This will be brief, as I'm having some technological hiccups.
It'll be Pisco Punch rather than endless caravansaries on the ancient Silk Road laden with exotic spices, precious gems, and silks, bound for Damascus, Constantinople, Venice, and beyond.
Following the Thursday evening Gala, which was just a great success:
Our US WFTGA representative Maricar Donato offered comments about the substance of the conference.
From Kathleen:
"Maricar just delivered a summary of conclusions from the various workshops at the WFTGA. I'm attaching the slides here to be passed along to our SF member committees
who are forming our own goals and actions as we all move forward into the future.
The Key idea coming out of WFTGA seems to be the need/desired requirements for Certification.
Most European countries have very strict requirements around certification. We, in the USA, do not have one unified USA-wide standard/requirements for Certification.
The key concern seems to be the advent of Free Tours, and the many, many websites promoting Free Tours (work for tips only). There is zero consistency or regulation around Free Tours, and they eat into the opportunities for Certified Guides who, primarily, work via established tour operators.
Lots to think about."
More to follow.
Greg