Program
Boosting Tourism to Expand Economic Opportunity
As Timor Leste works to grow and diversify its economy, we help communities and entrepreneurs build tourism businesses that create jobs and generate income.
With Timor-Leste seeking to diversify its economy beyond declining oil and gas revenues, tourism offers a path to new livelihoods and economic opportunity if barriers to investment, market growth, and rural participation can be addressed.
Funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Tourism Development Program strengthens local businesses, industry institutions, and community-led tourism initiatives. The program combines research, private sector development, institutional strengthening, and a flexible grantmaking model that enables local businesses and community groups to pilot and expand tourism products and services. The program has contributed to the growth of the Aileu-Maubisse region as an emerging highland and coffee tourism hub, creating new pathways for inclusive income generation, while promoting environmentally responsible, community-based tourism.
Impact
Aileu became Timor-Leste’s third most visited tourism destination, rising from eighth place in 2022.
Tourism businesses grew from 27 to 39 in Aileu and from 9 to 22 in Maubisse, with women owning 83 percent and 75 percent of businesses respectively.
The program helped design the national tourism brand and supported development of the National Tourism Policy with the Government of Timor-Leste.
The Hotel Owners Association of Timor-Leste was established to strengthen industry leadership, coordination, and advocacy.
Thirteen grants supported new cultural, adventure, coffee, culinary, and ecotourism offerings across Timor-Leste.
More than 20 tourism businesses adopted renewable energy solutions to reduce operating costs and strengthen resilience.
approach
Working closely with government, businesses, and communities, the program maps tourism assets, identifies market opportunities, and strengthens coordination across the tourism ecosystem. Regular visitor surveys and tourism data collection also provide evidence to support destination planning, policy development, and investment decisions.
Featured Video
The Undiscovered Island
This short film offers a visual journey through Timor-Leste, including its marine sanctuaries, mountain landscapes, and outdoor tourism activities like mountain biking. Organized by The Asia Foundation in collaboration with cultural institution Fundação Oriente to celebrate International Tourism Day, the film won the 2023 National Tourism Short Film Festival.
Partner Highlight
“I love to see the community interact with conservation projects…”
Idalia Barbara
Manager of QX Restaurant, Aileu
