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Dili, Timor Leste, July 14, 2008
—IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, together with its partners World Hotel Travel and Jim’s Getaway Travel in Timor-Leste, today launched an online marketing and booking system that will connect local tourism enterprises with the global travel market. The ceremony was officiated by Dr. Gil Alves, Timor-Leste’s Minister for Tourism, Commerce, and Industry.
The new World Hotel Travel Timor-Leste Internet site,
www.timorleste-hotels.com
, is the 38th such site that IFC has supported in developing countries. With a grant from IFC PEP-Pacific, a multi-donor facility supported by Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and IFC, Timor-Leste has now joined more than 100 destinations in a travel booking portal that sells the services of local accommodation and tour suppliers to customers.
“The World Hotel Link system is designed to meet the challenges facing SME tourism enterprises in developing countries,” said Len Cordiner, CEO of World Hotel Link. “The appointment of Jim's Getaway Travel as our local partner means that accommodation and tour providers have a local contact who understands their needs, and who can get their product online and distribute it to the global market.”
Jim Richards, Proprietor of Jim’s Getaway Travel, said, “Before today, it was impossible for many of these small business owners to market themselves internationally. Through our reputable company dedicated to promoting this beautiful country, they can now promote themselves and make sales online. We are pleased to announce that we have already recruited 23 local tourism businesses to participate in the project.”
Rainer Venghaus, IFC Country Coordinator for Timor-Leste, said, “This initiative is important for Timor-Leste's tourism industry as it prepares for an increase in demand following uncertain times. The site will not only facilitate access to the global marketplace by local tourism enterprises, but will also help bring benefits such as jobs.”
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC’s vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized an additional $3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries. For more information, visit
www.ifc.org
.
About World Hotel Link
World Hotel Link started operations as an IFC development project in the Mekong region. Its aim was to connect local accommodation providers with the market. IFC eventually spun off the project in 2006. Today, it is a global leader in promoting sustainable tourism and travel. For more information visit
www.whl.travel
.
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