GANYC Report on 2024 WFTGA Convention

GANYC Report on 2024 WFTGA Convention
by Emma Guest-Consales

From January 20th to the 26th 2024, I attended the 20th WFTGA Convention in Siracusa, Italy. The conference took place on the beautiful island of Ortigia, one of the oldest parts of Syracuse which has been inhabited for over 2,700 years. Convention activities included the WFTGA General Assembly, the election of the new Executive Board, reports from all attending member countries, plenary speakers, workshops, site visits, and so much delicious Sicilian food. Delegates also voted on the next country to host the 2026 Convention; the bidding countries were Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, and Philippines and the winning country was announced: Fukuoka, Japan!

This was my second WFTGA Convention, I had previously attended the one in Prague, Czechia in 2015; other GANYC members attended the conventions in Tehran, Iran (2017) and Tbilisi, Georgia (2019). WFTGA conventions are educational and fun, and they are great opportunities to meet with tour guides from around the world to learn from them and to exchange ideas and best practices.

Every day included speakers and workshops, as well as meetings for the delegates to conduct WFTGA business. The main speakers and events took place in the magnificent Teatro Massimo Città di Siracusa, while the General Assembly was in the Sala Borsellino of the Palazzo Vermexio.