{"id":3684,"date":"2025-08-22T15:53:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T13:53:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sfrankenberger.com\/in-memory-of-giovanna-maria-giammarino-a-call-to-action-for-the-guiding-profession\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T15:53:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T13:53:15","slug":"in-memory-of-giovanna-maria-giammarino-a-call-to-action-for-the-guiding-profession","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sfrankenberger.com\/en\/in-memory-of-giovanna-maria-giammarino-a-call-to-action-for-the-guiding-profession\/","title":{"rendered":"In Memory of Giovanna Maria Giammarino \u2014 A Call to Action for the Guiding Profession"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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\u2019s family. She will be remembered for her warmth, dedication, and commitment to heritage.<\/p>\n

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\u202fa.m. and extend beyond the current 7:15\u202fp.m. closing, in order to avoid the most dangerous heat of the day.<\/p>\n

At WFTGA, we stand firmly behind these demands. The physical toll on guides\u2014often driven by financial pressures to work in hazardous conditions\u2014must not go unaddressed. This tragic loss underscores that professionalism must be matched with safety, fair compensation, and formal recognition.<\/p>\n

We would also like to reference our recent statement, \u201cProfessional Responsibility Begins with Self-Care<\/a>\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n

Why this matters:<\/strong><\/p>\n