#wftga

Training Centres

Int. Training Centres
Cyprus and Armenia

The benefit of International Training Centres

WFTGA can send trainers to you for in-house courses anywhere in the world. Alternatively, individual guides may apply to attend training courses at WFTGA International Training Centres (ITC).

 

Kick-start and multiplier effect

Not everyone can afford in-house courses and thus has the option of sending participants to an ITC.

State of the art training techniques, skills and knowledge

Participants bring back knowledge and gradually build up and enhance the infrastructure for professional guiding in their area.

Train the trainer courses

Although Hands On Tourist Guiding (HOT) Courses may be offered, the main focus in our ITCs lies with the two levels of Train the Trainer Courses.

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WFTGA International Training Centre, Yerevan, Armenia

A second WFTGA training centre was established in 2014 in Yerevan, the capital city of the Republic of Armenia. This International Training Centre (ITC) is based on collaboration with the Armenian Guides’ Guild (AGG) and Yerevan State University (YSU).

Academic staff of Yerevan State University and beyond provide the lectures and impart up-to-date knowledge. As per WFTGA Training Ethos, the main professional guiding and training skills sessions are delivered by WFTGA International Trainers, assisted by National Trainers.

Training courses have already attracted participants from Iran, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Syria and Armenia and have provided valuable opportunities of intercultural exchange and team building among tourist guides from different countries.

Co-ordinator

  • Anush Aramyan

Administrator

  • Ella Khudaverdyan

International Trainers in Armenia

  • Naira Sukiasyan         
  • Rita Navoyan

Armenia has a free visa regime and citizens of a great number of countries can get a visa upon arrival.

For more information about getting a visa for entry into the Republic of Armenia (if required) please check  with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia 

If needed, the International Training Centre in Yerevan together with WFTGA can provide letters confirming course attendance, accommodation, dates and purpose of travel.

Yerevan can boast of being one of the oldest cities in the world having been founded in 782 BCE and already being more than 2,800 years old. Although Yerevan is a city with a long history, it has a very young soul, and this unique combination makes many people fall in love with this old-and-new city, the heart of Armenia. Armenia, being a very traditional country, has always been considered to be at the crossroads between the East and the West, the North and the South. This location makes it be an ideal place for intercultural interactions and experience sharing. Yerevan State University is the ”alma mater” of Yerevan and provides some of the training venues.

Nov/Dec 2019 HOT and Train the Trainer Courses with participants from Armenia (in Armenian)
Nov/Dec 2018 HOT Course with participants from Armenia and immigrants from Syria
Nov/Dec 2017 HOT and Train the Trainer Courses with participants from Armenia and Uzbekistan (in Russian)
March/April 2016 HOT and Train the Trainer Courses with participants from Armenia, Bahrain, Iran, Kazakhstan and Thailand

March 2015

Train the Trainer Course with participants from Armenia and Iran
Dec 2014 HOT Course with participants from Armenia

 

 

Supporters and sponsors include the Armenian Ministry of Economics, the German Corporation for International Co-operation (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit – GIZ) as well as different museums, hotels, restaurants and transport companies in Yerevan. The Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Armenia has lent assistance from the very beginning. GIZ has been immensely helpful with specific sponsorship over the years.

  • Yerevan State University
  • Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Armenia
  • Armenian Guides Guild

Armenian Guides Guild Yerevan State University

Upcoming Courses at Armenia ITC Train the Trainer (TtT) International Train the Trainer (ITtT)
Dates: 10 to 23 March 2024 – CANCELLED 10 to 23 March 2024 – CANCELLED
Language/s: English English
Course fees – WFTGA members: approximately 2,500 EUR (to be confirmed)

approximately 2,500 EUR (to be confirmed)

Course fees – non-WFTGA members: to be confirmed not applicable
Application deadline:
to be confirmed

Since 2006 the WFTGA International Training Centre (ITC) in Cyprus welcomed over 180 course participants to 12 courses. The ITC started operating as a regional centre and was the first of its kind for WFTGA. Over the years many course participants went on to become Trainers of Tourist Guides in their own countries or WFTGA International and Lead International Trainers.

The ITC is organised in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association (CTGA) and the University of Cyprus. Lectures are delivered by professors of the University of Cyprus. WFTGA Trainers deliver the WFTGA Communication Seminar, facilitate workshops and the practical sessions aimed at improving guiding skills and techniques.

Course participants came from Albania, Antigua, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Ireland, Jamaica, Jordan, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Uruguay. Sharing experiences adds a truly international dimension to the learning journey.

Over the 12 years of our courses, the WFTGA Cyprus Representative and coordinators were Titina Loizidou (2006 – 2012 & 2019) and Maria Aristidou (2013-2018), with Georgia Constanti as a Course Administrator.

In 2020 Demetra Argyrou Viguier took on the role of  WFTGA Cyprus Representative and Coordinator, with Marina Cocconi as Course Administrator. A year later Marina became the Coordinator.

Cyprus itself now also has a significant number of WFTGA Trainers, two of whom are Lead International Trainers who also train at the School of the Guides of the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism.

The Deputy Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus as well as the A.G. Leventis Foundation support the programme. Other sponsors are the Hermes Airports, the Antiquities Department of the Republic of Cyprus, Splus Travel Ltd providing the whisper system, and the Nicosia Municipality.

Courses would not have been realised without the continuous help of the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association (CTGA) and their then President Popi Hadjidemetriou, whose committed involvement ensured the sustainability of the centre in the first 10 years. The Cyprus Tourist Guides Association is very proud to contribute towards the success of the WFTGA Training Courses, and welcomes participants with enthusiasm every year.

  • Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism – Main Sponsor
  • A.G. Leventis Foundation
  • Hermes Airports
  • Antiquities Department of Cyprus
  • Nicosia Municipality
  • Splus Travel Cy LTD (group guiding audio system)
  • University of Cyprus
  • Cyprus Tourist Guides Association

Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism

A G Leventis Foundation   Hermes Airport Department of Antiquities, Cyprus  Nicosia Municipality, Cyprus  Splus Travel Cyprus Ltd    University of Cyprus Cyprus Tourist Guide Association

The Republic of Cyprus is an island state in the Eastern Mediterranean, a full member of the European Union, a member of the United Nations and of the British Commonwealth.

Due to its unique position – serving as a bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa – Cyprus has, through the millennia, developed a unique civilization that is reflected throughout its numerous archaeological treasures and historic sites, museums, art galleries and byzantine churches. Course participants have the opportunity to learn more about Cyprus during the practical sessions which include walking and coach tours, as well as museum tours in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. During a visit to the Troodos mountain range with a professional Cyprus Tourist Guide participants can enjoy the authentic and traditional character of the island.

Participants also have the chance to get acquainted with the renowned Cyprus hospitality, the friendliness of the local people and to taste and enjoy the delicious local dishes.

Travel information and regulations for entry into the Republic of Cyprus (including visa regulations) may be found on the website of the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus.

General Information about Cyprus – VisitCyprus

As per the Republic of Cyprus Protocol, the country has dealt responsibly with the Covid-19 challenges and is now in a prime position to take care of visitors. Please find links to notices by the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism here below:

Cyprus COVID-19 Travel Protocol

Once you have been offered a place on a WFTGA Training Course at the ITC in Cyprus the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association Local Organising Committee will assist you with information, advice and documentation even before you arrive.

“We will be happy to have you in Cyprus and share great moments with you”

Upcoming Courses at Cyprus ITC Train the Trainer (TtT) International Train the Trainer (ITtT)
Dates: New: 17 Nov to 01 Dec 2024 NEW: 17 Nov to 01 Dec 2024
Language/s: English English
Course fees – WFTGA members: to be confirmed – likely to be around 2,500 EUR to be confirmed – likely to be around 2,500 EUR
Course fees – non-WFTGA members: to be confirmed – likely to be around 3,000 EUR not applicable
Application: will open in mid-2024  Trainer portfolios can be submitted at any time to [email protected]