The East Timor Development Agency (ETDA) recently inaugurated its new state of the art Tourism and Hospitality Centre.
ETDA’s Director, Palmira Pires, said the centre is ready to build the capacity of young people according to international recognised standards in the areas of Tourism and Hospitality so they are able to take part in the development process of the country.
“There are many priorities and needs but I think we can ensure our future if we provide education and training to our own people because we will not be able to build a country if our people do not have the skills and training,” said Director Pires at ETDA’s Tourism and Hospitality Training Centre in Hudi Laran, Dili.
She said ETDA as a government partner, wanted to focus on training and building the capacity of young people in the areas of tourism and hospitality because Timor-Leste has great potential in these two areas.
She added the centre has complete facilities and equipment of high quality and is staffed by expert trainers both national and international.
She informed the new centre can accommodate more than 250 young people from the 13 districts to learn about working in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Meanwhile the Minister of Tourism, Francisco Kalbuady Lay, said he appreciated ETDA’s initiative to train young people in the areas of tourism and hospitality and promised to keep supporting the centre with support including funds.
“I think the Ministry of Tourism is fortunate there is such an organization. I will also support you because I am sure the centre is very important for the future of Timor-Leste, especially to the tourism industry,” said Minister Lay.
Meanwhile the Secretary of State for Professional Training Policy and Employment (SEPFOPE), Ilidio da Costa, urged ETDA to keep collaborating with SEPFOPE-INDIMO to become accredited in those areas it has not yet been accredited.
“Congratulations ETDA but don’t forget to coordinate with INDIMO to be accredited because when they go overseas their certificates need to demonstrate the person is qualified,” said SE da Costa.
The training centre includes a bar, a restaurant, a commercial kitchen, a conference room and accommodation for 40 students from the districts.
The centre cost USD$478,040 to build with $394,260 funded by the Ministry of Tourism Commerce and Industry (MTCI) and ETDA contributed its own funds of $83,780.
The work begun in 2012 and works, including the installation of the kitchen equipment, bar, restaurant and student dormitory, were conducted by local construction company Nevan Construction.
