It is with profound sorrow that the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) learns of the tragic passing of Giovanna Maria Giammarino, a 56-year-old Italian tourist guide who collapsed and died while leading a tour at the Colosseum amid sweltering heat on August 20, 2025. Despite efforts to save her life, she passed away at the scene. Our deepest condolences go out to Giovanna’s family. She will be remembered for her warmth, dedication, and commitment to heritage.
This heart-wrenching incident reinforces the urgent need to protect guides and visitors alike. Italian guide associations such as WFTGA Member Associazione Nazionale Guide Turistiche (ANGT) as well as AGTA and Federagit have renewed their call to revamp summer opening hours at the Colosseum, advocating for tours to begin as early as 7 a.m. and extend beyond the current 7:15 p.m. closing, in order to avoid the most dangerous heat of the day.
At WFTGA, we stand firmly behind these demands. The physical toll on guides—often driven by financial pressures to work in hazardous conditions—must not go unaddressed. This tragic loss underscores that professionalism must be matched with safety, fair compensation, and formal recognition.
We would also like to reference our recent statement, “Professional Responsibility Begins with Self-Care”, issued on 29 June 2025. There, we emphasized that extreme heat is no longer exceptional but a new reality demanding adaptation and solidarity within our profession. We called on guides to monitor official weather alerts, adapt tours intelligently, communicate risks early, plan alternatives, and above all, prioritize their own health.
Why this matters:
- Climate change is transforming the working environment. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, creating unsafe conditions for guides and tourists alike.
- Licensed and networked guides are better equipped to respond. Through access to safety alerts, peer support, and professional advice, they can adapt more responsibly.
- Fair remuneration and formal recognition are essential. The well-being of guides depends not just on awareness but also on structural changes; decent pay, social protections, and respect for their vital role as cultural custodians.
Our commitments to honour Giovanna’s legacy:
- Advocacy — We back ANGT, AGTA’s and Federagit’s proposals to shift tour schedules and reduce exposure to heat.
- Awareness — We will amplify best practices on tour adaptation, self-care, and legal preparedness, as outlined in our statement.
- Training — We will continue promoting training and development that equips guides to work safely and sustainably in changing climates.
- Recognition — We reaffirm that guiding is a demanding, skilled profession deserving fair pay, legal protections, and global recognition.
Giovanna’s death is a painful reminder that behind every tour is a human storyteller—someone who brings culture and history to life. We at WFTGA are committed to ensuring our community is better protected, supported, and valued.
May her memory inspire meaningful change and ignite stronger protections for all guides globally.
Sebastian Frankenberger
President of WFTGA
Der Beitrag In Memory of Giovanna Maria Giammarino — A Call to Action for the Guiding Profession erschien zuerst auf WFTGA.
