Good afternoon Members,
As a reminder to those of you looking to expand your knowledge within the field of tourism, IATDG, an organization much like the SFTGG only on a larger, more national level, is offering another free webinar tomorrow. This one runs much in line with Greg Quist's (our Guild President) recent postings on WFTGA since tomorrow's program will involve a conversation with the former president of WFTGA. Read below and click on the link so you can register with IATDG (free) if you haven't done so yet so you can access this event live tomorrow or as a saved video for later. This is a great opportunity for everyone who is looking to learn more about the wider purpose we play within this industry.
Cheers, Stevyn (Membership Chair)
https://mailchi.mp/iatdg.org/2025-april-newsletter-10339158?e=1f90d087fd
IATDG Education:
Monthly Webinar Series
The Global Voice of Tourist Guides: A Conversation with WFTGA
Speaker: Sebastian Frankenberger, President WFTGA
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
We are thrilled to welcome Sebastian Frankenberger, President of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA), for a special guest session as part of our IATDG monthly education webinar series.
In this webinar, Sebastian will give an overview of the WFTGA’s work in representing and supporting qualified, on-site Tourist Guides across more than 70 countries. He will briefly highlight the difference between Tourist Guides and Tour Directors and outline how the Federation sets global standards in training, ethics, and professional development.
The session will also explore how the WFTGA can become a cooperation partner for the IATDG community, offering opportunities for mutual support, exchange, and international engagement.
This will be a chance for an open and honest exchange about guiding practices around the world – including challenges when working with local Tourist Guides, and how stronger collaboration can enhance the experience for guides and travelers alike.
Join us and be part of this meaningful conversation!
Sebastian Frankenberger, with over 20 years of extensive experience in tourism, particularly as a guide and trainer, has made significant contributions to the industry. He has been a guide in Passau since 2003 and in Austria since 2007. In his role as industry spokesperson at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, he has been actively involved in advocating for guides and training future guides. Since 2017, he has been a key member of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA), where he is primarily responsible for the technology behind live streams and the website. In 2024, he was elected as President of the WFTGA. His expertise and dedication have played a pivotal role in the professionalization and advancement of the tourism industry.
Currently, Sebastian continues to work as a guide in Vienna, owns his own guide training institute, and is also hired as a consultant and keynote speaker.