9th Convention of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, Cyprus, 2001

Read the report on the 8th Convention in Hong Kong, 1999

THE 9TH CONVENTION OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF TOURIST GUIDE ASSOCIATIONS was held in Lefkosia (ie Nicosia; the Cypriots are trying to get the Greek name, "Lefkosia", used nowadays) at the Hilton Hotel between 29.01 and 02.02.01. Approximately 150 guides from about 18 countries attended.
The Cyprus Tourist Guides Association gave everyone a very warm welcome. The convention had originally been planned in Jerusalem, but in view of the unrest there, it was decided reluctantly to change the venue; a great disappointment for the Isrealis, and a huge amount of work for the Cypriots. Everyone was very grateful that they agreed to do this at such short notice, and they did a marvellous job.
The programme was interesting and varied. There were two key speeches by Dr. Noel Brown a former Director of the UN Environment Programme, now Director of the Friends of the United Nations, on Peace through Tourism, and on Tourism and the Environment. Speakers from Cypriot national and local government and university gave lectures covering conservation and the drive to increase tourism to the island's interior, where generous government subsidies are available for restoration programmes. We visited sites in Lefkosia and heard about the regeneration of the old town and the links being set up with the Turkish occupied northern part of the city to coordinate this on both sides of the "green line". On a visit to Kykkos Monastery in the Troodos Mountains we discovered Greek Orthodox traditions and enjoyed the magnificent scenery. We were able to enjoy the magnificent icon wall in the monastery. At the Tourist Office beside the "green line" the Mayor of Lefkosia unveiled a mosaic from the WFTGA with the word "PEACE" in blue letters on a white background, as a momento of the convention.
There were workshops on topics such as yoga on tour (for guides) to combat stress and keep you fit, improving your guiding technique, guiding at archeoligical sites, and the problems of competition from unqualified guides. Dr. James Flemming from Isreal gave an interesting lecture on "Interfaith, Peace and Justice, Sensitivities in Guiding".
The WFTGA runs a training programme to assist in regions where guide training is non-existant or not very well developed. There are courses available for anyone who wishes to become a WFTGA Trainer. The Association has run programmes in Malta, Iceland and Norway and is currently dealing with enquiries from countries in the rest of Europe, Africa, Asia, N. America and Australasia. Eight new trainers completed their course successfully.
The paricipants were entertained in style in a variety of Cypriot tavernas. On the final evening there was an auction which raised about US$ 2000.
A full list of the speeches and workshops together with the texts and the reports from the various officers is available at APTG office. The next convention in 2003 will be held in Scotland.