The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations
The global voice of professional tourist guides
In Operational Relations with UNESCO · Affiliate Member of UN Tourism · registered in Vienna, Austria, since 1987. We unite the ambassadors of the world’s regions — qualified, licensed tourist guides on every continent.
- 90 member associations in more than 50 countries
- Over 200,000 qualified, licensed tourist guides worldwide
- Guardians of the guiding standards EN 13809, ISO 18513 and EN 15565
Sebastian Frankenberger
President, WFTGA — “The hand of friendship, stretched out to the world.”
professional tourist guides
Our Aims
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations is dedicated and committed to
establishing
establishing contact between tourist guide associations, individual tourist guides, training institutes and tourism bodies throughout the world, reinforcing professional ties.
representing
representing professional, qualified tourist guides while promoting the profession.
enhancing
enhancing the image of the profession and promoting the use of area-specific local tourist guides in all regions.
promoting
promoting a universal code of ethics and skills.
Recognised worldwide
UNESCO
NGO in Operational Relations with UNESCO — partners in protecting and interpreting world heritage.
UN Tourism
Affiliate Member of UN Tourism and signatory of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
Standards & Partners
Guardians of the international guiding standards EN 13809, ISO 18513, EN 15565 — in partnership with FEG and tourism bodies worldwide.
Our Members
A federation that spans the globe
From Vienna to Fukuoka, from Cape Town to Washington: 90 member associations in more than 50 countries carry the hand of friendship around the world. Wherever you travel, a WFTGA guide is near — qualified, licensed and local.
Conventions
Where the world’s guides meet
Every two years since 1985, hundreds of tourist guides from every continent come together for our International Convention — for training, exchange and friendships that last a lifetime. In 2026 the world met in Fukuoka, Japan; in Nagasaki we signed the Peace Declaration.
Our President
Sebastian Frankenberger
Some voices carry further than others. Sebastian Frankenberger — Austrian tourist guide, well known internationally and from his political career in Germany — has led WFTGA as President since 2024. Under his presidency the Federation signed the Nagasaki Peace Declaration, positioning tourist guides worldwide as ambassadors of peace, and speaks up for the profession with clear public statements — from guide safety and fair working conditions to sustainable tourism.
Make WFTGA yours
Join an association, train with the Academy, volunteer at a convention — or simply stay informed. The hand of friendship is stretched out to you.
