Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara, Dec 1 (Antara NTT) - Cycling sport and tourism event Tour de Timor (TdT) will include Timor Leste next year, in order to cover the whole Timor Island.
The plan was discussed by the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) officials and their Timor Leste counterparts, Welly Rohi Mone, Secretary of the NTT tourism and creative economic office, said here on Thursday.
Initially, the ongoing Tour de Timor, being held until Dec 3, was scheduled to start from Timor Leste, but it was cancelled due to technical aspects, he said.
NTT suggested that next year, TdT would be held in October, but it is waiting for the response from Timor Leste.
Francisco MCP Jeronimo of the Timor Leste Consulate in Kupang said he lauded the plan to organize a joint Tour de Timor that will include eastern and western Timor Island.
"We could start from Los Palus District in Timor Leste and finish in Kupang City (NTT) or the other way. We just need to discuss the details," he stressed.
Tour de Timor is an official tourism program of the government of Timor Leste, he pointed out.
This year`s TdT started from Atambua and proceeded to Malaka District and then to Wini, North Timor Tengah (TUU) and South Timor Tengah (TTS).
Deputy District Head of Belu JT Ose Luan saw off the TdT participants in Atambua, before they left for Betun, Malaka District, around two hours from Atambua.
Thirty-two participants are taking part in the event, which will finish in Kupang on Dec 3.
During the journey, they will have the opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty, traditions and culture of Timor Island.
The Tour de Timor covers a total distance of 321 kilometers and is divided in three stages.
The sport event is aimed at promoting Timor Island, particularly its tourism, investment potential, culture and traditions.
