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APTC tourism graduates offer free city walking tours

Amelia Petelo and Simolo Matafeo of Samoa, former APTC Tourism students who both graduated earlier this year with Certificate III in Tourism Operations, were keen to put their new skills and knowledge to use by offering free walking tours of Apia during the Teuila Festival week.
The Teuila Festival, one of Samoa’s most celebrated annual events, showcases Samoa as a tourist destination and includes cultural activities such as dancing, traditional demonstrations and food stalls.
The two graduates were based at the Information Centre. They offered their tour guide services to any tourist who came in to the Centre.
Amelia and Similo agreed that tour guiding was the hardest, but most satisfying, unit they covered during their training. “I remember we were all very nervous on our first practice tour around Apia as we had so much information to remember. Our Trainer Ray Petts was very supportive and as a result we have since been able to secure work as tour guides when the cruise ships come to town,” says Ameilia.
“The itinerary we followed on the walking tours were quite flexible as they depended on what the tourists wanted to see and how long they had. Walking tours were available around the city or up the Mulinuu Peninsula, which is the more historical and political part of town. “I love working as a tour guide as I meet people from all around the world and I am able to show and tell the tourists more about my beautiful country. Our clients really appreciated the tours and I feel proud that I was able to contribute to the enjoyment of their holiday experience,” says Simolo.

Similo (left) and Amelia at their base of operations, the Information Centre