The government will build an international standard training centre for hospitality and tourism in Alieu district in 2014, so Timor-Leste can prepare human resources in these two areas.
According to the plan, the Ministry of Education will work together with the Secretary of State for Vocational Training Policy and Employment on the training centre next year.
Secretary of State for Vocational Training Policy and Employment Ilidio da Costa said they would approach trainers from abroad to help support the government opening the training centre next year, to prepare young people to have productive lives.
He said the Prime Minister had already picked a place for the training centre.
“We’re looking to do this, and currently we’re designing the centre which will open in Alieu district,” said the Secretary of State.
On the other hand, Member of Parliament Adolzinda Pires said she agreed with the initiative because Timor-Leste needs to develop its economy, tourism and hospitality industries because they all have potential.
She said the training centre was not just to talk about hospitality and tourism, but to prepare people for how to receive tourists in places like hotels.
“I think opening a specific centre for tourism and hospitality is important to improve the capacity of our resources, as people from overseas who get off at the airport often say the customer service is not very good,” said MP Pires.
According to her, when the government looks into diversifying Timor-Leste’s income, so it’s not just reliant on gas, this could also diversify people’s incomes and improve their lives.
