Ros Newlands attended the inaugural function at the invitation of HH Lacksay Raj Singh, Prince of Udaipur. The State Minister of Tourism and Culture for the Government of India, Mrs Kanti Singh, opened the Convention. Addressing the Indian tourist guide Convention Ros Newlands said "the logo of the WFTGA is 2 hands stretched across the world - caring and showing hands -  bringing all tourist guides together whatever their culture, language or religion. We must work together as tourist guides in friendship and it is important that we do not allow any internal issues to weaken our position. We should work with our colleagues wherever we find them to encourage higher standards and professional behaviour. WFTGA is a non-political organisation and our members must adhere to our Code of Conduct and behave professionally as tourist guides". 

Ros Newlands promised to support the combating of illegal tourist guiding and exploitation of tourist guides in India, and invited the delegates to attend the WFTGA Convention in Bali, Indonesia, in January 2009, where they will be able to discuss issues concerning tourist guides from more than 50 countries around the world.