Timor-Leste is set to join ASEAN as its newest member, a development expected to bring new opportunities for the region’s tourism sector.
The New Straits Times recently reported that Malaysia’s minister of foreign affairs, Mohamad Hasan, said ASEAN will begin domestic legal procedures to finalise Timor-Leste’s accession by the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in October 2025.
He made the announcement on the sidelines of the recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Adam Kamal, director of Suka Travel & Tours in Malaysia, remarked that ASEAN membership could be a turning point for Timor-Leste’s tourism sector.
He said: “With strategic planning, support from ASEAN mechanisms and infrastructure development, the country can position itself as the last undiscovered jewel of South-east Asia.
“Blessed with pristine dive sites, unspoilt natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage, Timor-Leste holds strong appeal for adventure seekers and well-travelled Malaysians in search of new destinations to holiday.”
Suka Travel & Tours is currently exploring Timor-Leste’s tourism potential and planning to develop travel packages for the Malaysian market.
Adam said air connectivity is not a barrier, with Batik Air and AirAsia operating direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Dili.
Apple Vacations Malaysia co-founder and group managing director, Koh Yock Heng, shared: “Our outbound customers are always looking for new and unique destinations to visit. We are currently researching Timor-Leste to understand its tourism offerings and assess what kind of travel packages we can develop.”
He added that Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership may open opportunities for cross-border collaboration in the regional tourism sector.
