Today, 31st March 2026, marks a new chapter in health and safety for tourism in Timor-Leste.

Over the past two days, passionate tour operators from across the country came together for the Health and Safety Procedures for Tourism Operators training – and the energy in the room was unforgettable.

Here is what we accomplished together.

📘 Day One: Knowledge Meets Responsibility

Participants gathered indoors with hearts and minds open. The first day focused on key health and safety practices for tourism operations – real scenarios, real solutions. Because every guest who travels with a local operator places their trust in that guide’s hands. On Day One, that trust was honored with knowledge, clarity, and purpose.

🩹 Day Two: Hands-On First Aid with the Red Cross

The second day was practical, heartfelt, and action-driven. The Red Cross led hands-on First Aid training. There was no theory without practice. Participants learned not only how to respond in an emergency, but how to comfort and how to save lives.

🎓 A Certificate of Readiness

Upon completion, each participant received a certificate signed by the Red Cross. It is more than a document. It is a promise delivered – a commitment to safer, more responsible tourism across Timor-Leste.

🙏 Heartfelt Thanks

This training would not have been possible without the generous support of The Asia Foundation in Timor-Leste under the Tourism Development Program. Their commitment to building local capacity is truly making a difference.

Special gratitude goes to Mana Diane Clayton, HOTL Eco-Tourism and Health and Safety Expert. Your guidance, expertise, and heart elevated every moment of this training. Obrigada barak.

🌏 The HOTL Vision in Action

This training was the HOTL Vision walking side by side with local operators:

“Bringing the world to Timor-Leste, and bringing Timor-Leste to the world.”

💛 Looking Ahead

We grew together. We led together. And this is only the beginning.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to raise the standard of tourism in Timor-Leste – together.

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#HOTLAssociation #TourismWithHeart #FirstAidSavesLives #RedCrossTimorLeste #TheAsiaFoundation #SafeTourism #TimorLesteRising

We are pleased to invite you to the upcoming HOTL Workshop, delivered in partnership with The Asia Foundation and the Red Cross. This two-day professional development session is designed specifically for tourism operators and will focus on enhancing health and safety procedures within the sector.

The workshop aims to provide participants with practical guidance to ensure the safety and well-being of both guests and staff. Day One will address essential health and safety practices, legal responsibilities, and operational procedures tailored to the tourism industry. Day Two will consist of hands-on First Aid training, facilitated by the Red Cross, an officially recognized provider of first aid certification.

Participants who successfully complete both days will be awarded a First Aid certificate, co-signed by HOTL, The Asia Foundation, and the Red Cross.

Workshop Details:

• Dates: Monday, 30th March & Tuesday, 31st March
• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (both days)
• Venue: The Asia Foundation Timor-Leste (Map Location “Here“)
• Cost: Free of charge

Please note that spaces are limited to 30 participants. Registration will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your place, we encourage you to register at your earliest convenience via the following link: https://forms.gle/wcrG7iUMuByEVWAK9

 

We look forward to your participation and to advancing professional standards in Timor-Leste’s tourism industry.

Sincerely,
HOTL Association

The HOTL Strategic Plan 2025 – 2029 is available in the following languages:

HOTL Strategic Plan 2025-29 TETUN version

HOTL Strategic Plan 2025-29 ENGLISH version