World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA)

Setting Global Standards for Professional Tourist Guides

About WFTGA

The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is the global authority for professional tourist guides, dedicated to promoting excellence in guiding and fostering international collaboration. Since its inception in 1985, WFTGA has been committed to elevating the standards of the guiding profession, with members from over 70 countries worldwide.

Our Mission

WFTGA aims to unite professional tourist guides across the globe, ensuring that their skills and knowledge meet the highest standards of excellence. Our mission is to represent the guiding profession in the global tourism sector, advocating for training, ethics, and recognition of tourist guides as key contributors to sustainable tourism.

Training Programs

WFTGA offers internationally recognized training and certification programs designed to equip tourist guides with the skills they need to deliver superior services. Our training programs include:

  • Intensive workshops on guiding techniques and heritage interpretation.
  • Certification for specialized guiding in UNESCO heritage sites.
  • Train-the-trainer programs to standardize guide education globally.

By providing these resources, we ensure that tourist guides are equipped to deliver responsible and engaging experiences for travelers worldwide.

Global Impact and Conferences

WFTGA’s global conferences provide a platform for industry leaders and tourist guides to exchange insights and collaborate on emerging trends. These biennial events gather tourism professionals from across the globe, offering networking opportunities and discussions on the future of the guiding profession.

Our advocacy efforts have made significant progress in securing recognition for tourist guides in international tourism policy and standards development.

Tourist Guides and Sustainable Tourism

At WFTGA, we recognize the pivotal role that tourist guides play in promoting sustainable tourism. By educating travelers about local cultures and environmental conservation, tourist guides are at the forefront of sustainable travel initiatives. We encourage guides to emphasize cultural respect and environmental awareness, ensuring that tourism has a positive, long-term impact on communities and heritage sites.

Membership and Benefits

Becoming a member of WFTGA offers a range of benefits, including:

  • Access to exclusive resources, best practices, and research.
  • Discounts on training and certification programs.
  • Opportunities to network with peers globally.
  • A collective voice in global tourism policy discussions.

By joining WFTGA, you strengthen the global guiding profession and connect with a community of like-minded professionals.

Learn More

For further information on the WFTGA, our programs, and global initiatives, visit our official website: https://wftga.org/.