Journal
What I'm up to
Tours, training, the world federation of guides, city council. Most entries are written in German; you'll find all of them in the German Logbuch.
Healing Happens in the Encounter — Why Tourist Guides Are Europe’s Untapped Health Resource
A New Voice in the Health Tourism Conversation The Overlooked Health Partners Whilst Europe debates the future of health tourism — from spa towns and salt caves to forest bathing, alpine recovery and resort-based …
Thank You, Passau – Now the Work Begins
Dear residents of Passau, First of all: Thank you. Thank you for your trust , for the many conversations over the past weeks, and for every single vote. After ten years of political absence, being elected to the city …
Women Guiding the World – Recognise, Respect and Support Female Tourist Guides
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) recognises and celebrates the vital contribution of women in tourist guiding worldwide. Tourist guiding is a …
Why I am running for the Passau City Council again
Dear residents of Passau, Many of you may be wondering: Why is Sebastian Frankenberger running for the city council again after a ten-year political hiatus? A valid question. Ten years of distance – out of conviction …
International Tourist Guide Day 2026
Tourist Guides Worldwide Celebrate Their Role as Bridge-Builders for Peace and Understanding On 21 February, tourist guides around the globe celebrate International Tourist Guide Day, honouring a profession that …
WFTGA Peace Ceremony in Nagasaki Highlights Ethical Responsibility of Tourist Guides Worldwide
1,000 Paper Cranes and Joint Peace Declaration Frame a Powerful Call for Truth, Context and Professional Integrity Nagasaki, Japan – 2026 During the WFTGA Conference 2026 in Japan, tourist guides from across the …
New Executive Board of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) Elected in Japan – President Sebastian Frankenberger Confirmed in Office
Japan, 23 February 2026 – During the official meeting of delegates held in Japan on 23 February, the new Executive Board (ExBo) of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) was elected for the …
600 Professional Tourist Guides from 50 Nations Gather in Fukuoka for Groundbreaking Sustainability Summit
World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Convention 2026 Addresses Professional Sustainability and Global Tourism Standards Fukuoka, Japan – 9 February 2026 – The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations …
Statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Our Responsibility as Tourist Guides
Today, on the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the world observes International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This year’s theme, “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights,” reminds us …
Guiding at the Highest Level in Nicosia: Professional Standards and Dialogue in Practice
During an official visit to Nicosia, WFTGA President Emeritus Titina guided Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, together with Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, along …
Statement on Iran: Solidarity with Tourist Guides and Our Ethical Responsibility
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is following the current situation in Iran with deep concern. Our thoughts are with our Iranian colleagues, with whom we share long-standing professional …
WFTGA Year-End Update: From Survival to Momentum
Dear Members, dear colleagues, The end of the year is always a good moment to pause and reflect on where we stand. This message was originally intended to reach you before New Year, but as it will now go out in the …
Merry Christmas 2025 – Light in the Darkness. A Story We Carry Forward
Dear Tourist Guides, Dear Trainers, Dear Colleagues, Dear Partners, Dear Friends, Once upon a time – this is how many of the stories we cherish begin. And it is no coincidence that the Christmas story is among the …
Guiding Peace: Building Bridges Through Tourism – On the Occasion of the 80th United Nations General Assembly
Vienna – On this significant day, as the United Nations convenes its 80th General Assembly under the banners of peace, cooperation and sustainable development, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations …
In Memory of Giovanna Maria Giammarino — A Call to Action for the Guiding Profession
It is with profound sorrow that the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) learns of the tragic passing of Giovanna Maria Giammarino, a 56-year-old Italian tourist guide who collapsed and died while …
WFTGA Statement on Heat Warnings: Professional Responsibility Begins with Self-Care
As heatwaves across Europe intensify, our responsibility as tourist guides grows – not just toward our guests, but also toward ourselves. Extreme heat is no longer an exception; it is a new reality that demands …
“Free Tours” in Focus: A Fair Dialogue on Quality, Professionalism and Sustainable Practices
In recent years, Free Tours have become a familiar feature in urban tourism landscapes worldwide. What began as an innovative, customer-oriented model—offering “pay-what-you-like” walking tours—has grown into a …
Tourist Guides as Catalysts for the Sustainable Development Goals
An Essential Partner for Sustainable Development The Overlooked Agents of Sustainability Whilst the world grapples with the triple challenges of climate change, global inequality, and cultural polarisation, there …
WFTGA Statement on the Eurovision Song Contest, Political Neutrality, and the Responsibility for Shared Values
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) has always been a vibrant celebration of music and cultures, bringing together millions of people—regardless of origin, language, or beliefs. Officially, the ESC is considered an …
Commemorating the End of World War II – The Responsibility of Tourist Guides in Addressing Historical and Political Themes
Vienna, 8 May 2025 – On this significant day, marking the end of World War II, we not only remember the historical event but also acknowledge the profound responsibility it carries. Tourist Guides around the world …
Farewell to Pope Francis – A Role Model for Us All
Today, we bid farewell to Pope Francis – a man whose life and work deeply touched the world. He stood as a symbol of kindness, humility, and profound humanity. His unwavering commitment to the poor, the marginalised, …
The economy needs change – your voice counts!
From March 10 to 13 the Chamber of Commerce elections an opportunity for all of us to play an active role in shaping the future of entrepreneurs in Austria. In Upper Austria, I myself had the privilege of 2015 to …
What actually makes a good church tour?
Last weekend, I had the honor of giving a talk at the Weltenburger Gesprächskreise at the invitation of the KKV Bayern. My topic: Church, monasteries and tourism – and in particular the art of church tours. Because a …
Invitation to the Weltenburg Talks 2025: Thinking ahead for the church – creating resonance
It gives me great pleasure to invite you to the Weltenburg Talks 2025 to invite you! From February 28 to March 1, 2025 we will meet in the beautiful Benedictine monastery Weltenburgto think together about the future …
Go vote! – Because every vote counts
Today is an important day: the Bundestag elections in Germany. I have already been to the polls and – as always – was inspired by the Wahl-O-Mat. But an election decision should not only depend on the party …
International Tourist Guide Day 2025: Tourist Guides as Peace Ambassadors
Every year on 21st February, tourist guides around the world come together to celebrate International Tourist Guide Day (ITGD), honouring their profession and its vital role in society. The 2025 theme, “Tourist …
Training Without Borders: Tourist Guides as a Bridge Between Cultures
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia – In a time when borders are being reinforced and differences are often used to divide, Tourist Guides play a crucial role in fostering connections, explaining cultures, and promoting mutual …
The Future of Guiding: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming the Profession
On 31 January, 2025, Sebastian Frankenberger, president of the WFTGA delivered a talk on Artificial Intelligence for Tourist Guides to members of the NFTGA. He showed how recent developments in A.I. can now enable …
Sebastian Frankenberger Highlights Ethical Responsibility of Tour Guides in an Era of Misinformation and Populism
Yesterday, Sebastian Frankenberger, president of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, addressed a group of DC tour guides at the George Washington School of Business on the Ethical Responsibility of …
Ethical Responsibility of Tourist Guides in the Age of Alternative Truths and Populism
After a long absence online, I’m finally back today. It’s been pretty quiet on my site since April 2024 – but for good reason! In January 2024 I was elected President of the World Federation of Tourist Guide …
Gamification in tourism
In a world that is increasingly dominated by digital technologies, the integration of gamification strategies into the tourism sector is becoming more and more important. As managing director and trainer of …
Conflict management with deep listening of the 3 principles
In our further training course with the tour guides in the Coburg area on the subject of conflict management, we dealt intensively with the methods and concepts of the Three Principles. This approach offers valuable …
The revolution of cultural experience: How AI is redefining the way we learn and discover
In the eternal city of Rome, surrounded by the countless treasures of the Galleria Borghese, I recently had an experience that not only changed my perspective on art and culture, but also on the role of technology in …
INTERNATIONAL TOURIST GUIDE DAY 2024
On the 21st of February each year we celebrate the occasion of International Tourist Guide Day. This is a day dedicated to the profession of Tourist Guiding and affords us the opportunity to highlight and showcase …
Effective guided tours for children and young people: Insights from the Munich workshop
In Munich, I recently held a specialized workshop dedicated to improving guided tours for children and young people. The focus was on the needs of children and young people and the discussion of methods for inspiring …
Is there a threat of a new referendum against pork knuckles in Bavaria?
The vegan V-Party³ has a real surprise in store for its political Ash Wednesday in Ergolding, Lower Bavaria. It was unclear for a long time, but now political rebel Sebastian Frankenberger has also confirmed his …
Children’s carnival in Auerbach – as Peter Pan on the dance floor 🕺
🎉✨What an adventure at the children’s carnival in Passau Auerbach! As every year, it was another highlight, but this time we raised the bar for fun and imagination even higher. 🚀 With the swinging cloth as our plane, …
D.A.R.K. – A comedy that makes you think
As someone who is at home in both the world of politics and the world of performing arts, I had the privilege of experiencing an extraordinary theater performance that touched both my heart and my mind. “D.A.R.K. – …
Only until January 18 – Register now for virtual participation in the international guide meeting
Dear Guide colleagues, I hope you are as excited as I am as we look back on a successful 2023 that has almost brought us back to our normal level of leadership! Let us now look forward to 2024 with anticipation, …
Invitation to the 3P-DACH conference with 20% discount code
Today I would like to surprise you with an invitation and an offer. The second 3P-D-A-CH conference will take place next Saturday and Sunday, where 19 speakers will spend two days “Taking a fresh look at being human” …
Go vote today!
Today is the state election in Bavaria. I have already voted by absentee ballot. Be sure to vote, because not voting strengthens only those who are in power. And if you don’t know who, then just do the Wahl-O-Mat. …
Exciting insights into the world of Real Estate
As part of the anniversary year “50 years JLL Germany”, there is an extraordinary opportunity to experience Frankfurt am Main from a completely different perspective. As a leading real estate company, JLL, together …
Passion in Perlesreuth
Every five years the Passion Society in Perlesreuth plays a great Passion for adults. And I was able to perform a children’s Passion with the group “Shalom”, as I did in 2018. Again, it was a very special experience. …
Bike tour with Weiermair Reisen
On Friday I had again a bike tour through the beautiful Kamptal with Weiermair Reisen. This is really, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful bike tours in all of Austria. Past the Kamptal reservoirs, the ruins of …
Night of the families – guided tours for children in Linz
14 different Linz institutions invited visitors to unusual and very special city tours on Friday, July 14, 2023. Sebastian Frankenberger was also present with a guided tour of the city in the course of an improv …
Church, where are you? Spiritual places in people’s everyday lives
Today I was allowed to give a talk for the City Pastoral Linz and for the Continuing Education Center Linz on the topic “Church where are you? Spiritual places in public space” But what are spiritual places anyway, …
Tourism Training in Frankfurt
We from Tourismus Training are currently in Frankfurt and are allowed to develop a very special project on the topic of high-rise buildings. Everything about guided tours in high-rise buildings. What is your opinion …
WFTGA Convention 2024 in Sicily
We had our Q&A webinar this week for the WFTGA convention in Sicily and today we want to send you a little summary and the video recording. Here again the most important data: – Pre Tour 18 – 21 January 2024 – Main …
Q&A Webinar on the WFTGA Convention 2024 in German on May 31 at 7:00 p.m.
The World Federation of Tourist Guides Associations organizes a worldwide meeting every 2 years. In 2024 the next one will take place in Sicily. When guest guides / tour guides / certified guides meet, it always …
Rome and Assisi – Dolce Vita Tour in Italy
This week I am myself as a tour guide with a tour group of @Weiermair Reisen on Dolce Vita Tour in beautiful Italy.🌞 Rome in particular is simply always worth a trip. Unfortunately for us, the famous Trevi Fountain …
Is Augmented Reality (AR) the future of city tours?
Right now I’m in Tel Aviv gathering ideas for an augmented reality city tour project. In Israel, they are technologically ahead of us in this respect. The Graffiti Tour from https://tlvnights.com is just awesome! …
Lecturer on the island of Mainau
Yesterday I was allowed to give a lecture on the island of Mainau for the local tour guides. It was about the needs of groups that want to explore the flower island with all their senses. Later I was allowed to …
Trip to Germany – current trends in guided tours
I just packed my suitcase – off to Germany for several exciting lectures and workshops! Among other things, on the topic of “current trends in guided tours”. For our “Linz changes” example, I have virtual reality …
German Guest Guide Day in Kassel
The 6th German Guest Guide Conference DGFT with the subsequent 29th Annual General Meeting of the Federal Association of Guest Guides in Germany took place on 03. and 04 March 2023 will be held in Kassel. I was able …
World Day of Tourist Guides in Upper Austria
On March 4, 2023, the day of action on the occasion of the World Alien Leader Day will take place in Upper Austria. Throughout Upper Austria – and especially in Linz – we have put together a great leadership program. …
World Day of Guides in Tyrol
On SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023, the ITF and its sponsors invite everyone who lives in Tyrol to go on exciting discoveries in their homeland. Free guided tours of all kinds take place in Innsbruck, Hall in Tirol, …
Webinar support
In the last two days we have been attending a major conference. As a webinar, we have the event with backstage area or greenroom area so that the speakers* could prepare during the webinars and were not shown to the …
Hybrid streaming of club meetings
The Bundestag has now decided that in future association meetings can also be held hybrid. We at Hybrid Streaming think this is a great thing, of course, especially to get members involved. Especially for small clubs …
World day of tourist guides:inside Styria
On the occasion of the World Day of Tourist Guides:inside the Styrian guides offer exciting and interesting tours on Saturday, March 4, 2023. The tours are free of charge for everyone. Voluntary donations are made to …
Training to become a certified bike tour guide
The market for guided bike groups is booming! During the pandemic, many bus operators purchased a bicycle trailer. Many guests own an e-bike and want to get to know the country and its people. However, there are too …
WORLD DAY OF THE FEMALE LEADERS in Vienna on 19.2
The 34th World Guided Tour Day will take place in cooperation with the Austrian Gallery Belvedere on two days and three different locations. Free guided tours and lectures including free admission to the famous …
World Day of Tourist Guides on February 21
On the occasion of the “International Tourist Guide Day” of the “World Federation of Tourist Guide Assosiations”(WFTGA), which takes place every year on February 21, the Austrian tourist guides organize a colorful …
Theater Performance Contemporary Witnesses in Linz
As Austria Guides, we have a certain responsibility with regard to remembrance culture and, in addition to informative tours of Hartheim Castle and Mauthausen Concentration Camp, we also give tours in Vienna, about …
Stream of a theater production at the Circus of Knowledge
We at Hybrid Streaming were allowed to record a theater production called “Zehn Zeugen sajnen mir gewesn” yesterday at the Circus of Knowledge. The productions at the Circus of Knowledge at the Johannes Kepler …
We are looking for reinforcement for our office team!
Assistance to the management / secretariat in Vienna and Remote We are a young/young-at-heart startup team with flat hierarchies and varied areas of activity. As a service provider for tourist services, we mainly …
Some of our bike trips 2023
I was allowed to present eight bike tours on Thursday evening in the packed Forum Kirchdorf, which we carry out with our team of RadReiseGuides for Busreisen Weiermair. For us, the focus is on cultural enjoyment …
What is the focus of guided tours – the knowledge, the object, the guide or the guest?
On Saturday, I was allowed to give a lecture on the topic “Needs of guests” at the 20th Bavarian Guest Guide Day, which is organized every year by the Munich Guest Guide Association. As a subtitle I deliberately …
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Hybrid World Federation Meeting in Madrid, February 7-10
The World Federation of Guides Conference (WFTGA) is normally held every 2 years. Last year the conference was postponed due to Corona. Unfortunately, it cannot take place in Serbia this year as originally planned. …
virtual 19th Bavarian Guest Guide Day from Tegernsee
The winter months are always a good opportunity for exchange with tour guides from all over Bavaria. However, due to the current situation and after already a year of forced break, the organizers of the Bavarian …
Course for tourist guide in Austria starts on September 24, 2021
There is a new training course of tourism training in Austria. Modular, mostly online, a practical course with an optimal preparation for the qualification exam by experienced lecturers for the theoretical subjects, …
Guide Week from 10. – May 11, 2021
The New York Guide Association is organizing a virtual convention for tourist guides: 10+ educational events with 45+ renowned speakers from around the world of tourism. Keynote presentation by Evita Turquoise …
Webinar recording: Guest Tours 2021 – Requirements for a New Start
This week, we had the pleasure of providing technical support for the webinar “Guided Tours 2021 – Requirements for a New Start” for BVGD, the Federal Association of Guest Guides in Germany. It was a very exciting …
WFTGA | The Virtual Conference
We have been working hard the last few days (and nights) on the website for the first virtual conference of WFTGA, the world association of us guest/guide guides. It has finally gone online and you can register: …
Online congress for guest guidance and cultural mediation
February 28, 2021 from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Through Covid-19, we have all had to become more involved with videoconferencing and online seminars. That’s why this congress wants to ask how we can use the momentum of …
World day of the tourist guides – a few thoughts about it
Last Sunday, February 21, was the World Day of Guides/Guides. We would like to use this occasion to publish a text by Linz Tourism Director Prof. Georg Steiner. In doing so, he thinks about our industry in a very …
free WEBINAR: Into the new age for guided groups
“Change in the tourism industry. How can technology help get through these difficult times?” Especially for tourist guides, the discussion fields of city, bus and cruise tourism are exciting. Our Managing Director …
New course for tourist guide in Austria
There is a new training course of tourism training in Austria. Modular, mostly online, a practical course with an optimal preparation for the qualification exam by experienced lecturers for the theoretical subjects, …
Discussion about the future for tour guides / tourist guides
Our webinar on 8/31/2020 went off successfully with over 600 live attendees from 57 countries. Key outcomes of the presentations and discussions were: Be open to new technologies and opportunities through …
Challenges and opportunities
2020 was a difficult year for tour guides worldwide. In many countries, guides are only allowed to lead under strict conditions. But do the guests even book a tour at the moment? Is a second wave coming with renewed …
Group Leadership Audio Apps – 1/1 Trainings
28.07-30.07. 2020; 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 CET (Vienna time zone) Over the last few months, we have already introduced you to many audio guiding app providers with our free webinars. Now it’s time to take it a step …
In 15min to your own website with Google
Our next webinar next Tuesday 16.6.2020 from 16:00 – 18:00 h Are you thinking about how to make the best use of the time right now? If you don’t have your own website yet, we have just the thing for you. Continuing …
Webinar recording and presentations
Thanks for joining us for yesterday’s webinar on Tourguides Audio Apps and Systems! We were very happy about the large number of participants (over 600 spectators) and the speakers from different countries, and we …