Timor-Leste Community Voices Highlight Tourism’s Promise and Challenges

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in collaboration with Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MTA), released the findings of the 2024–2025 Community Attitudes Survey (CAS)—Timor-Leste’s first comprehensive national study on tourism. The CAS captures the perspectives of local communities on the role, impact, and future of tourism in the country.

Timor Leste is among 10 Pacific Island countries —the Cook Islands, Niue, PNG, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Kiribati, Vanuatu, and FSM-Yap under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative funded by the New Zealand Government. PTDI continues to serve as an essential resource for tourism data across the Pacific through the bi-annual International Visitor Survey (IVS), an annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), and an annual Community Attitude Survey (CAS) report to strengthen regional tourism strategies.

Conducted between November 2024 and June 2025, the survey gathered 527 responses, with 445 valid entries, resulting in an impressive 84% response rate. This high level of engagement reflects the growing public interest in shaping tourism as a national priority and a pathway to inclusive development.

The findings reveal a strong consensus among Timorese communities: tourism is seen as a vital engine for economic growth, job creation, cultural preservation, and national pride. More than half of respondents reported direct involvement in the sector—whether through employment, family connections, or regular interactions with visitors. Many view tourism as a strategic opportunity to diversify Timor-Leste’s economy beyond its reliance on oil, offering a more sustainable and community-driven future.

Timor Lestes National Directorate of Research and Statistics Director Augustino Marcal shared that the results indeed reflected the reality of what is happening in Timor-Leste. “Therefore, we have no doubt and fully agree with SPTO’s analysis regarding the CAS and BCI results. This will serve as a key reference for MTA’s future strategic planning, particularly in the field of tourism development. With this, MTA, through the National Directorate of Research and Statistics, provides full confidence to SPTO to publish the survey results jointly conducted by MTA and SPTO, which were carried out at universities located in Dili and private sector that engaged in the tourism,”he said.

However, the survey also surfaced critical concerns. Respondents highlighted the lack of essential infrastructure—such as roads, sanitation, accommodation, and digital connectivity—as a barrier to growth. There was widespread sentiment that government investment remains limited and that Timor-Leste’s visibility on the global tourism stage is still weak. Additionally, communities expressed concern over low levels of tourism awareness and training, fearing that benefits are not being equitably distributed across regions and social groups.

Despite these challenges, the survey points to clear opportunities. Community-based and eco-tourism emerged as promising avenues, with Timor-Leste’s pristine natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage offering a compelling foundation. Respondents also called for stronger tourism education and awareness programs, particularly in schools and vocational institutions, to build a skilled and informed workforce. Enhanced marketing and international promotion were seen as essential to positioning Timor-Leste as a distinctive destination within Southeast Asia.

SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker emphasized the importance of listening to community voices in shaping tourism policy. “This survey is a milestone for Timor-Leste. It reflects the aspirations and concerns of the people who live the reality of tourism every day. Their insights must guide our collective efforts to build a sector that is inclusive, resilient, and locally led.”