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 the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association.
The discussions highlighted the vital role of tourist guides in the tourism sector and addressed key challenges and opportunities for the profession on a global scale. The WFTGA WxBo emphasized its commitment to advancing the standards of tourist guide training and development through its international initiatives.
During the meeting, Mr. Koumis expressed his appreciation for the WFTGA’s longstanding collaboration with Cyprus and reiterated the Deputy Ministry’s dedication to supporting the federation’s work. He acknowledged the irreplaceable role of tourist guides in connecting visitors to local destinations, a function no technology can replicate.
The visit coincided with the ongoing activities at the WFTGA International Training Center in Nicosia, where global training programs such as “Train the Trainer” and “International Train the Trainer” are being hosted from November 17 to December 1, 2024. The Deputy Ministry of Tourism serves as the primary sponsor of this training center, which has been recognized as a global leader in high-quality education for tourist guides.
WFTGA President Mr. Sebastian Frankenberger thanked the Deputy Minister for the Ministry’s support and commended Cyprus for its role as a global hub for tourist guide training. He highlighted the importance of adapting to modern challenges, such as technological advancements and the push for sustainable tourism, while ensuring tourist guides remain at the forefront of enhancing visitor experiences.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership to support the tourism ecosystem. The collaboration aims to equip tourist guides with the skills and knowledge needed to address evolving industry demands while promoting sustainable and meaningful tourism practices.
