Wisdom Cards

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what is tourism ambassador program?

A Tourism Ambassador Program is a localized training and certification initiative designed to turn hospitality workers, business owners, and residents into knowledgeable advocates for their community.

The main philosophy is simple: when front-line workers and community members are enthusiastic and well-informed, they can elevate a simple trip into an unforgettable experience. This leads to higher visitor satisfaction, longer stays, and increased word-of-mouth recommendations.

saida maka programa embaixadór turizmu nian?

Programa Embaixadór Turizmu nian maka inisiativa formasaun no sertifikasaun lokalizadu ne’ebé dezeña atu transforma traballadór sira iha ospitalidade nian, na’in ba negósiu sira, no rezidente sira sai defensór sira ne’ebé iha koñesimentu ba sira nia komunidade.

Filozofia prinsipál simples: bainhira traballadór sira iha liña oin no membru komunidade sira entuziazmu no informadu ho di’ak, sira bele eleva viajen simples ida ba esperiénsia ida ne’ebé labele haluha. Ida-ne’e lori ba satisfasaun vizitante nian ne’ebé aas liu, Ema hela kleur iha Timor, no aumenta rekomendasaun sira hosi ibun-ba-ibun.

 

General Tourism Office leads Tourism Ambassador program.

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The General Tourism Office is pleased to announce an upcoming training session led by the Director General of Tourism, His Excellency Mr. António da Silva.

This multi-date training program will take place on the following days, running from June through September 2026:

  • 1st & 2nd June 2026

  • 2nd, 14th & 21st July 2026

  • 4th & 11th August 2026

  • 1st, 2nd & 3rd September 2026

Event Address:
Dili Convention Center (Merkadu Lama), Paviliaun 2

As part of this initiative, a select group of 20 dedicated attendees is being assembled to participate in this valuable professional development program. Interested individuals are invited to confirm their attendance through the official registration process.

How to Register

To secure your place, please complete the following steps:

  1. Complete the registration form by clicking the link below:
    [https://forms.gle/A3hvUvxQLopyVMvdA]

  2. Verify your attendance via email. After registering, please check your inbox and confirm your participation by Friday.

Contact Information

For further details regarding the program grid, schedule, or any other inquiries, please contact the DG-MTA team via WhatsApp or phone:

  • Mana Maxencia Pinto: +670 74292108

  • Maun Antonio Varela: +670 7846 1539

We look forward to your participation in this important training opportunity.

Passport requirements for entering Timor-Leste from ASEAN countries:

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Passport & Visa Requirements for Entering Timor-Leste from ASEAN Countries

If you’re planning a trip to Timor-Leste from an ASEAN country, a little preparation goes a long way. To help you enjoy a smooth and welcoming arrival, here’s what you need to know about passport and visa requirements.

Passport Essentials:
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Timor-Leste. Make sure it has blank pages for entry stamps.

Visa at a Glance:
Below is a friendly guide to visa requirements for ASEAN nationals. Please note that requirements can change, so always double-check with the nearest Timor-Leste embassy or consulate before you travel.

 

Below are list of ASEAN Countries

Two Days. Lifelong Impact: Health and Safety Training for Timor-Leste’s Tour Operators

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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.

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

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

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Dear Valued Participants,

Thank you for submitting your application for “Health and Safety Procedures for Tourism Operators.” We appreciate your interest and will review it thoroughly. You can expect to receive a confirmation email from us shortly.

We look forward to supporting you in raising the standard of tourism together.

Stay tuned!

HOTL Association

Formal Announcement: Health and Safety Workshop for Tourism Operators

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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

HOTL conducts Workshop on “Having a multi-channel Sales Strategy, and Engaging with Travel Trade”

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Seventeen HOTL members attended a Workshop delivered by outgoing VSA volunteer, Simon Payne, on practical steps to prepare your business to work with international travel agents – wholesale, retail and OTA.

For some it was a good refresher on how this complex eco-system works; for others it was a straight-forward introduction on how to engage with the global tourism and travel industry

HOTL collaborates with ADB to host an agent famil 22-27NOV25

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A heartfelt thank you to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for partnering with us to host a special Familiarisation Visit for Singaporean travel agents from 22 to 27 November 2025. This immersive experience was designed to showcase the beauty, resilience, and vibrant spirit of Timor-Leste—from the coffee highlands of Aileu to the pristine waters of Atauro Island.

Over five inspiring days, our guests explored:

Orijem Timor Coffee Tours in Aileu

Quinta Portugal agro-forestry and cultural sites

Snorkelling adventures and community tours on Atauro Island

A scenic MAF flight with breathtaking coastal views

Artisan visits, historical caves, and meaningful exchanges with local tourism operators

Tour Guide Training Workshop 10 & 12DEC25

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Don’t miss this one-off opportunity to enhance your tour guiding skills, at no cost.  Come and hear from an expert in tourism storytelling.  Diane is a Volunteer with VSA New Zealand and has had many years experience working for Tourism New Zealand in Health & Safety, storytelling and quality assurance.  Limited places, so apply today.

HOTL Association Launches New Website

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The Hotel Owners Tourism & Leisure (HOTL) Association of Timor-Leste is proud to announce the launch of its new official website, www.hotl.tl
— a modern, user-friendly platform designed to enhance visibility for Timor-Leste’s tourism sector and strengthen connections across the industry.

The new website serves as a central hub for members, partners, and visitors to access information about the Association’s initiatives, news, and resources. It highlights HOTL’s ongoing work to connect, support, lead, and build a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry in Timor-Leste.

“Our goal was to create a professional digital presence that truly reflects the growth and diversity of our tourism community. The new site gives our members greater visibility while providing useful tools and insights for businesses and partners promoting Timor-Leste as a destination.”
Marlon Cristianto Liu – HOTL General Manager 

Visitors can now explore sections dedicated to About HOTL, News and Events, and Trade Resources, which include a curated Image Library of high-quality photos of Timor-Leste and a collection of key documents and promotional materials for industry use. Members can also stay updated on upcoming meetings, initiatives, and opportunities to collaborate across the tourism sector.

Developed in close collaboration with Lionfish Design Studios, the new website combines modern functionality with intuitive navigation, ensuring that HOTL can effectively showcase its work while engaging both domestic and international audiences.

The launch marks another step forward in the Association’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, reinforcing its commitment to providing representation, services, and leadership for tourism operators of all sizes across Timor-Leste.

For more information, contact the HOTL Association directly via email, phone, or via the online contact form available on the site.

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