Until my 9th birthday we lived in a dictatorship and in a very closed country so studying tourism seemed the obvious choice. I graduated in Lisbon at ISLA, a school for superior studies on tourism in 1987. 

My first working experience was on the Island of Madeira, before moving to the very south of Portugal to the Algarve region, one of the most famous resort areas in Europe. It was there that I first met Danielle and Peter in 2000 when they were operating one of their early tours.

I was their local guide in the area for a couple of years and liked their ideas for the tours, small groups, good food, great and unique accommodation, it was also my first experience working with Australians and I really enjoyed it.

Later, I did their entire Spain and Portugal tour. As I speak French and love the country so when TIKI started the French tours I was their tour manager.

As TIKI developed new tours also including a tour of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, I have been assisting them with various inspection visits. I really enjoy seeing the tours come to life and show off these wonderful places. I have been working with TIKI TOURS now for 25 years and it has been a wonderful experience. I also truly enjoy working with the Australian market, I find tour participants to be easy going, relaxed and with a good sense of humour.

I have visited Australia myself and really like being there. I spent 4 weeks but wish I could have stayed much longer. I have been to over 30 countries but Australia has been one of the greatest experiences of my traveling life. I have a lot of fun doing my job and we always share interesting stories on tour, it is a privilege for me to work with such a great tour company. A bientôt  - Hasta la vista  - Até a próxima. Hope to see you soon! Manuela