DILI, 12 october, 2021 (TATOLI)–United Stated International Development Agency (USAID) and Timor- Leste established the Tourism Religious Association Timor-Leste (TRATL) to boost the united and diversity of Religious and helping Timor-Leste diversify its economy.
The program was implemented in coordination with the Senior Timor-Leste Government officials, leaders of the Catholic, Confucian, Islam, Hindu, and Protestant religions, under the USAID “Turizmu ba Ema hotu” program.
The United States Charge d’affaires Tom Delay said Religious tourism offers great opportunities for economic growth in Timor-Leste, and the country will have more visitors, at the same time it promotes human rights and strengthen the unity of people of different religions in TL.
“Therefore, The United States congratulates TL on the official establishment of ATRTL,” The US Embassy Chair d’affairs, Tom Daley said in his remarks.
Delay believes this ATRTL will create more jobs opportunities for the young Timorese to help the country achieve its economic diversification.
The Minister of Tourism, Trade, and Industry, Lucas Do Carmo Da Silva is proud of the establishment of ATRTL, saying this program will promote peace and brotherhood for the new generation in Timor-Leste.
“This tourism site should be developed with the support of the Timor-Leste government through the MTCI to achieve the government’s strategic development goals on tourism policy,” said da Silva.
Civil Society Representative, Filipe Da Silva said Timor-Leste needed to convert holy places to tourism sites and attract many people around the world to visit Timor-Leste to increase the income for the country.
It should be recalled that The World Religious Tourism Organization (WRTO) is register 330 Million people who visited all religious tourism sites around the world every year.
More than 20 million people visit China religious Tourism sites therefore Timor-Leste religious sites can also be attracted many visitors.
Since 2018 this program has successfully gathered all leaders from all countries to explore the Religious Tourism sites.
The RTATL program is established with the fund provided by the Government of Timor-Leste for 110,000 USD.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
