DILI, October 8, 2021 – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through USAID’s Tourism For All Project, celebrated World Tourism Day 2021 with the second annual Turizmu Ba Ema Hotu Tourism Champions awards. The program recognizes organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the tourism industry in Timor-Leste. USAID and partners honored the winners at a ceremony on October 8 at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Dili.
The event also continued the Tourism Youth Ambassadors activity for a third year, featuring a public speaking competition for young men and women on this year’s World Tourism Day theme: “Tourism For Inclusive Growth.”
“The Turizmu Ba Ema Hotu Champions awards program is a show of U.S. support for Timor-Leste’s tourism sector,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley. “It is a pleasure to celebrate the achievements of the men and women whose hard work is instrumental to helping Timor-Leste become a must-visit destination for tourists. They are keeping their business going during the COVID-19 pandemic and thinking creatively about how to expand tourism opportunities in Timor-Leste.”
Attendees included Acting USAID Mission Director Harold Carey, government officials, and leaders of the Faith-based Tourism Association (Asosiasaun Turizmu Relijiozu Timor-Leste — ATRTL). Corporate partners Heineken Timor-Leste, East Timor Trading, the Hotel Owners of Timor-Leste Association (HOTL), and Guide Post Magazine supported the event.
About the Awards
The Turizmu Ba Ema Hotu Tourism Champions awards took place at a challenging time, shaped by COVID-19 impacts on international travel and local business operations, as well as the devastating floods caused by Cyclone Seroja in April 2021. Reflecting these dual challenges, USAID’s Tourism For All project created three award categories:
- Tourism Champions — recognizing efforts to promote sustainable tourism and protect cultural attractions
- Solidarity Champions — honoring businesses that helped communities affected by the pandemic and floods
- Climate Champions — celebrating consistent efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change
Winners were selected from nominations gathered through a public online poll, open to Timorese people and international visitors. An internal panel at USAID’s Tourism For All activity made the final selections based on nomination comments and the number of nominations received.
Tourism Champions
Eight winners were recognized for their efforts to support sustainable tourism and protect Timor-Leste’s attractions and culture.
Alito Rosa and Konservasaun Flora no Fauna This volunteer group raises awareness of environmental protection at the Mangrove Centre in Hera, one of Timor-Leste’s newest tourist attractions.
Jeremias “Adino” Boavida — Head Waiter, Caz Bar Restaurant Adino has provided exemplary customer service over a ten-year career, and was recognized for his enthusiasm in sharing tourism information and travel advice with visitors.
Robert Crean and the Compass Diving Team The award honors Robert Crean’s 13-year commitment to marine tourism in Timor-Leste and his close collaboration with local communities in Atauro. Compass Diving has been active in marine biodiversity research and runs environmental education field courses for Timorese students.
Luis “Melky” Bere-Hunu and Dreamers Dive Academy As the first Timorese to become a qualified dive instructor, Melky has shared his passion for the underwater world with young people across the country.
Danny Lee and Ocean View Danny Lee invested in a restaurant and guesthouse in 2002, since expanding to include a dive centre, whale-watching operation, and kite surfing school. Over the years he has engaged the local beachside community in marine environment protection activities.
Manukoko Rek, Atauro Operated by a local women’s group, this guesthouse and restaurant invests 100% of its profits back into the community, working with a network of small handicrafts businesses to generate income for families in one of the island’s poorest areas.
Carlos Soares, Lauhata Resort Liquica One of the first tourism entrepreneurs to invest in Liquica, Carlos Soares has trained and employed local youth to deliver excellent service at his guesthouse and restaurant. Guests are encouraged to plant trees in the resort gardens.
Francisco Alexandre Pereira, Bollore International As air operations officer at Dili’s President Nicolau Lobato Airport, “Alex” Pereira has been recognized by travelers for his support of passengers in difficulty and those with special needs.
Solidarity Champions
The Solidarity Champions award recognized tourism businesses that mobilized to help communities affected by both the coronavirus pandemic and the Cyclone Seroja floods of April 2021. More than 40 people died in the floods and thousands of families were displaced to evacuation centres, prompting the Government of Timor-Leste to declare a state of calamity.
Pro Ema Training Restaurant Through its “Together We Are Stronger” campaign, Pro Ema:
- Raised more than $30,000 in relief funds
- Cooked and distributed more than 30,000 meals to flood victims in evacuation camps
- Distributed more than 20,000 kilograms of raw rice
- Provided 850 basic needs packages including groceries, bedding, kitchen utensils, and face masks
Agora Food Studio During the COVID-19 crisis, many small Timorese-owned businesses turned to social media to offer takeaway and delivery services. With support from USAID, Agora Food Studio produced a series of instructional videos to improve e-marketing skills and help restaurants apply health protocols when they reopened.
Climate Champions
The floods served as a stark reminder of climate change’s impact on Timor-Leste. Three Climate Champions were recognized for their consistent efforts to encourage businesses and individuals to mitigate its adverse effects.
Potenzo Lopes A wildlife conservationist and nature photographer, Potenzo conducts birdwatching tours and runs education and outreach programs about wildlife and nature conservation for students. He co-founded the Tasi Mos movement, which organizes community beach clean-up activities.
Fernando Madeira — DaTerra Agroecological Farm, Baucau This farm and guesthouse, founded on the principles of ecotourism, welcomes visiting school groups to learn about mitigating climate change through reducing carbon footprint, using local products, planting trees, and conserving water and energy.
Eugenio “Ego” Lemos — PERMATIL PERMATIL works for sustainable farming through water and land conservation. Since 2008, more than 5,000 young people have participated in PermaYouth camps to learn about environmental issues and develop skills to share with their communities.
Tourism Youth Ambassadors 2021
The winners of this year’s Tourism Youth Ambassadors award are Maria Pereira and Ronaldo Ima Dias do Rego, both students at UNTL (Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e). Selected through the public speaking competition on the theme “Tourism For Inclusive Growth,” both will serve in a yearlong internship with USAID’s Tourism For All project.
As Youth Ambassadors, they will raise awareness of the need for sustainable, inclusive tourism development, spreading the message among young people and communities across the country.
A Commitment to Inclusive Tourism
In keeping with the World Tourism Day theme, competition organizers presented all Tourism Champions and Youth Ambassadors with glass trophies engraved by artisans from Centru Sover, a social enterprise for people with disabilities. The specialized equipment used was supplied through a grant from USAID’s Tourism For All Project — a fitting symbol of the inclusive spirit the awards celebrate.
“The Tourism Champions Awards will help boost morale and confidence in the tourism industry,” said Acting USAID Mission Director Harold Carey. “All Tourism Youth Ambassadors finalists are up-and-coming leaders who give hope for the future of tourism in Timor-Leste.”
“Good news is the thing we need most at the moment. I know all of the members of my team will be so happy,” said Pro Ema Director Simone Barbosa de Assis.