With 54 UNESCO Sites, Italy is the country with the highest number of World Heritage Sites in the world. The historical, natural and cultural magnificence of Sicily is witnessed by the recognition of seven Sites as World Heritage given by UNESCO. Siracusa and Pantalica, the Valle dei Templi – Archaeological Area of Agrigento, the Villa del Casale, the Eolie Islands, the Baroque Style of Val di Noto, the Etna mount and Palermo.
Visit Siracusa and Sicily means getting in a fascinating book of Mediterranean history, ranging from Magna Graecia to the Arab culture; from the Byzantines to the Swabians and the Sicilian Normans, with the common thread of Jewish culture active and alive up to the 15th century.
In Sicily, you will have the opportunity to live a unique and unforgettable emotion.

‘SICILY, TODAY AS IT WAS YESTERDAY,
A MEDITERRANEAN CROSSROADS OF CULTURES

Welcome Message

Following the WFTGA Convention held in 2019 in Tbilisi, Georgia, we were unfortunately faced with a couple of unprecedented challenging years.

We are very pleased to have been voted to host the next Convention by the delegates at the 2022 WFTGA Hybrid Convention in Madrid and look forward to a new start!

What better occasion than the 20th WFTGA Convention?

Our Newsletters will keep you updated and will provide you with all the useful information step by step. This will allow you to take the best advantage of all the opportunities related to your attendance.

Be sure to subscribe and share with your colleagues. Stay tuned and don’t miss them!
The Italian National Association of Tourist Guides (ANGT) and the Syracusan Association of Tourist Guides (AGTS) are working together with the teams from the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) and Symposia Srl, the professional convention organisers.

We want to ensure a warm welcome to colleagues from all over the world to sunny Siracusa and make your stay and experience the most memorable possible!

We would like you to enjoy the beauty of a land full of natural and artistic treasures, get acquainted with the well-known Sicilian hospitality and share with you the taste of local specialities while toasting with a glass of Italian Wine.

~ Andrea Ogunbisi, WFTGA Member Delegate/co-chair Organising committee

19th WFTGA Convention Bidding Country representatives

From left: Carlo Castello, president AGTS, Siracusa, Alushca Ritchie president WFTGA, Valeria Pennesi, Symposia Team, toasting after winning the bid to host in Siracusa the 20th WFTGA Convention

The 2024 Convention Logo

The definition and the interpretation of the Conventions logo was an important step to achieve, and it required a lot of brainstorming!
We are happy with the result and hope you are too.

We thought it should summarise the idea of the sunny land with blue skies, surrounded by the transparent and clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It also had to bring in the vibrant colours of the Italian flag, the Tricolore and the red and the green of the host city’s banner. The stylized contours of Siracusa’s Cathedral and the Maniace Castle were the cherry on the cake…

We share with you our ‘mood board’ that we used for inspiration.

Meet the Team…

Convention Programme

January 2024

Pre-Tour (3 days) / 19th – 21st January
Delegates Meeting / 21st January
Delegates Pre-tour (2 days) / 19th & 20th January)
MAIN CONVENTION / 22nd January – 26th January
Post Tour (4 days) / 26th – 29th January

Landmarks of Siracusa: The Cathedral

The Cathedral of Siracusa

The Cathedral, Duomo, of Siracusa, erected on the ruins of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and later converted into a mosque, is truly considered one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque style and since 2005 it has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Practical Information

Where is Siracusa located?

Sicily is a rugged and attractive island on the southern tip of Italy and is one of the country’s 20 regions. It is separated from the mainland region of Calabria by the 5 km Strait of Messina. Sicily is the largest island located in the Mediterranean Sea.

Sicily – Siracusa

Eat, Drink & Experience Sicily like a local

In the buildup to the Convention, we look forward to introducing you to the local food, drinks, traditions and cultures. All of which you will have the opportunity to experience during your time visiting Siracusa.

Dancing is one of the most popular and ancient forms of socialisation and in southern Italy traditional dances are still alive today. The Tarantella Siciliana is the Sicilian version of the Taranta, a frenzy and fast beat dance believed to be related to the hysterical reactions to the bite of a venomous local spider, the tarantula.
Are you ready for a round of tarantella after a toast with Sicilian wine?