Train the Trainer Course – Applications now OPEN
Are you ready to refresh your guiding skills and upgrade to become a WFTGA Trainer? We are again offering a 14-day in-person Train the Trainer Course at our International Training Centre in beautiful Cyprus, from 17 Nov to 01 Dec 2024. Applications are now open and will close on 15 September 2024. Places are limited […]
Liaison between Training Committee and Area Reps
On 05 Aug the TC will meet the Area Reps to gain more insight into each other’s roles and to strengthen co-operation and communication. To make this happen the Training Committee has appointed its member Hussein Dehghan as permanent liaison between the 2 teams. Who better than Hussein, who has been a long-standing Area Rep […]
Historic Participation for โEmpowering African Tourist Guides: Collaborative Strategies for Successโ
We are delighted to announce that the upcoming virtual event, โEmpowering African Tourist Guides: Collaborative Strategies for Success,โ has garnered unprecedented interest, with over 330 participants registered. This significant turnout reflects the growing recognition of the vital role tourist guides play in promoting sustainable tourism and enriching visitor experiences across Africa. Scheduled for 20th July, […]
Host Committee official Kick-Off
Thanks to the last WFTGA Convention in Siracusa, โTeam Japanโ for inviting WFTGA 2026 Convention has been smoothly converted into the Host Committee. We had a kick-off session at K-iTG Annual Assembly with 90 attendees of professional guides, travel agencies and local governments on June-8. At the session, we performed โDontakuโ โ the local festival […]
11th National Tour Guides Convention and 2nd Philippine Tour Guides Conference and Caravan
The 11th National Tour Guides Convention and 2nd Philippine Tour Guides Conference and Caravanheld last June 9-11, 2024 at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City was a beautiful experience attended by more than 200 Tour guides from different organization nationwide. The MULATGAP, Multi-ligual Accredited Tour Guides Association of the Philippines headed by their President Evangeline Ana Sevilla […]
Meet the Board – June 2024
Tea Chats are back, and we’ve given them a fresh twist! Introducing “Meet the Board” Chats-a super casual, once-a-month online hangout where you can chat with board members about anything you want. Mark your calendars for our first get-together: Date: June 7, 2024 Time: 18:30 PM CET (Vienna time) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85023681704 This time, […]
Ready is the Guide training (educational) Film โLand of Bay(s) / Cool Landโ
An educational (training) film “Land of Bay(s) / Cool Land” about Lahemaa National Park and historical Lahemaa tour guiding. (Subtitles in English). Length: 28.26. In the film, Marek Vahula, the lifelong famous guide of Lahemaa National Park exemplifies his approx. 70 tour guide tips. With the help of the film, guide Marek’s strong vision of […]
Social Media Campaigns
Members’ Monday We are restarting this popular social media event on Instagram and facebook. Every Monday one Association Member will be highlighted. For this, we need material from you! Keeping it short and simple will help. It should boost impact and hits. You can share the WFTGA post featuring your association โ a two-way street. […]
Area Representatives of the WFTGA get going
Liaisons between the WFTGA Board and WFTGA’s membership Our Area Representatives are appointed by the Executive Board to act as liaison between the Board and WFTGAโs membership. This is to encourage new membership and assist with the formation of Tourist Guide Associations where no Associations exist. Both Executive Board Members and Area Representatives are active […]
Meet the WFTGA Training Committee 2024 – 2026
WFTGA is dedicated to the promotion of high standards of training and ethics within the [tourist guide] profession (WFTGA Constitution, Article 2). Hence, we have a team of qualified and dedicated trainers, called the Training Division. The day-to-day training-related activities are led by the WFTGA Training Committee, which is formed every 2 years. Meet the […]
The WFTGA ExBo 2024 – 2026
In the constitutive session of the Executive Board, in accordance with the WFTGA Constitution we, as Executive Board, have elected the Vice President, the Secretary and appointed the Head of the Training Division. ย President: Sebastian Frankenberger Sebastian Frankenberger brings over 20 years of extensive experience in tourism, particularly as a guide and trainer. […]
Persian Phoenix to rise from pandemic ashes celebrating 2024 ITGD with 900 members
Iran Federation of Tourist Guide Associations could hold its ITGD convention after fours years of hiatus with 100 guests of honor reaching a totall of 1000 people in the convention on Friday 17 Februrary 2024 in Tehran.ย Aside from the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism & Tourism and his Tourism Deputy, and some top managers, […]
INTERNATIONAL TOURIST GUIDE DAY 2024
On the 21stย of February each year we celebrate the occasion of International Tourist Guide Day. This is a day dedicated to the profession of Tourist Guiding and affords us the opportunity to highlight and showcase this profession on the global stage. This is a day that was set in motion in 1989 at the 3rd […]
A message from the outgoing President, Alushca Ritchie 2017 – 2024
Colleagues, Friends, and Members, As I stand before you today, I am filled with a mix of emotions – gratitude, nostalgia, and a tinge of sadness. It is with a heavy heart that I address you as I bid farewell to this incredible association. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to […]
JANE ORDE SCHOLARSHIP 2024
Thank you to all the participants who contributed with items towards the auction and raffle draws. These assisted in raising funds towards future Jane Orde Scholarship recipients.ย Our three Jane Orde Scholarship recipients finally met in person at the 20th Convention in Italy. We are proud to have hosted them and look forward to hearing […]
Welcome to the WFTGA Executive Board Members for 2024 – 2026
The WFTGA are pleased to announce the elected President for 2024 – 2026 as Sebastian Frankenberger, Germany.ย He will be supported by theย elected WFTGA Executive Board for 2024 – 2026, Viola Lewis (UK/Scotland), James Saunders (Canada), Juan Ignacio Vazquez (Spain), Kalliopi Panou (Greece), Cristina Leal (Portugal) and Ivana Curuvija (Serbia).
Tourist guides as peace ambassadors
WFTGA serves as the global forum for professional tourist guides and operates as a non-political organization. Our worldwide Tourist Guide members play a crucial role as peace ambassadors, fostering unity among cultures and people. Functioning as heritage interpreters, we advocate for a value-based approach to heritage interpretation, standing firm in our commitment to a peaceful […]
WFTGA Convention 2026 – K-iTG, Fukuoka, Japan
The hosts for the 21st WFTGA Convention 2026, as voted by the Delegates at the 2024 General Assembly will be WFTGA Member association K-iTG, Fukuoka, Japan. The announcement was made at the Gala Dinner.
News from Indonesian Tourist Guides Association
Indonesia Tourist Guides Association mourns the death of their former President and SEATGA President too, Mangku Nyoman Kandia who passed away last January 16, 2024 just before our Siracusa Convention due to a Heart Attack while training tourist guides in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He was 58. He will missed by his colleagues and as well as […]
Train the Trainer Course CANCELLED
It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that the Train the Trainer Course, planned for March 2024, in Armenia had to be cancelled. Our colleagues in Armenia are facing severe geo-political and economic problems and up until now were unable the confirm sponsorship for the course. Hotel prices are extremely […]
WFTGA CONVENTION – 2026 BIDDING COUNTRIES
In alphabetical order we can confirm the following four 2026 bidding countries and associations will continueย through to Italy for the final presentations and Q&A sessions before voting takes place by your Delegates. IRELAND – Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland (ATGI CLG) JAPAN – Kyushu Association of Interpreters, Translators and Guide-Interpreters (K-iTG) MALAYSIA – Sabah Tourist […]
WFTGA Association Journeys 2023
The annual WFTGA Association Journeys will take place from 05 -08 December 2023.ย This is an opportunity for our WFTGA Association Members to share their challenges, success stories and member activities. It will be an opportunity and environment to inspire, learn, and acknowledge one another.ย All Tourist Guides, Tourism officials and members of the public […]
Applications for Train the Trainer Course now open
The next open WFTGA Train the Trainer (TtT) Course will be offered in Yerevan, Armenia from 10 to 23 March 2024. Applications are now open via this link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TtTArmenia2024 This 14-day course is residential and accommodation is included in the course fee. Course fees are likely to be in the region of 2,500 EUR per […]
Jane Orde Scholarship 2024 Recipients Announced
The WFTGA Executive Board are pleased to announce that this year two recipients have been selected to attend the WFTGA Convention in 2024. Following an overwhelming quantity of applications and an internal selection process identifying recipients that meet the requirements and objectives of the WFTGA, the following two recipients will be joining us in Siracusa, […]
International Tourist Guide Day 2024
On the 21st of February each year we celebrate the occasion of International Tourist Guide Day. This is a day dedicated to the profession of Tourist Guiding and affords us the opportunity to highlight and showcase this profession on the global stage. This is a day that was set in motion in 1989 at the […]
Jane Orde Scholarship
Jane Orde Scholarship About the Jane Orde Scholarship The Jane Orde Scholarship was created to assist Tourist Guides lacking sufficient funds to attend the WFTGA International Conventions. Once again, with thanks to the Androus Foundation and colleagues, we are able to offer the Jane Orde Scholarship to assist a Tourist Guide to participate in our […]
SPAM ALERT!!
URGENT: SPAM ALERT – Beware of Impersonation Emails ย We would like to bring to your attention an important matter concerning your online safety and security. It has come to our notice that there is an ongoing spam campaign involving fraudulent emails impersonating the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) board members. ย These […]
Global Tea Chat – August 2023
Global Tea Chats are informal, on-line conversations amongst tourist guides, friends and colleagues hosted by WFTGA President – Alushca Ritchie. This informal chat takes place during regular intervals throughout the year as a check-in with you – our member. No need to register – links are shared on our social media platforms. Whether you are […]
International Friendship Day
The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. The WFTGA Logoย demonstrates these ‘hands of friendship’ stretched across the globe. Happy International Day of Friendship (30th July) to all our […]
New Year Message
2023 has arrived and we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely wish you all the very best for the New Year. Each year is a gift that holds hope for new adventures. Over the past 12 months we have focused largely on the recovery of the Tourism and Tourist Guiding sectors. Moving forward […]
Join us this week for the 2022 Association Journeys!
Join us this week for the 2022 Association Journeys!ย These presentations are an opportunity for our members to share their success stories, challenges and their future plans.ย Now in its third year, the Journeys have proven to be a wonderful platform to learn from others and share news that traditionally is shared in the format of […]
WORLD STANDARDS DAY observed on 14 October highlights the importance of standards in all sectors.
โShared vision for a better worldย ~ We want a world that is better, fairer and more sustainable. A world that can be enjoyed today and protected for future generations. The Sustainable Development Goals SDGs) represent a shared vision for peace and prosperity, for people and the planet. Every SDG is a call for action, but […]
WFTGA Train the Trainer Course – last chance to apply
There are only a few places left for our in-person Train the Trainer Course at the WFTGA International Training Centre in Cyprus – course dates: 13 to 26 Nov 2022. Applications close on Mon 15 Aug. Find our more and apply here and nowย ย Participating in a WFTGA Course at our Training Centres is a […]
One month to go …
Applications for the WFTGA Train the Trainer Course at the International Training Centre in Cyprus will close on 15 August. You have one month to submit your application for joining the WFTGA family for this intensive and rewarding course – ‘Many friendships are born at the WFTGA ITCs’.ย click here to find out more
Virtual Members Meetings May 2022
Dear Members We have a new round of . If you have not received your invitation please email membership@wftga.org The All important dates are below. ย All times are Central European Time (Vienna) Schedule 10th May Tuesday at 09:15hrs South East Asia and Oceania 11th May Wednesday at 16:15hrs North and South America 12th May Thursday […]
In-person WFTGA Training Courses are back
After a break of 2 years we are delighted to again offer in-person training courses at the WFTGA International Training Centre in Cyprus.ย Train the Trainer Course – 13 to 27 Nov 2022 International Train the Trainer Course – 13 to 27 Nov 2022 (fully subscribed) departure on Mon 28 Nov 2022 The Train the […]
Join us for our hybrid convention in Madrid or online!
You are invited! 7th – 10th February 2022 The WFTGA invite you to join us at the 2022 Hybrid Convention. We look forward to seeing you either in person at our Hub in Madrid, Spain, or virtually! Please, see the programme and registration at our convention website. We are looking forward to seeing you again!
Due to global Pandemic, WFTGA ExBo and Serbian Hosts have made a difficult decision to no longer run the 19th Convention in Novi Sad Serbia.
Dear Colleagues, Tourist Guides, WFTGA Partners and Friends, ย This announcement serves to inform you that the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Executive Board in collaboration with our Hosts, the Serbian National Tourist Guide Association, have made the difficult decision to no longer run the 19th WFTGA Convention scheduled to take place in February […]
2024 Convention Bidding Countries and Associations announced!
The WFTGA Executive Board and Convention Team are pleased to announce the list of 2024 Bidding countries and Associations. We were extremely impressed with the high quality of the submissions. Having received an unprecedented amount of submissions to host the WFTGA 2024 Convention we will be featuring an elimination round towards the end of November […]
14 OCTOBER – WORLD STANDARDS DAY
“Shared vision for a better world ~ We want a world that is better, fairer and more sustainable. A world that can be enjoyed today and protected for future generations. The Sustainable Development Goals SDGs) represent a shared vision for peace and prosperity, for people and the planet. Every SDG is a call for action, […]
Associations Journey 2021
This is an opportunity for our WFTGA Association Members to share their challenges and success stories following the unprecedented time we have faced this year. Why not use it as a platform to share your goals and projects for the reactivation of Tourism and Tourist Guiding in the coming months. It will be an opportunity […]
Convention 2022 โ Newsletter#7
Early bird registration is now open! Newsletter#7 [registration] (PDF)
Meet us at the WTM London 2021
Welcome to the World Travel Market We bring the travel industry together through world leading events, content and digital tools, which make it easier for you to find personal and business opportunities and do more effective business. We support the growth of your business and the global travel industry by facilitating new connections and lasting […]
Convention 2022 โ Newsletter#6
Our Newsletter #6 is here! Newsletter #6 final (PDF)
WFTGA mini virtual Conference
15th September at 15:30 CET (Vienna) Main Guest Speaker: Professor Karen HarrisTopic: “Doubling up Tourism in Times of Trouble: A Covid Survival Strategy” Join us as we explain the purpose and traditions ofย ‘International Tourist Guide Day’ย (celebrated on 21st February of each year). How can you participate? How can you join Tourist Guides across the globe […]
Training Handbook for Silk Road Heritage Guides
They are here! The printed copies of the Training Handbook for Silk Road Heritage Guides have arrived in the WFTGA library. First published in 2016, UNESCO and WFTGA set out to produce a revised and extended edition of this popular handbook, which is used in tourist guide training throughout Central Asia. The global pandemic meant […]
WFTGA Tree – World Environment Day
Around the world the tourist guide community is mindful of World Environment Day โ not only on one day, but every day. How do Tourist Guides contribute to the protection of our natural environment? How do we engage in a beneficial way with local communities? Is it possible to earn a living in the tourism […]
Register now for the Convention 2022
Express your interest to join us in Novi Sad, Serbia in February 2022 by pre-registering. Pre-registration will give you direct access to the Convention Newsletter, the latest news and you will be the first to receive the opportunity to register for the Early Bird registrations and choose your preferred Convention hotel. register now
Convention 2022 – Newsletter#5
Vojvodina is a Balkan melting pot, with over 20 nationalities living here. With such cultural diversity comes many celebrations filled with a rainbow of customs all year long. During early spring we have two Easters โ one celebrated following Catholic and the other celebrated following Orthodox customs. Most of the families celebrate both, as friends […]
FOOD TRAVEL TALK!
Access the recording here:ย https://youtu.be/116v6Qa2XLQ To find our more about the online course visit: https://members.worldfoodtravel.org/courses/culinary-tourist-guide-certification/ WFTGA Tourist Guide members receive a discount! Contact us to find out moreย info@wftga.org
