Training Without Borders: Tourist Guides as a Bridge Between Cultures
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia โ 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 than just local knowledgeโit demands excellent guiding skills, intercultural competence, conflict management abilities, and the […]
Online links
Dear online participant of the WFTGA Trainer Convention, We are delighted you will join us online for the hybrid events of our WFTGA Trainer Convention in Sabah, Malaysia. Please refer to the programme WFTGA Trainer Convention 2025 for the details of the hybrid sessions. In addition to the earlier advertised sessions, we have added […]
Convention 2026 | NEWSLETTER 3
My name is Sam and I am the Chairman of the Fukuoka Host Committee for 21st WFTGAย Convention in 2026.ย We recently hosted President Sebastian and Head of Trainingย Viola from WFTGA for the site inspection visit.ย We visited many tourist places in Fukuoka and we are satisfied with the progression of the convention planning.ย ย
3rd up-date for in-person participants
Dear in-person participants of the WFTGA Trainer Convention in Sabah, Here comes the third up-date on our up-coming Trainer Convention. For those of you, who have just registered, please scroll down to see the earlier e-mails. Thank you for sending your arrival times / flight itineraries to the organisers. If you havenโt done so, please […]
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.ย He showed how recent developments in A.I. can now enable guides to automate and simplify many time-consuming tasks such as replying to emails, creating and updating schedules, preparing summary documents of […]
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 for training.ย Topic: Smart, Sustainable and Savvy – Modernise your Training Methods Facilitator: Maricar Donato […]
2nd up-date for participants
Dear WFTGA Trainers, WFTGA Members and aspiring trainers, Dear Participants of the WFTGA Trainer Convention in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, I have now arrived in Kota Kinabalu and look forward to seeing you โ either in-person or online โ in just under 2 weeksโ time. Our hosts, the Sabah Tourist Guides Association, are pulling out all […]
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 canโt look after others, if we donโt look after ourselves and find ways to relax. Topic: Health & Wellness in Training – The Use of Essential Oil by Mdm […]
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 with special emphasis on sustainable training and guiding practices. Join us for the Inaugural WFTGA […]
International Tourist Guide Day 2025
Tourist Guides as Peace Ambassadors โ 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. Who better to illustrate the impact of peace than tourist guides? We guide visitors through […]
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.ย Topic: Training Tourist Guides as facilitators of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Facilitators: Viola Lewis (WFTGA Lead International Trainer) and […]
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 workshop is intended to point out the differences in the facilitator’s approach in the context […]
Sebastian Frankenberger Highlights Ethical Responsibility of Tour Guides in an Era of Misinformation and Populism
Yesterday, Sebastian Frankenberger, president of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, addressed a group of DC tour guides at the George Washington School of Business on the Ethical Responsibility of Tourist Guides in the Age of Alternative Truths and Populism. He explained that tourist guides today, in addition to conveying historical and architectural information, […]
Tourist Guiding During Turbulent Times – Maria Rastvorova (WFTGA National Trainer)
I am feeling very proud and professionally happy about the start of the New 2025 year with the online session l initiated, moderated and co-organised as Mariia Rastvorova_(WFTGA National Tourist Guide Trainer for Ukraine) with a great support of Mateusz Tomaszczyk (WFTGA Lead International Trainer) and Viola Lewis (Head of WFTGA Training) Geopolitical turbulence has […]
up-date for participants
Dear Colleagues, Dear WFTGA Trainers, WFTGA Members and aspiring trainers, Dear Participants of the WFTGA Trainer Convention in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Just over 3 weeks to go until we meet for our first ever Trainer Convention. Thank you for registering and lending your support โ either in-person or online. You can look forward to an […]
2025 Sabah Trainer Convention – Keynote Speakers announced
Only three weeks to go to our inaugural WFTGA Trainer Convention in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The convention theme is Sustainable Training without Borders.ย We are delighted to announce three prestigious keynote speakers who will address this theme during the opening plenary on Thursday 20 Feb 2025: Dr. Maklarin Bin Lakim (Director of Sabah Parks) […]
SNATTI โ Guias de Portugal Certification & Quality Tests for National and Regional Tourist Guides
SNATTI โ Guias de Portugalย is pleased to announce that, from January 13 to February 5, the Certification and Quality Tests for National and Regional Tourist Guides will take place.ย These tests represent a crucial milestone in promoting professionalism and excellence in the sector, paving the way for obtaining the prestigiousย Official Tourist GuideBadge, an exclusive designation […]
WFTGA Cyprus International Training Centre hosts 2 successful courses
(Report by Demetra Argyrou Viguier, WFTGA Lead International Trainer) The WFTGA “Train the Trainer” and โInternational Train the Trainerโ Courses, held in Cyprus in November 2024, have successfully concluded, marking an important milestone in the professional development of tourist guides from across the globe. This intensive two-week training brought together participants from 11 countries, creating […]
Convention 2026 | NEWSLETTER 2
My name is Miz and I am the President of Team Japan K-iTG. Thank you to the many people who submitted their Intention Surveys. We have received many comments from many people across the globe that they would like to visit Japan. At the WFTGA 2026 Bid held in Sicily, Italy, Japan was selected as […]
Happy Holidays!
As we approach the close of 2024 and look forward to an exciting 2025, I am filled with gratitude for the immense support we have received throughout this journey. Together, we have laid the groundwork for many of the ideas we plan to bring to fruition in the coming year. I invite you to explore […]
WFTGA Office Closure
The WFTGA Volunteers will be taking a well deserved break for the festive season from 20 December 2024 to 06 January 2025. During this period, our office will be unavailable, and responses to emails and other communications may be delayed. We look forward to serving you again when we reopen on 07 January 2025. We […]
2025 WFTGA Trainer Convention – register now
We are thrilled to invite all WFTGA Trainers to join the first ever Trainer Convention, hosted by the Sabah Tourist Guide Association.ย Let’s get together for a global gathering dedicated to advancing excellence in tourist guide training while embracing sustainability and innovation. Register here: WFTGA TRAINER CONVENTION 2025 REGISTRATION FORM Download the Trainer Convention Brochure here […]
Strengthening Global Ties: Maricar Donatoโs Visit to SLINT GL in Sri Lanka
On December 3, 2024, WFTGA Global Brand Ambassador Maricar Donato had the privilege of visiting the Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers (SLINT GL), a Full Member of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA). The visit marked a significant moment of cultural exchange and professional collaboration. Donato was welcomed with a […]
WFTGA Executive Board Meets with Cyprus Deputy Minister of Tourism
The Executive Board (WxBo) of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) held a productive meeting with the Deputy Minister of Tourism of Cyprus, Mr. Kostas Koumis, on Monday, November 25, 2024. The meeting, conducted in a constructive and collaborative atmosphere at the offices of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, also included representatives from […]
WFTGA President delivers Keynote at FEG Meeting
The President of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA), Sebastian Frankenberger, had the honour of addressing the Federation of European Tourist Guide Associations (FEG) during their annual meeting on the historic island of Rhodes. The event brought together professional tourist guides from across Europe to discuss key issues facing the profession. In his […]
WFTGA ExBo member meet with colleagues from the Sabah Tourist Guide Association
During her family vacation in Sabahย Malaysia, WFTGA ExBo member and appointedย secretary Ivana ฤuruvija, had a chance to meet with colleagues from the Sabah Tourist Guide Association. Ivana and her family were privileged to be guided by WFTGA International Trainer Roger Rajah, the president of STGA, and WFTGA National Trainer, the Viceย president of STGA, Grace Leong […]
History of the Yerevan International Training Center
The history of the Yerevan International Training Center began in 2014 when at the Ministry of Economy of Armenia the WFTGA President Felicitas Wressnig and Lia Bakhshinyan, President of the Armenian Guides Guild (AGG), signed the document that stated the establishment of the center. However, our first acquaintance with the WFTGA had taken place even […]
Convention 2026 | NEWSLETTER 1
Join us for the first EVER international convention of tourist guides in Japan. We look forward to the opportunity to introduce Fukuoka to the international participants and tourist guides of the WFTGA. Become โFukuoka ambassadorsโ while we showcase our local members the โglobal standardโ of guiding. We want to help our members learn about international […]
The WFTGA 21st Tourist Guide Convention 2026 website is now live!
The WFTGA 21st Tourist Guide Convention 2026 website is now live! During the coming weeks and months we will be adding further information.ย convention.wftga.org ย Save the date:ย Main Convention: 9th to 13th February 2026 Pre Programme: 5th to 8th February 2026 Post Programme: 13th to 17th February 2026 Convention 2026 intention survey to attend:ย […]
Three HOT Courses in Almaty
With the sponsorship support of Almaty Tourism Department, WFTGA delivered 2 HOT (Hands on Tourist Guiding) courses in Almaty, with the 3rd one to follow. The team of Lead International Trainers, including Gennadiy Chudnovets, Jean Wang and Ivana ฤuruvija, was working with the support of WFTGA National Trainers Zhanar Gabit to organise and deliver a […]
Launch of Social Media Campaign – Training Thursday
We are live with Training Thursday – a snappy, eye-catching introduction to you, our WFTGA Trainers on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instragram. How can you feature: update your Trainer Profile on the website e-mail us a high resolution qualify photograph of yourself in action as tourist guide or trainer Answer 4 simple questions: Where do you […]
Strategic Partnership to Support Culinary Tourism Industry Growth
The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) and the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) are thrilled to announce the relaunch of their strategic partnership, focusing on the training and certification of culinary tourist guides and tour directors. This collaboration aims to address the growing interest in food and beverage as primary attractions for travelers […]
Save the date: 1st WFTGA Trainer Convention
We are excited to announce the launch of a biennial interim conference that will take place between the WFTGA Conventions. We are pleased to share that the Tourist Guide Association of Malaysia, Sabah, has made a wonderful offer to host the first Trainer Conference. This event will be held from 18th to 21st February 2025 […]
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 […]