USAID Works with Youth to Build Community-based Tourism Enterprises

Rural youth are preparing for a career in tourism through a training course run by USAID’s Tourism For All Project.  A group of high school students and new business owners recently learned how to draft and cost tour itineraries and deliver professional customer service as guides for hikes to  Mt. Ramelau, Timor-Leste’s highest peak, and home to an important Catholic shrine at its summit.  The training also included basic financial management, food safety and hygiene.  The participants said that the course had strengthened their motivation, confidence, and optimism for the future of tourism in their community once visitors from overseas return.  Two of the trainees have been selected to guide a group of tourism influencers who will launch a new tour package in the municipality as soon as COVID prevention regulations permit.

“When I first established my restaurant in 2018, I had very little knowledge of business, especially in running the tourism business,” said Ms. Alianca Maria Lobato, 29,  who also owns a small restaurant.  “With the support of the USAID Tourism For All project training, I have learned a lot and feel even more motivated in running my restaurant business.”