Timor-Leste Tourism Generates Estimated USD 62.5 Million in Direct Expenditure in 2025

Tourism in Timor-Leste generated an estimated USD 62.5 million in direct tourism expenditure in 2025, while strong visitor satisfaction and return intentions point to the country’s growing potential as a distinctive Asia-Pacific tourism destination. The findings are highlighted in the January–December 2025 International Visitor Survey (IVS) Report, released by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) in partnership with Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MTA) through the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI), funded by the New Zealand Government.

The report provides detailed insights into who visits Timor-Leste, why they travel, how they spend, what they value about the destination and where improvements could further strengthen the visitor experience. The survey found particularly strong visitor sentiment towards the destination- 95% of visitors said they would recommend Timor-Leste to others; 91% indicated they would return; 84% agreed that Timor-Leste offers a unique and appealing travel experience; 84% considered the destination to offer good value for money; 58% of respondents were visiting Timor-Leste for the first time. Visitors most frequently identified the people and hospitality of Timor-Leste as the destination’s most appealing feature, cited by 46% of respondents. This was followed by natural beauty and scenery (30%), with culture and traditions, history and independence, and diving and snorkelling also identified as key attractions.

SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker said the findings demonstrate the value of tourism data in understanding visitor needs and supporting strategic decision-making. “The International Visitor Survey provides destinations with valuable evidence to guide tourism planning, investment and development. Timor-Leste’s strong visitor sentiment and significant tourism expenditure reflect the destination’s unique appeal and the important contribution tourism can make to the national economy. The findings also identify priority areas where continued investment can improve visitor experiences, strengthen destination competitiveness and support sustainable tourism growth.”

The survey estimates that visitors spent an average of USD 926 per person per trip in prepaid expenditure and approximately USD 816 during their stay in Timor-Leste. As not all prepaid expenditure is retained within the Timor-Leste economy, an estimated 50% local retention rate was applied to prepaid expenditure, equivalent to approximately USD 463 per visitor.

Combined with the USD 816 spent during the visitor’s stay, this resulted in an estimated USD 1,279 in direct tourism expenditure per visitor per trip, equivalent to approximately USD 165 per visitor per day. Based on an estimated 48,927 international visitor arrivals in 2025, international tourism generated approximately USD 62.5 million in direct expenditure for the Timor-Leste economy.

Holiday travel remained the dominant reason for visiting, accounting for 55% of respondents, followed by business and conference travel (13%), visiting friends and relatives (10%), volunteering (10%) and research and education (7%). The survey found that Asia accounted for 52% of respondents, making it Timor-Leste’s largest source region, followed by Europe (22%) and Oceania (19%). The leading individual source markets were: Australia (18%), China (17%), Indonesia (16%),  Portugal (13%) and Malaysia (4%). The findings provide important market intelligence for tourism planners, destination marketers, investors and businesses seeking to better understand Timor-Leste’s visitor profile and market opportunities.

While overall visitor perceptions were positive, respondents also highlighted areas where improvements could enhance the visitor experience and destination competitiveness.

These included transport and mobility, roads and physical infrastructure, airport and arrival processes, visitor information and signage, internet and digital connectivity, and environmental cleanliness and waste management.

MTA Director General of Tourism Antonio da Silva said the findings provide valuable evidence to inform Timor-Leste’s tourism development priorities. “The survey confirms that visitors value what makes Timor-Leste unique—particularly the warmth and hospitality of our people, our natural environment, our culture and traditions, and our history. We are encouraged that a high proportion of visitors would recommend Timor-Leste and intend to return. These findings will also importantly shape our tourism planning and investment priorities as we improve connectivity, infrastructure and visitor services, ensuring Timor-Leste is well prepared to host the ASEAN Summit in 2029.”

The 2025 IVS also represents an important milestone in the ongoing partnership between SPTO and MTA under PTDI. A total of 1,806 survey responses were received from 8,604 invitations, with 1,305 valid responses analysed. The responses represented approximately 6% of international visitor arrivals during the reporting period. Importantly, MTA contributed approximately 32% of the data analysis and report preparation, supported by SPTO through technical analysis, mentoring and quality assurance.

The collaboration demonstrates PTDI’s broader objective of strengthening tourism data capability within Pacific destinations so that governments and tourism stakeholders can make better-informed decisions based on evidence.

The January–December 2025 Timor-Leste International Visitor Survey Report is available for download at the link below: Timor Leste January-December 2025 IVS Report