DILI, 22 june 2022 (TATOLI)- The Ambassador of Australia to Timor – Leste, Bill Costello, said during this time Australia is one of Timor-Leste’s largest bound tourist markets.
According to Australia’s Ambassador, William Castelo, Australia’s Market Development Facility is working with the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, and Industry to develop an International Destination Marketing campaign to attract more tourists to Timor – Leste.
Ambassador Castello said, it is great to see the private sector also taking initiative by commencing marketing in places closer to home:” people in Darwin looking for a weekend getaway, who want to add an adventurous twist to their beach getaway, or the scuba divers and hikers looking for a break from the bustling Singapore metropolis. A fun fact, today a flight from Darwin to Bali cost AUD620 one way, whereas a flight from Darwin to Dili cost as little as AUD340,” he explained.
According to the Ambassador, tourism is a means to grow and empower the economy while supporting communities, therefore he commends the government of Timor-Leste to identify the tourism industry in Timor-Leste.
“I commend the Timorese Government for identifying the tourism industry as a driver for economic diversification. In the Strategic Development Plan, the Government identifies tourism businesses as a future major contributor to the national economy. Now is the time to make that plan a reality,”
“We now know that in tourism our collective mission is to attract at least a handful of the more than one million Australians who want to visit Timor-Leste. When Australians think of overseas holiday destinations, I want Timor-Leste to be on their list” The Ambassador of Australia to Timor – Leste Bill Costello told reporters when launching the Darwin Sister City Trade Show in Timor – Plaza, Dili.
Ambassador said: many of you would already know that Australia is one of Timor-Leste’s largest inbound tourist markets.” During my time in Timor-Leste, I want this number to increase dramatically. Especially now that the borders are opening and regular commercial flights between Australia and Timor-Leste have now recommenced. We now know that in tourism our collective mission is to attract at least a handful of the more than one million Australians who want to visit Timor-Leste. When Australians think of overseas holiday destinations, I want Timor-Leste to be on their list,’’ he said.
At the same place, Ambassador Castello stressed that lots of things need to improve in the tourism sector.
“We know that are a lot of things that we need to improve in the tourism sector, We want more people to explore the undiscovered to bring the economic benefits of tourism. We need to get the word out about Timor-Leste as a destination. That is why we believe that marketing is also important,”
“I look forward to our interconnection growing further still as more and more tourists uncover the beauty of a land my family and I are so pleased to have discovered” Ambassador Bill Costello concluded.
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Nelia Borges
