There are calls for the government to better develop tourism sites in Atauro administrative post.
Member of Commission D (responsible for economy and development) MP Brigida Correira said Atauro was an important eco-tourism site that could help raise state revenues, which the government should consider.
She urged the Ministry of Tourism to develop historical sites in the area such as the Biqueli natural hot pool and the old prison as tourist attractions.
The Commission also found that there were issues with clean water supply, road conditions and electricity, which was still only available at certain times.
Correira also expressed concern over the state of the huts at Beloi beach used by local communities for selling katupa (boiled rice in coconut leaves) and fish, which she said were inadequate and in need of repairs.
Secretary of State for Vocational Training Policy and Employment (SEPFOPE) Ilidio Ximenes da Costa said that parliament had allocated $700,000 this year for community based tourism development.
He said the funds would be used to develop tourist attractions in Lospalos, the Marobo hot springs in Maliana, One Dollar Beach outside Dili and Kasait in Liquica.
From this budget, $141,000 would also be used to repair the network of underground tunnels used by resistance fighters during the Indonesian occupation.
He said the tunnels were in the process of being identified, while refurbishment works were still underway at the Marobo hot springs.
