from spa towns and salt caves to forest bathing, alpine recovery and resort-based wellness — one professional group works
Western Japan Social Media Contest – Winner Announcement
❤️ A huge thank you to everyone who participated! With over 500 entries, you beautifully showcased the charm of Western Japan to the world and helped pave the way for the future of our local tourism. Without further ado, we
Want to host the 2027 Trainer Conference – last call
Last Call! The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is calling on members, partners and stakeholders to host our 2nd Trainer Conference in 2027. This premier event features both the core conference and pre- and post-conference training courses. We
A warm welcome to WFTGA’s new National Trainers
Since 2006, WFTGA has hosted training courses at its Cyprus International Training Centre (ITC), in collaboration with the University of Cyprus and with the support of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. These courses provide experienced tourist guides with the opportunity
35 Years Union of Bulgarian Tourist Guides – Guardians of Cultural Authenticity and Accessible Culture
On behalf of the Union of Bulgarian Tourist Guides (UBTG), we are pleased to inform you about the successful conference held on 20 February 2026 in Varna, Bulgaria, on the occasion of the International Tourist Guide Day with the support
Training Deaf-Certified Guides – A Journey of Learning, Solutions, and Inclusion
by Sarah Janning-Picker (WFTGA National Trainer and Area Representative) At the end of 2024, Hamburg Guides launched a dedicated training initiative together with three deaf participants, developed in close collaboration with the local Deaf Association. The idea was sparked by
Women Guiding the World – Recognise, Respect and Support Female Tourist Guides
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) recognises and celebrates the vital contribution of women in tourist guiding worldwide. Tourist guiding is a profession shaped and strengthened by women. Globally, an estimated
WFTGA endorses first external CPD course for Tourist Guides – an exciting new chapter of stakeholder engagement
WFTGA is pleased to announce a ground-breaking co-operation with a new stakeholder – AR Tours, based in Naples, Italy. AR Tours is an established expert in developing digital augmented reality content for historic sites. Eager to extend their reach and
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