WFTGA 2024

WFTGA, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, is a not-for-profit, non-political organization that brings together professional tourist guides and encourages standards in guiding around the world. WFTGA is recognized as an NGO by UNESCO, is an affiliate member of UNWTO, and is consulted by committees dealing with European standards (CEN) and International standards (ISO).

Active since 1985, today the WFTGA represents Tourist Guides from over 100 countries, encouraging the qualification of Tourist Guides in accordance with the adopted Definition (ISO 18513 /CEN 13908:2003) of a Tourist Guide: A Tourist Guide is a person who guides visitors in the language of their choice and interprets the cultural and natural heritage of an area, which person normally possesses an area-specific qualification usually issued and/or recognized by the appropriate authority.

The WFTGA is delivering specifically designed courses for tourist guides and trainers of tourist guides and has done so at the request of various agencies including the UNWTO, UNESCO, GIZ, and Ministries related to tourism as well as our member tourist guides associations, since 1996.

WFTGA accredits tourist guide training courses in accordance and compliance with the European Standard EN 15565:2008 ‘Tourism Services – Requirement for the provision of professional tourist guide training and qualification programs. This standard stipulates that guiding skills, and contextualized area-specific knowledge are delivered simultaneously both theoretically and practically.

In 2024 WFTGA will be hosting the conference in Syracuse, Italy, allowing members and non-members to learn and share new research while witnessing the historical, natural, and cultural magnificence of Sicily, one of the sites selected by UNESCO as World Heritage.

WFTGA SIRACUSA 2024: a pleasant experience for ALL participants

The endorsement of Comune di Siracusa, Comune di Noto, Comune di Ferla, Convention Bureau Italia, Federcongressi, MPI Italia Chapter, ICCA Italia Chapter, Noi-Albergatori Siracusa, Confesercenti Siracusa, with the support of Etna Discovery, Zuccalà Travel, Komosee, and many other partners, properly reveals the full commitment of all partners and stakeholders involved in the Siracusa candidacy to host the WFTGA 2024.
We all truly believe that – starting with the proposed Social Program and the collateral activities, lectures, workshops, and tours organized by ANGT, AGTS, and Symposia Srl – the WFTGA 2024 will be a unique opportunity for all participants to experience to the fullest the magic city of Syracuse, having a deep dive into the history of Sicily, while networking with the most expert professionals in the field at and outside the meeting.

The 360 degrees WFTGA 2024 experience

The 360 degrees WFTGA 2024 experience will start with the opening reception – offered in the registration fee – which will take place in the cradle of intellectual culture and entertainment of Siracusa – Teatro Comunale – and enriched by an official welcome ceremony and a Sicilian exclusive show. The welcome dinner will be a great opportunity to meet and introduce new members of the WFTGA network.
During the week of the WFTGA 2024, the Social Dinner at Palazzo Landolina di Noto will be an exceptional opportunity to discover the famous Sicilian Baroque and to experience a ‘Corteo Barocco’ in a private tour, included in the registration fee.
In the same way, a Gala Evening will take place on Thursday, another occasion for participants to network and share their experience, while admiring a further beauty of Siracusa in the Ortigia Island at Castello Maniace, with the spectacular entertainment of a ‘Cantunovu’ show.
We also propose a detailed and wide range of convention and field workshops for all participants and a dedicated program for all accompanying persons or delegates who would like to discover more about the local beauty, culture, and traditions of Siracusa and Sicily and enjoy their stay in a more unconventional way: WFTGA participants will be invited to join cooking lessons, experience handcraft activities and taste the most authentic world-famous meals and flavors.