Page 20 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL10

The CPLP’s prime objective is cooperation between members in politics, economy, education, health, science and technology, and so on. We member states gain precious experience and knowledge that TL can share with ASEAN nations. We can be a bridge between CPLP and ASEAN.How will tourism development be structured?The plan is to develop tourism in a sustainable way. We want quality, not quantity. TL is blessed with precious resources that can be developed into tourist attractions. However, we don’t exploit them. We need to save them for future generations. We will not have them overrun by tourists.We target middle income tourists interested in history, culture and nature. As a new country freshly introduced to international tourists, everything is pristine, even raw. If you18 Elite+wish for first-class tourist facilities, you’ll be disappointed. Modern facilities will come – they can’t be avoided – but with the least impact on the environment.What is the tourist visa situation?Tourists can get a visa on arrival at the airport for $30, valid for 30 days. This applies to all except European Union nationals. TL signed a mutual visa-waiver agreement with the EU in 2015. That allows EU nationals to stay in TL without a visa for up to 90 days, and vice versa. Once ASEAN membership is granted to TL, ASEAN nationals can also expect a visa exemption.What do you recommend for tourists to visit?We have beautiful unspoiled beaches with crystal clear turquoise water, even in Dili, our capital and themost developed city. We have a few mountains above 1,500m with pleasant weather. The majority of our people are Catholics. We have Catholic churches, not as grand and elaborate as in Europe but still pretty. We have huge tribal diversity and 32 dialects. We have traditional sacred houses where elders live and animalistic rituals happen. We have Caribbean vibes. We have fusion food, a mix of European and traditional dishes.If you cycle, you can join the Tour de Timor. You ride around the island on beachfront roads. It takes about one month and two weeks to complete the loop.Are there codes of behaviour tourists should be aware of?Our culture is similar to the other Southeast Asian nations, and tourists should be aware of similar codes of