NICOSIA: The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association (CTGA) is set to hold its Executive Board (ExBo) meeting in Cyprus from 25th to 29th November. The meetings will take place in Nicosia and Larnaka, with the venue serving as a platform for shaping the federation’s engagement and training initiatives for the future years.
According to Cyprus News Agency, this biennial in-person meeting coincides with a training program running from 17th November to 1st December 2024 at the International Training Centre of the WFTGA (ITC). Established in 2006 in collaboration with CTGA and the University of Cyprus, the center is recognized for offering world-class training and development programs aimed at enhancing guiding skills and techniques and progressing participants to become trainers.
The ITC has welcomed over 180 participants since its inception, with this year’s program hosting 15 participants from countries including Cyprus, Albania, Cana
da, France, Kenya, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Slovenia, and Switzerland. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 18th November at the University of Cyprus.
Furthermore, the ExBo will engage with the Deputy Minister of Tourism to discuss the role of professional tourist guides in promoting and preserving local heritage and facilitating sustainable tourism. They will also meet with the Vice-Director of A.G. Leventis Foundation, an organization pivotal in sponsoring the ITC and the two WFTGA training courses coinciding with the ExBo meeting.
Additionally, ExBo members will hold meetings with the Mayor of Nicosia and the Vice-Rector of the University of Cyprus. Sebastian Frankenberger, President of WFTGA, expressed enthusiasm about the meeting, stating that Cyprus offers a strategic opportunity for future planning and strengthens partnerships with local organizations such as the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association, the University of Cyprus, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, and the Leventis Foundation.