1

Tourism Information

Tourism Information

Tourism

Tourism has been targeted as one of the strategic priority areas that should be developed in order to enhance national growth. The objective is to position Timor-Leste as a location that provides a range of tourism experiences that take advantage of its natural beauty, culture and heritage.

The challenges ahead

The tourism sector is still at its early stages of development but growing numbers of international visitors and an emerging tourist infrastructure open positive perspectives to the future. The planning of infrastructure development and the prioritization of projects already considers the needs of the tourism sector, including:

  • Completion of a tourism and hospitality training center in Dili
  • Establishment of tourist information centers in Dili, Lospalos, Balibo and Baucau
  • Further regulation of the taxi industry (e.g., standardized fares, minimum car standards and a regulated fixed price ticket system at Dili airport)

Source: Timor-Leste Investment Guide

Arrival of Foreigners at Dili Airport, by country of origin, 2014 to 2019

Country 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Australia 10,562 10,562 12,198 11,582 12,186
Brazil 525 525 711 606 645
China 7,455 7,455 7,524 7,513 5,259
United States 1,868 1,868 2,148 2,300 112
Philippines 2,173 2,173 3,148 3,103 3,621
India 712 712 734 811 868
Indonesia 9,081 9,081 18,538 17,834 15,130
Japan 1,448 1,448 1,461 1,403 1,373
Malaysia 1,386 1,386 1,614 1,755 1,782
New Zealand 656 656 755 731 790
Pakistan 127 127 134 101 102
Portugal 6,605 6,605 7,460 7,172 8,378
United Kingdom 1,005 1,005 24 64 2,052
Singapore 1,147 1,147 1,419 1,335 1,355
Other countries 7,686 7,686 9,320 9,201 7,873
Total 52,436 52,436 67,188 65,818 62,359

Source: Department of Immigration, Timor-Leste National Police

Central Tourist Zone

The Central Tourist Zone will integrate the capital city of Dili, the Island of Ataúro and the region of Maubisse. As the capital and the main gateway to the country, a dynamic tourism development project will be conducted to ensure that Dili offers visitors the full range of services and options expected of the Nation’s capital. This will include a wide range of accommodation options to suit visitors of all types of budgets, including higher budget travelers looking for resort style accommodation.

A Timor-Leste Tourist Information Center will be opened in Dili to provide information on places of interest. Dili will display its Portuguese colonial history through the protection and rehabilitation of Portuguese buildings and monuments.

Dili’s seaside location will be promoted, including the Cristo Rei. A development initiative will be implemented on the coastal area to beautify the beach exposed by low tide, and create walking paths along the coconut trees beach. The Cristo Rei will continue to be a significant focus and landmark of Dili, and a sustainable eco-resort should be established on the beach behind the Cristo Rei.

Source:

  • Ministry of Finance
  • Government of East Timor – TIMOR-LESTE, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN, 2011-2030