International Training Centres
WFTGA can send trainers to you for in-house courses anywhere in the world. Alternatively, individual guides may apply to attend courses at a WFTGA International Training Centre (ITC).
The benefit of International Training Centres
Kick-start and multiplier effect
Not everyone can afford in-house courses. An ITC gives them the option of sending participants.
State-of-the-art training
Participants bring back techniques, skills and knowledge and gradually build up the infrastructure for professional guiding in their area.
Train the Trainer courses
Although Hands-On Tourist Guide Training (HOT) may be offered, the main focus of our ITCs lies on the two levels of Train the Trainer courses.
Our first International Training Centre
Since 2006 the WFTGA International Training Centre in Cyprus has welcomed over 180 course participants to 12 courses. The ITC started operating as a regional centre and was the first of its kind for WFTGA. Over the years many participants went on to become trainers of tourist guides in their own countries, or WFTGA International and Lead International Trainers.
The ITC is organised in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association (CTGA) and the University of Cyprus. Lectures are delivered by professors of the University of Cyprus; WFTGA Trainers deliver the WFTGA Communication Seminar and facilitate workshops and practical sessions to improve guiding skills and techniques.
Where we train
The International Training Centre is located in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus.
Courses at the Cyprus ITC
There are no courses at the Cyprus ITC in 2026. Train the Trainer and International Train the Trainer courses are planned around the 2nd WFTGA Trainer Conference in Bar, Montenegro, 21 to 25 March 2027.
| Train the Trainer (TtT) | International Train the Trainer (ITtT) for WFTGA National Trainers | |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | No courses in 2026 | No courses in 2026 |
| Language | English | English |
| Course fees incl. accommodation, breakfast, refreshments and some evening meals | tbc | tbc |
| Application | 2025 TtT Course Brochure (PDF, for reference only) | Trainer Portfolios are accepted at any time: training@wftga.org |
More about the Cyprus ITC
International dimension: sharing experiences
Course participants came from Albania, Antigua, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Ireland, Jamaica, Jordan, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Uruguay. Sharing experiences adds a truly international dimension to the learning journey.
The ITC team, past and present
Over the 12 years of our courses, the WFTGA Cyprus Representatives and coordinators were Titina Loizidou (2006 to 2012 and 2019) and Maria Aristidou (2013 to 2018), with Georgia Constanti as Course Administrator.
In 2020 Demetra Argyrou Viguier took on the role of WFTGA Cyprus Representative and Coordinator, with Marina Cocconi as Course Administrator. A year later Marina became the Coordinator.
Cyprus itself now also has a significant number of WFTGA Trainers, two of whom are Lead International Trainers who also train at the School of the Guides of the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
Sponsors and supporters
The Deputy Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus and the A.G. Leventis Foundation support the programme. Other sponsors are Hermes Airports, the Antiquities Department of the Republic of Cyprus, Splus Travel Ltd (providing the whisper system) and the Nicosia Municipality.
Courses would not have been realised without the continuous help of the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association (CTGA) and their then President Popi Hadjidemetriou, whose committed involvement ensured the sustainability of the centre in its first 10 years. The CTGA is very proud to contribute to the success of the WFTGA Training Courses and welcomes participants with enthusiasm every year.
- Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism (main sponsor)
- A.G. Leventis Foundation
- Hermes Airports
- Antiquities Department of Cyprus
- Nicosia Municipality
- Splus Travel Cy Ltd (group guiding audio system)
- University of Cyprus
- Cyprus Tourist Guides Association
About Cyprus, the training location
The Republic of Cyprus is an island state in the Eastern Mediterranean, a full member of the European Union, a member of the United Nations and of the British Commonwealth.
Thanks to its unique position as a bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa, Cyprus has developed over the millennia a unique civilisation, reflected in its numerous archaeological treasures and historic sites, museums, art galleries and Byzantine churches. Participants learn more about Cyprus during the practical sessions, which include walking, coach and museum tours in Nicosia. A visit to the Troodos mountains with a professional Cyprus tourist guide shows the authentic, traditional character of the island, along with the renowned Cyprus hospitality and delicious local dishes.
Travel information and entry regulations (including visas): Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus. General information: VisitCyprus.
Once you have been offered a place on a course at the ITC, the Local Organising Committee of the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association will assist you with information, advice and documentation even before you arrive. “We will be happy to have you in Cyprus and share great moments with you.”
Interested in an ITC course?
Trainer Portfolios for the International Train the Trainer course are accepted at any time. Write to our Training Division.