Feb. 21: International Tourist Guide Day

A tourist guide explains a historic site to a group of visitors on Feb. 21.
Jesus Calixto

By Jesus Calixto

February 21 is International Tourist Guide Day. It is a key profession for tourism. It also helps to showcase the culture and history of each place. That is why many cities value their work.

Tourist guides accompany tourists and visitors. They explain the culture, history, and typical food to them. They also take them to well-known tourist sites. In this way, tourism grows and brings money into cities.

Since when has it been celebrated?

International Tourist Guide Day has been celebrated since 1990. Before that, a special date was chosen. Specifically, it coincides with the day on which the World Federation of Professional Tourist Guides was founded. For this reason, its creation is commemorated every February 21.

World Federation of Professional Tourist Guides

The World Federation of Professional Tourist Guides is known as WFTGA. It is also called the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations. It is a professional organization and does not seek to make money. Instead, it works to support guides in many countries.

It was created on February 21, 1985. This took place during the first International Convention of Tourist Guides. That event was held in Austria. Since then, this date has been marked on the calendar.

This Federation represents associations of tour guides from around the world. Its main goal is to protect and defend the interests of professional guides. Therefore, it seeks to ensure that their work is respected and valued in every country. It also promotes better conditions for those who guide visitors.

It currently has around 70,000 members in some 70 countries around the world. In addition, every year it organizes a convention to bring together tourist guide associations. This allows them to share ideas and improve their work.

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