WFTGA CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE (WFTGA CY ITC)
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE
OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF TOURIST GUIDE ASSOCIATIONS
Nicosia, Cyprus
Based on the speech of Titina Loizidou (at the Opening Ceremony of the WFTGA Training Course in Nicosia at the Amphitheatre of the University of Cyprus) on
5th November 2019
It was in 1999, when Titina Loizidou (the third President of the WFTGA-World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations- at the time) with Deborah Androus (the fourth President of the WFTGA), approached the University of Cyprus and met with the Vice Rector - and past Minister of Education - Mr. Demetriou to examine the possibility of organizing a regional Training Centre in Cyprus, so as to train Trainers of Tourist Guides. They never thought that it would develop into an International Training Centre. They knew, of course, that they had the support of Prof. Demetris Michaelides (Head of the Archaeological Research Unit), who, right from the beginning, saw this, as a very positive adventure. On behalf of the WFTGA and the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association, late President Popi Hadjidemetriou, thanks were expressed to Prof. Michaelides, for his constant continuous support.
This endeavor, though, was not new to the World Federation; in 1989, in 1998 and in 2001, it organized two conventions, and a training seminar in Pafos, in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association, thus creating the infrastructure for developing training courses on the island and helping to promote the guiding and training institution worldwide, always with the support of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism; the former Cyprus Tourism Organization.
So, how did it all start? At the WFTGA, in 1991, the late Jane Orde conducted a research entitled Guiding World Wide to map the qualifications and training of tourist guides, in order to inform/consult the industry and also to find out, where, most assistance was required. Jane Orde was able to collect information about Guide Associations, how guides were selected and trained, the work conditions in various countries, the relevant legislation, the length of courses and their guiding fees and all about their employers.
Getting to know the guiding profession globally, helped identify the various needs of Tourist Guides and assisted in defining a policy to meet those needs. One need was that guiding courses, either did not exist, or where they did exist, they varied considerably in duration and quality.
So, with the help of a generic training course on Guiding Techniques, from the U.K and experienced trainers, the WFTGA developed Guiding Techniques for its training courses. Gradually, a separate Training Division developed comprising a number of member trainers of the WFTGA, of which, most received their qualification at the Training Centre in Cyprus. Cyprus itself, now, has a number of World Federation Trainers, two of which are Lead International Trainers, who also train at the School of the Guides of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
The lectures, which cover a number of subjects, are delivered by the University of Cyprus professors and World Federation trainers. The communication skills and the practical part of training, in different types of guiding, such as museums, archaeological sites, and management of groups are done by the WFTGA trainers.
Last year, in 2019, Steve McAuley from Australia, Anastasia Gaitanou from Greece, were our Lead Trainers and the Cypriot WFTGA Trainers Maria Piggouras and Mirka Merkouri were a part of the Trainers group, ensuring the best possible professional delivery of the programme. They used the Course Trainer’s Manual, which was sponsored by Mrs Edmee Leventis in memory of the husband Dino Leventis. On behalf of all the WFTGA, Titina has thanked Mrs Leventi.
When applying to the University of Cyprus in 1999, Titina had a good feeling; that this centre would develop. We knew that Cyprus was an excellent location, that they had the support of the University of the Archaeological Research Unit (ARU), the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and the will and commitment of the members of the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association. What they did not foresee, was that, this course would develop into an International Course, for those, who wanted to become International Trainers. The presence of last year’s participants was the proof of that: from Mexico, Bulgaria, Denmark, UK/Scotland, USA (Washington), Canada (Montreal), Greece, Cyprus, Germany, Peru, Iran, Thailand and Philippines.
For the 12 years of materialization of the training courses, the Cyprus Representatives and coordinators, were Titina Loizidou and Maria Aristidou (for 6 years), with Georgia Constanti as an Administrator. On behalf of the then President Popi Hadjidemetriou and the Executive board of the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association, thanks were addressed to the three of them, especially to Maria, for her excellent contribution in keeping consistency and high standard of the delivery of the courses.
Titina, was last year (in 2019), the representative and coordinator of the WFTGA for the courses. As, it was time for others, to take over her task, Titina has prepared the place for her CTGA colleagues, so as to take over in 2020. Demetra Argyrou Viguier, who was the shadow coordinator, Marina Cocconi (course administrator), Maria Santi, Jeannette Kurzentz, Zoe Anastasiou and of course Koula Vassiliou (our treasurer), who always watches the budget….. Titina has warmly thanked all of them, for all the work they have done and the excellent cooperation they’ve had. They are all ready to take over, as she stated!
Before stepping down Titina has expressed special thanks to the Sponsors: The Deputy Ministry of Tourism, The A.G. Leventis Foundation, whose sponsorship, allows us to offer Scholarships to participants coming from low per capita income countries, Hermes Airports, the Antiquities Department, Splus Travel Ltd (for the Whispers), the Nicosia Municipality and the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association, especially the then President Popi Hadjidemetriou, for the continuous involvement of the CTGA.
Titina has thanked the University of Cyprus, Vice Rector Mrs Diakidoy, Mr Demetris Michaelides, Mrs Christina Avraamidou and Mrs Christina Xinari and, of course, Mr Theophanis Tryphonos (the general director of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism).
Finally, Titina, expressed her confidence that the Ministry’s support will continue and thanked Mr Tryphons for being at the Opening Ceremony, so as to open the Seminar.
Wishes have been expressed to everyone. Best of luck to all participants and a warm welcome to Cyprus.
