DILI, 06 march 2023 (TATOLI) –The Principal Advisor of the Ministry of Tourism Trade and Industry (MoTTI), Manuel Vong, said the Government MoTTI will regularize the Viewing of dolphins and whales in the Timor Sea to increase the state revenue.
“During this time, many tourists visit Timor-Leste and enjoy whale watching in the Timor Sea therefore the Government through the MTCI will soon create the decree law to regularize payment fees to increase the country ‘s income and build a better tourist destination in the future,” Manuel Vong told TATOLI at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Pantai Kelapa, Dili.
Manuel Vong explained that whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Whale watching is mostly a recreational activity, but it can also serve scientific and/or educational purposes.
A study prepared for International Fund for Animal Welfare in 2009 estimated that 13 million people went whale watching globally in 2008. Whale watching generates $2.1 billion per annum in tourism revenue worldwide, employing around 13,000 workers. The size and rapid growth of the industry have led to complex and continuing debates within the whaling industry about the best use of whales as a natural resource.
Therefore the Government of Timor – Leste, will regularize whale watching and also will implement the P5 keys (Priority, Prosperity, Protecting, Partnership, and People) to attract more tourism to visit Timor Leste, in diversifying the country‘s economy.
Previously the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Department of Fishery had implemented traditional law (TARA BANDU) to protect the Timorese whale and other sea species in the Timor Sea.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
