Now is a good time to show your support for the tourism industry in Timor-Leste. In partnership with local businesses, USAID’s Tourism For All Project has launched a campaign to promote domestic tourism under the banner “Ha’u-nia Timor-Leste” (My Timor-Leste). The campaign, which will run until December 31st, 2020, aims to inspire the public to support local businesses by becoming tourists in their own country. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy the adventures and attractions that are on offer, whether it’s eating at a favourite restaurant, taking a road trip, going diving or just enjoying a cup of local coffee made by an expert barista. People can show their support by taking photos of their experiences, beauty spots, cultural and historical places and wildlife, using the hashtag #HauNiaTimorLeste when they share them on social media, to help get the word out to family and friends. By the end of the year, we aim to count 1,318,445 #HauNiaTimorLeste tags on social media – one for every person in the country.
The Tourism For All Project will host a series of events to celebrate World Tourism Day. A Domestic Tourism Expo will be held at Timor Plaza Centre Court from September 22-26th, with informative presentations from tourism associations and industry professionals to inspire the public to venture out and explore the country. There will be films, special promotions, entertainment, give-aways and quizzes. It will be an opportunity to learn more about Timor-Leste’s wildlife, the underwater world on our doorstep, and activities and attractions throughout the 13 municipalities.
The Ha’u-nia Timor-Leste Tourism Fair will take place on September 27 (World Tourism Day) in the parking area of the Timor Plaza, from 15.00hrs to 22.00 hours. Tourism businesses will be there to offer special packages as part of the campaign and book them on the spot, whilst the public will be entertained with cultural performances, a prize draw and give-aways.
These events are open to all! If you have a tourism business or association, and would like to participate in the events, or offer sponsorship, please email [email protected] for further information.
USAID’s Tourism For All Project is also organizing the Turizmu Ba Ema Hotu Tourism Champions awards to recognize people who have made an outstanding contribution to tourism in Timor-Leste. Members of the public can nominate any individual, company or organization who has gone the extra mile to welcome visitors, made an exceptional effort to support tourism development, or helped to create innovative experiences for tourists. Nominations can be registered by clicking on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/572NWQ8 Poll closes on September 14th.
The Ha’u-nia Timor-Leste campaign was launched to support tourism businesses that are struggling in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Timor-Leste’s overall destination marketing campaign continues under the brand “Explore The Undiscovered” and we are looking forward to welcoming international visitors once more once the situation improves. Please visit the ”Explore The Undiscovered” website at www.timorleste.tl to find out more about tourism attractions in Timor-Leste.