2026/2/17

On Monday, February 9, Professor Kazuki Hara and two international students from the Department of Global Tourism, Faculty of Global Engagement, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) attended the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) Convention in Fukuoka City.

The WFTGA was founded in 1985. It recognizes tourist guides as regional ambassadors, carries out promotional and marketing activities, and strives to elevate the presence of tourist guides. Currently, the organization has more than 200,000 tourist guides from upwards of 70 different countries as members. The WFTGA Convention is usually held every two years in different countries around the world, with the 2026 convention being the first held in Japan.

The participation of KUFS in the Convention was made possible thanks to support from KUFS graduate and Director Natsuko Matsushita of the Kyushu Association of Interpreters, Translators and Guide-Interpreters (K-iTG), which is the event's host organization. Students listened to the keynote address delivered in English, participated in workshops, and witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm and dedication of tourist guides from around the world, making it an inspiring experience.

※Participation details will also be posted on the Department of Global Tourism blog.
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