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 than just local knowledge—it demands excellent guiding skills, intercultural competence, conflict management abilities, and the skill to engage in meaningful discussions. This is precisely the focus of the first WFTGA Trainer Convention, taking place in the inspiring city of Kota Kinabalu.
Under the theme Training Without Borders, international trainers, experts, and Tourist Guides have come together to shape the future of professional training in our industry. How is training evolving in the age of technology and artificial intelligence? What minimum standards should be in place for Tourist Guide education worldwide? And how can we ensure that our guides remain up to date with the latest developments?
Licensed Tourist Guides: Ensuring Quality and Sustainability in Tourism
Licensed Tourist Guides are the extended arm of national tourism organisations. They represent a country to travellers and play a key role in shaping visitors’ impressions. This is why high-quality education is essential—not only in terms of historical and cultural knowledge but also in professional guiding techniques. The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) has already conducted several joint training programmes here in Malaysia.
Our Hands On Guiding (HOT) courses provide practical training for guides, equipping them with the essential skills needed for their profession. In-depth historical and cultural knowledge is provided by local partners to ensure that each region can share its unique story authentically and accurately. But our responsibility extends beyond this: we also train trainers, equipping them with the expertise to lead these courses themselves. As a recognised partner of UNESCO and UN Tourism, we contribute to sustainable education structures that benefit the entire industry on a global scale.
Malaysia as a Model for Cultural Diversity and Outstanding Training
Malaysia is the perfect host for this event. Few countries demonstrate such a harmonious coexistence of cultures and religions. Kota Kinabalu, with its rich diversity and warm hospitality, provides the ideal setting for our discussions and professional development. Our esteemed host, Roger Rajah, President of the local Tourist Guide Association, has worked closely with our international trainer team to develop an outstanding programme—a balanced mix of workshops, lectures, and best-practice excursions that allow us to deeply explore Malaysia’s cultural heritage.
A particularly significant highlight is that this event coincides with the International Tourist Guide Day. This year’s theme, Peace & Guiding, reminds us that our work extends far beyond simply conveying facts—we are ambassadors of peace and intercultural dialogue. Two of our sessions will be live-streamed, allowing our 200,000 members worldwide to participate.
I am confident that this first WFTGA Trainer Convention will not only inspire its participants but also provide valuable momentum for the entire profession. The enthusiasm is already palpable—and many of us will undoubtedly return to continue working towards a world without borders.
For more information on the event, visit:
https://wftga.org/training/trainer-convention/
Best regards,
Sebastian Frankenberger
President, World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA)
