DILI, 18 March 2026 (TATOLI) — Seventeen Ambassadors to Timor-Leste visited Ataúro Island on Tuesday, highlighting the island’s tourism potential while stressing the need to protect its rich marine biodiversity and natural resources.
The visit, part of the annual diplomatic reception hosted by President José Ramos-Horta, brought together resident and non-resident envoys for a tour aimed at promoting Ataúro as one of the country’s most attractive emerging tourist destinations.
The ambassadors traveled from Dili to Ataúro aboard the vessel Berlin Nakroma in an initiative designed to showcase the island’s economic opportunities, natural beauty and cultural heritage to the diplomatic community.
Upon arrival at Beloi Port, the delegation was welcomed with traditional ceremonies that showcased the island’s cultural heritage and the hospitality of the local community.
Henriqueta Maria da Silva, deputy chief of the Civil House at the Presidency, said the visit formed part of efforts to promote Timor-Leste — particularly Ataúro — to the international community.
She said the initiative also aimed to promote the island’s local products and expressed hope that diplomats would help raise international awareness of Ataúro in their respective countries, contributing to increased tourism in the future.
Ataúro Administrative Authority President Mateus Belo said the island is widely known for the richness of its marine resources and has become a favored destination for activities such as diving because of its diverse marine species.
During the visit, ambassadors toured several sites of interest, including the former prison, the Monument of the Exiles, the School Learning and Training Center, the Ataúro Doll Center and local handicraft groups.
Laos Ambassador to Timor-Leste Khamfeuang Phanthaxay said he was impressed by the island’s natural beauty and the hospitality of its residents.
“This is my first visit, but I hope it will not be the last,” he told Tatoli. “I was very pleased with the community’s hospitality and the traditional food, which is very delicious.”
The diplomat added that he plans to share his experience with his country’s foreign ministry and with international partners to help promote Ataúro abroad.
Asked which sector holds the greatest potential for the island, Phanthaxay identified tourism as a strategic area but emphasized the need to involve local communities and preserve cultural traditions.
Portugal’s ambassador to Timor-Leste, Duarte Alves, also highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that it was his second visit to the island following a trip in October 2025.
The Portuguese envoy praised the hospitality of the local population and said initiatives outside the capital were important for diplomats — particularly non-resident ambassadors — to better understand the country.
Alves also called for stronger environmental protection, warning about the need to safeguard Ataúro’s unique biodiversity.
“Ataúro is one of the islands with the highest marine biodiversity in the world,” he said. “It is essential to preserve this ecosystem by preventing pollution and environmental degradation.”
Reporting: Afonso do Rosário
Editing: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
