Update, October 2026: The first forum took place as planned on 21–22 November 2024. A second edition was held at the Dili Convention Centre on 25–27 September 2025, organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment with the IFC, TradeInvest Timor-Leste and the national tourism authority.
What was announced (October 2024)
The government announced the first Timor-Leste Tourism Investment Forum, to be held on 21–22 November 2024 at the Dili Convention Centre (CCD). Its aim was to show local and international investors the opportunities in the country’s tourism sector.
- Organisers: a committee made up of the Vice Prime Minister’s office, the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, TradeInvest Timor-Leste and the national tourism authority, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group
- Programme: keynote speeches, panel discussions on tourism trends and opportunities, and networking sessions
- Expected audience: about 300 people, including members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-TL), the hotel association, tour operators, the coffee association, development partners and investors from ASEAN countries
- Future: the organisers said they wanted the forum to become an annual event
Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay said that strategic collaboration and responsible investment would help unlock the potential of the country’s tourism industry.
The forum’s website was www.tltourismforum.com.