Timor-Leste to lay down rules for preserving holy places

Thursday, July 14, 2022

The interfaith association for religious tourism in Timor-Leste has insisted on the government to lay down unique rules for preserving holy places that are expected to become religious tourism sites.

Father Angelo Salshina is the chairman of the Timor-Leste Religious Tourism Association (ATR-TL). He said that such a system is important to make sure that these places are maintained in a good way to cater to the tourism industry that is being given a facelift.

Salshina said that there are no compulsory rules for religious tourism places, for example, concerning what is approved and what is forbidden there, along with the accountability for their maintenance.

Salshina opined that the lack of these rules leaves these sites derelict. These days, it is easy to locate trash at sacred and religious sites. People don’t even notice these important issues.

He said that the Cristo Rei statue and the St. John Paul II Park, which was built to honor the visit of the Pope in 1989, are well-liked places for people.

These are sacred places, which should only involve religious activities. When they are used for other purposes, then it reduces the worth of that particular place. Salshina said that the ATR-TL is prepared to help the government in preparing such rules.

Jelino Soares, who is the general director of tourism at the Tourism, Trade and Industry Ministry, said that the government would think about the suggestion. He said that the government have made tourism one of the chief tools of nationwide expansion; however, there are still many things that need to be done.

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