Religious Tourism Association Plans Development of 12 Religious Tourism Sites in Timor-Leste

Dili, October 3, 2023 – The Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Social Affairs Coordination, and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Eng. Mariano ASSANAMI Sabino, convened a meeting with the Religious Tourism Association of Timor-Leste (ATRTL) to discuss the development of 12 identified religious tourism sites.

The Religious Tourism Association, composed of five religions—Catholicism, Protestantism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Islam—was established on March 25, 2019, to foster partnerships and support within civil society.

“Today, we present the cooperative work that we have been doing for over two years regarding the religious tourism sites of the five religions that we have identified,” said Father Angelo Salsinha at the Government Palace.

During the meeting, the association presented a report to the Vice Prime Minister and the Minister of Social Affairs Coordination, emphasizing that this cooperation should not only continue but also evolve to transform these sites into more integrated cooperatives that promote sustainability in these areas.

“The 12 provisional sites we have identified are now the focus of our efforts to develop them into stronger hubs that can provide more intensive services and enhance the sites we have,” Father Angelo emphasized.

The Vice Prime Minister responded positively, noting that the concept presented by the Religious Tourism Association aligns well with the government’s plan for community tourism, which is more sustainable.

As a result, His Excellency requested that the tourism association engage in dialogue every three months to ensure that these plans become more visible and achievable within the communities, especially in rural areas where these hubs have already been established.

Media Contact: VPM-MCAS-MDRHC