Atauro, June 11–12, 2026 – The National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT), through the INCT Executive Secretary, Dr. Maria Elsa Diogo Correia, and the INCT National Director of Technology and Innovation, Ms. Jacinta dos Santos Guterres, together with the National and International Principal Investigator, held a meeting with the Administrative Authority of the Municipality of Atauro, the Director of the Roman Luan Organization, and the Director of Beni Marine Unip., Lda.
This activity, conducted as part of the research project titled “International Study on the Development of the ASEAN Maritime Tourism Route in Timor-Leste,” aimed to collect relevant data and information to identify and map the tourism potential related to the maritime sector in Timor-Leste. The research covers maritime areas, recreational activities, and events that have the potential to contribute to the promotion and development of maritime tourism destinations in Timor-Leste.
During this activity, the research team held meetings with the Atauro Administrative Authority, the Roman Luan organization, and Beni Marine Unip., Lda., in addition to conducting direct field observations, including activities by researchers who went out to sea to observe the condition and diversity of the corals. The team also gathered information from tour operators and relevant stakeholders to support the research process and identify opportunities for the development of marine tourism.
The results of this research will contribute to the formulation of policies and strategies for the development of maritime tourism route mapping in Timor-Leste, particularly to identify and map tourism potential related to the maritime sector, including marine areas, recreational activities, and events, that can promote and strengthen the development of maritime tourism destinations in Timor-Leste.
This meeting was attended by the Executive Secretary of INCT, Dr. Maria Elsa Diogo Correia; the National Director of Technology and Innovation at INCT, Ms. Jacinta dos Santos Guterres; National Principal Investigator Dr. Mário Marques Cabral; Dr. Feliciano Quintas do Céu and his team; International Principal Investigator Prof. Nyoman Sunarta; Mr. Moh. Saifulloh, as well as the representative of the President of the Ataúro Administrative Authority, Mr. Vicente Sanches Soares, the Director of the Roman Luan Organization, Mr. Marcelo Belo Soares, and the Director of Beni Marine Unip., Lda, Ms. Maria Jerónimo.