Dili, June 9, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Market Development Facility (MDF), an initiative supported financially by the Australian Government to promote sustainable economic development in Timor-Leste through agriculture and tourism sectors, held a significant event aimed at strengthening international business ties.
António da Silva, Director General of Tourism and Environment of Timor-Leste, explained that since its launch in 2012, MDF has worked to coordinate and connect individuals, employers, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations to promote inclusive economic growth. This initiative is implemented in collaboration with Palladium and in partnership with Swisscontant.
“The Business to Business (B2B) networking event between Malaysian travel agents and Timorese tour operators is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Timor-Leste and MDF, organized in conjunction with the launch of a new Batik Air route from Kuala Lumpur to Dili,” said António da Silva.
He further stated that the main goal of the event was to build strong business relationships between Malaysian travel agents and local tourism operators, encourage collaboration, and promote tourism opportunities in Timor-Leste.
“This event is held in conjunction with the inaugural Batik Air flight to Timor-Leste. It also includes a team working with development partners, and we have invited 15 journalists from Malaysia along with Malaysian travel agencies. Four representatives from Malaysia and eight local tour operators from Timor-Leste are participating,” said the Director General.
He emphasized that the B2B format allows travel agencies from both countries to communicate effectively and engage in meaningful discussions, enabling the facilitation of travel from Malaysia to Timor-Leste.
“During the two-hour activity, we had discussions where tour representatives from different markets shared experiences related to adventure tourism, diving, motor tourism, and cultural and historical tourism that are relevant to rural communities,” he added.
He pointed out that this partnership with travel agencies is part of a market segmentation strategy, and that discussions are expected to lead to business deals that benefit both Malaysian and Timorese tourism sectors.
“Tourism business is about professional collaboration, and our tour operators must have the competence to promote their products abroad through a reliable sales network. These travel agencies can offer services to foreign visitors, including hotel accommodation, food services, transportation, and guided tours to tourist destinations included in travel packages,” he explained.
He also noted that the “tour route” package in Timor-Leste will serve as a pathway for foreign tourists visiting the country, while Malaysian travel agencies will sell travel packages for people departing from Malaysia to other destinations.
Furthermore, the event aims to increase awareness among Malaysian agents about tourism offerings in Timor-Leste, build personal connections and trust among key market players, and establish a clear and direct communication line between tourism sectors in both nations. It also seeks to lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable business built on mutual goodwill and interest.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano