Timor-Leste has officially broken ground on the new International Convention Centre, a landmark development expected to strengthen the country’s tourism and events sector ahead of its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.
The foundation stone was laid on 20 May 2026, during national independence celebrations, by prime minister Xanana Gusmao, president Jose Ramos-Horta, vice prime minister and minister of tourism and environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, ASEAN secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn, and Australia’s deputy prime minister and minister for defence, Richard Marles.
Located on the shoreline of Dili’s old port precinct, the development will feature a main convention facility with conference rooms, auditoriums, and exhibition halls. It also includes leisure and visitor attractions such as a pedestrian promenade along the pier, an aquarium, a Ferris wheel, and an entertainment and retail precinct.
The convention centre plays an important role in Timor-Leste’s preparations to host major regional and international gatherings, including events linked to its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029, such as the Heads of State Summit.
“Alongside our ASEAN commitments, this new convention facility provides a major boost to Timor-Leste’s growing tourism sector by giving us the capacity to host large regional and international meetings and events,” director general of Tourism, Antonio da Silva, said. “It also strengthens our ability to attract the high-value meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) market across Southeast Asia.”
The project follows three other major infrastructure investments expected to be completed by 2029, which will further support Timor-Leste’s tourism growth and broader economy: the US$300 (around AU$418.98) million upgrade of Dili’s international airport, the conversion of Tibar Bay Port into a cruise ship terminal, and the Dili Waterfront Rehabilitation Project.
There is increasing interest in the Port of Dili as a base for expedition cruising with new luxury motor yacht Paspaley Pearl using it as a base for its explorations in the region.
