Documents & Reports
Official tourism strategies, research, management plans and training materials, free to download.
95 documents
Research & Studies2014 Survey of Travelers to Timor-Leste
A 2014 traveller exit survey by The Asia Foundation and the Ministry of Tourism profiling international visitors — demographics, arrival patterns, reasons for travel, accommodation, activities and expenditure — as a baseline for sector planning.
Research & Studies2017 Survey of Travelers to Timor-Leste – Key result
Key findings from the 2017 Survey of Travelers to Timor-Leste (New Zealand MFAT / The Asia Foundation) — 36,975 leisure travellers, US$24.6 million total spend, nationalities, trip lengths, top activities and attractions, and satisfaction rates.
Research & Studies2020 ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON MSMEs and Timor-Leste’s Tourism Sector
A 2021 Asia Foundation report assessing COVID-19's impact on micro, small and medium enterprises and the tourism sector — job and income losses and the vulnerability of community-level tourism businesses.
Strategy & PolicyA Sustainable Tourism Mode for Timor- Leste
A Ministry of Tourism presentation outlining Timor-Leste's sustainable tourism model — country profile, product mix, the Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030 and the Tua Koin eco-village case study — with actions for coastal, marine and community-based tourism.
Sustainability & EnvironmentALTERASAUN klimátika NO TURIZMU IHA TIMOR-LESTE
A Tetun-language awareness resource (USAID Tourism For All Project) on climate-change impacts to Timor-Leste's tourism sector — adaptation and mitigation strategies, emissions reduction, and an Atauro-focused awareness exercise.
Research & StudiesAnalize Linha-Base ba Oferta No Demanda Ho Prespetiva Komsumidor Nian
A World Bank baseline analysis (in Tetun) of tourism supply and demand in Timor-Leste — attractions, accommodation, transport, source-market profiles (Australia, Singapore, UK), COVID-19 impacts and a SWOT — targeting 200,000 international visitors and US$150 million in receipts by 2030.
Sustainability & EnvironmentAnnexes of Timor-Leste Marine Resources Inventory
Supporting annexes to a USAID-funded marine-resources inventory, cataloguing coastal and marine policies, legislation and management frameworks — biodiversity strategies, integrated coastal management, fisheries rules and climate adaptation.
Sustainability & EnvironmentATAÚRO ISLAND: Sustainable Management Plan
A USAID Tourism For All Project (Chemonics International) sustainable management plan for Atauro Island, 2021–2025 — situational analysis of conservation values, governance, stakeholder mapping, sustainability challenges and measurable objectives.
Research & StudiesATKOMA 2021 MID-YEAR REPORT
Mid-year progress report (Jan–Jun 2021) from ATKOMA, Atauro Island's tourism association — tour-guide training, membership, marketing, Whale Heritage Site status and plans amid COVID-19 disruption.
Research & StudiesAustralia/Timor-Leste Tourism Market Analysis
Market research analysing Australian demand for Timor-Leste as a travel destination. It estimates 1.6 million Australians would consider visiting, identifies low awareness among travel agents as a key barrier, and sets out a marketing action plan emphasising trade readiness and a digital-first outreach strategy.
Gender & InclusionBA IGUALDADE NO EKONOMIA
A UN Women Timor-Leste report (Tetun) on gender in tourism — pay gaps, women's roles in community tourism, social-norm barriers, safety and the business environment for women, with recommendations on leadership, education and gender-responsive policy.
Research & StudiesBaseline Supply and Demand Analysis with Consumer Perspective
A World Bank Group report (August 2021) — a comprehensive baseline of Timor-Leste tourism covering supply-side assets, demand-side data and a consumer scorecard for Singapore, the UK and Australia, with a SWOT, niche segments and key investment actions.
Sustainability & EnvironmentCan tourism in TL & Malaysian Sabah afford not to be sustainable
A 2012 master's research report comparing sustainable tourism development in Timor-Leste and Malaysian Sabah, using UNWTO indicators across economic, social and environmental dimensions to draw transferable lessons.
Sustainability & EnvironmentCLIMATE CHANGE AND TOURISM IN TIMOR-LESTE: THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW
A USAID call-to-action report (Chemonics International, 2021) on the climate challenges facing Timor-Leste's tourism sector, making the case for urgent action and outlining responses to build resilience and sustainability.
Sustainability & EnvironmentCoastal & Marine Ecotourism Values, Issues & Opportunities on the North Coast of Timor Leste
A 2009 report assessing coastal and marine ecotourism on Timor-Leste's north coast (National Directorate of Tourism with NRETAS, ANU and James Cook University) — coral-reef resources, economic potential and management within the Arafura-Timor Seas context.
Business & RegulationCODE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION
Decree-Law No. 07/2006 establishing Timor-Leste's Code of Business Registration — procedures for registering trading companies, cooperatives and sole operators, formalising the business environment for national and foreign investment.
Business & RegulationCODE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION
Decree-Law No. 07/2006 establishing Timor-Leste's legal framework for business registration — procedures for trading companies, cooperatives, sole operators, NGOs and other entities.
Research & StudiesCommunity-Based Tourism in Timor-Leste: Current status and future opportunities
A Victoria University paper on community-based tourism in Timor-Leste — current status, challenges in promotion, skills and finance, and opportunities for a collaborative network focused on nature, culture and adventure.
Sustainability & EnvironmentConservation Values, Issues and Planning in the Nino Konis Santana Marine Park, Timor Leste
A 2009 report assessing conservation values, planning issues and the management framework for Nino Konis Santana Marine Park, produced with Australia's Northern Territory Government — natural, cultural and economic values to guide zoning and management.
Research & StudiesConsiderations for marketing Timor-Leste as a tourist destination
An academic paper (Sara Currie) analysing barriers to marketing Timor-Leste — the post-conflict image and outdated travel advisories — and arguing for strategic destination branding to counter negative perceptions and drive development.
Strategy & PolicyCoral Triangle Sustainable Marine Tourism Project
An overview of the Coral Triangle Sustainable Marine Tourism Project (2016–2017) across Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands and PNG — developing a regional nature/marine tourism brand, destination planning at pilot sites, investor engagement and local capacity.
Sustainability & EnvironmentCORAL TRIANGLE SUSTAINABLE MARINE TOURISM PROJECT
A project overview for the Coral Triangle Sustainable Marine Tourism Project (2016–2017) across Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands and PNG — a regional nature/marine tourism brand, destination planning, investment prospectus and stakeholder engagement.
Sustainability & EnvironmentCRISTO REI: Sustainable Management Plan
A USAID-funded sustainable management plan for the Cristo Rei protected area in Dili (Chemonics International) — natural and cultural assets, governance, development pressures, and management objectives and monitoring for one of Timor-Leste's most visited attractions.
Strategy & PolicyDemocratic Republic of Timor-Leste 2013 Development Partners’ Meeting
Background paper for the 2013 Development Partners' Meeting summarising progress on the Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030 — economic growth, petroleum, agriculture, tourism, health, education and governance.
Strategy & PolicyDestination Plan Ataúro Island Timor-Leste
A destination development plan for Atauro Island (Coral Triangle Sustainable Tourism Project) built through community and government consultation — vision and positioning, target markets, product and experience development, capacity building and marketing for nature-based tourism.
Strategy & PolicyDevelopment Of Tourism Policy And Strategic Planning In East Timor
A 2001 University of Queensland occasional paper tracing the early development of tourism policy and strategic planning for East Timor during the transition to independence, documenting frameworks developed for ETTA and presented at reconstruction conferences.
Training & GuidesFOOD HYGIENE & PREPARATION
An ILO trainer resource manual (Module 2) for guesthouse operators, developed with ETDA — food hygiene, safety hazards, contamination prevention, handwashing, breakfast and dinner cookery, menu development, and costing and pricing.
Training & GuidesFOOD HYGIENE & PREPARATION
An ILO participant manual (Module 2) for guesthouse operators on food hygiene and preparation, developed with the East Timor Development Agency to build hospitality-sector capacity.
Gender & InclusionFor Equality And The Economy
A 2021 UN Women report on gender dimensions in Timor-Leste's tourism sector — gender pay gaps, women's economic empowerment in community tourism, social barriers, safety and leadership representation.
Business & RegulationHADIA ITA NIA NEGOSIU: Kalkula Kustu
A Tetun-language small-business improvement guide (ILO) adapted from the Start and Improve Your Business programme for the tourism and hospitality sector, supporting entrepreneurs with practical management skills.
Business & RegulationHADIA ITA NIA NEGOSIU: Sosa
A Tetun-language business improvement guide (ILO BOSS Project) for tourism and hospitality enterprises, adapting the Start and Improve Your Business curriculum into practical management skills.
Training & GuidesHADIA ITA NIA NEGOSIU: Kontabilidade
A Tetun-language business improvement training guide (ILO BOSS Project) for the tourism and hospitality sector, providing practical management tools and exercises for small enterprise owners.
Business & RegulationHADIA ITA NIA NEGOSIU: Planeiamentu Finanseiru
A Tetun-language business improvement workbook (ILO BOSS Project) for tourism and hospitality, adapted from Start and Improve Your Business with practical guidance for small operators.
Business & RegulationHADIA ITA NIA NEGOSIU: Komersializasaun
An ILO 'Improve Your Business' guide in Tetun, adapted for the tourism and hospitality sector under the ILO BOSS Project — practical business-improvement tools for small tourism enterprises.
Sustainability & EnvironmentILLA ATAÚRO: Planu Jestaun Sustentável
A Tetun-language sustainable management plan for Atauro Island (USAID Tourism For All Project, 2021–2025) — high-conservation-value assessment, governance, stakeholder analysis, challenges and objectives to protect the island's marine biodiversity while supporting livelihoods.
Sustainability & EnvironmentIMPORTANT BIRD AREAS IN TIMOR-LESTE
A bilingual (English/Indonesian) BirdLife International guide (2007) describing 16 Important Bird Areas of global conservation significance in Timor-Leste, documenting key habitats, species and conservation priorities.
Research & StudiesIndonesia Market Assessment Of Potential For Faith-Based Tourism In Timor-Leste
A USAID (Chemonics International) market study of the Indonesian source market for faith-based tourism — religious and cultural sites, faith-tourism growth, constraints, a SWOT, a marketing action plan and sample itineraries.
Business & RegulationKALKULA KUSTU
A Tetun-language cost-calculation guide (ILO BOSS Project) giving small tourism and hospitality businesses practical tools to calculate costs and set prices.
Business & RegulationLICENCIAMENTO DE ATIVIDADES ECONÓMICAS
Decree-Law No. 34/2017 (Jornal da República) establishing Timor-Leste's legal framework for licensing economic activities, with procedures and requirements for businesses across sectors including tourism.
Business & RegulationLivro Registo Kontabilidade
A Tetun-language accounting-records workbook (ILO BOSS Project) providing bookkeeping templates and guidance for small tourism and hospitality businesses.
Training & GuidesMANAGING RECEPTION & HOUSEKEEPING
Module 3 of the ILO Guesthouse Operators Tourism Training Package (2016) — trainer resources for delivering reception and housekeeping training in remote Timor-Leste, with lesson plans, learning outcomes and timetables.
Training & GuidesMANAGING RECEPTION & HOUSEKEEPING
An ILO trainer resource manual (Module 3) for guesthouse operators in Timor-Leste covering reception and housekeeping — communication, bookings, check-in/out, pricing and optional-item sales across a three-day program.
Training & GuidesMANAGING RECEPTION & HOUSEKEEPING
An ILO participant training manual (Module 3) for guesthouse operators covering front-of-house reception and housekeeping standards, developed with ETDA under the ILO BOSS project.
Research & StudiesMarine Megafauna Surveys in Timor Leste
A 2009 report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries with the Australian Institute of Marine Science documenting aerial and boat surveys of marine megafauna (whales, whale sharks, dugongs) in Timorese waters, identifying ecotourism opportunities and conservation priorities.
Strategy & PolicyMinistry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry
Institutional overview of Timor-Leste's Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry, covering its mandate across tourism, trade, and industry policy.
Sustainability & EnvironmentMount Ramelau Eco-Trail Sustainable Management Plan
A USAID management plan (Chemonics International) for the Mount Ramelau (Tatamailau) eco-trail and protected area — natural and cultural assets, governance with MAF, MTCI, the Catholic Church and communities, sustainability challenges, objectives and monitoring.
Sustainability & EnvironmentMUDANSA KLIMÁTIKA NO TURIZMU IHA TIMOR-LESTE: TEMPU HALO ASAUN MAK AGORA
A USAID report in Tetun (2021, Chemonics International) calling for urgent action on climate-change impacts to Timor-Leste's tourism sector, outlining challenges and adaptation strategies for operators, policymakers and communities.
Sustainability & EnvironmentNature-based Marine Tourism in the Coral Triangle
A 2015 WWF-Pacific and Australian Aid report (2iis Consulting) on the potential for low-impact, high-value nature-based marine and coastal tourism across the Coral Triangle, including Timor-Leste — trends, threats and opportunities to 2030.
Sustainability & EnvironmentOpportunities & Prospects for Growing Marine Tourism in Timor-Leste
A 2020 presentation by the Marine Tourism Association of Timor-Leste on global marine-tourism trends, the country's marine ecotourism assets, and the opportunities and challenges for growing the sector through industry collaboration.
Strategy & PolicyOPTIONS DESCRIPTION REPORT
A USAID Tourism For All Project report (Chemonics International, June 2020) describing strategic options for inclusive tourism development that benefits a broad range of communities and businesses.
Strategy & PolicyORGANICA DO MINISTERIO DA ADMINISTRACAO ESTATAL
Official gazette (Jornal da República, 2019) publishing the organic-law decrees that establish the legal structure and mandates of several Timor-Leste ministries, including Tourism, Commerce and Industry.
Strategy & PolicyPolitica Nacional Turismo
Timor-Leste's National Tourism Policy (Portuguese), produced by the Ministry of Tourism with UNWTO support — strategic direction for sustainable, inclusive tourism to 2030, emphasising national identity, ecotourism and private-sector investment.
Strategy & PolicyPolítika Nasionál Turizmu
The National Tourism Policy of Timor-Leste (Tetun), framing sustainable, inclusive tourism development to 2030 — the government's vision for tourism as a vehicle for national identity, environmental protection and human-scale development.
Strategy & PolicyPRIORITY PROJECT ACTION PLANS
A USAID Tourism For All Project report (Chemonics International, 2019) setting out priority action plans and targeted interventions to develop Timor-Leste's tourism sector.
Sustainability & EnvironmentPromoting Sustainable Tourism Futures in Timor-Leste by Creating Synergies between Food, Place, and People
A peer-reviewed Journal of Sustainable Tourism paper (2021) on integrating food systems, local identity and community participation to build sustainable tourism in Timor-Leste, exploring cuisine and agriculture in destination development.
Research & StudiesProspects for the Establishment of a Community-Based Tourism Network in Timor-Leste
A TLSA conference paper on the feasibility of a community-based tourism network in Timor-Leste, analysing the tourism landscape, visitor statistics, diving, cultural heritage and WWII history, and the case for structured cooperation.
Business & RegulationREGIME JURÍDICO DE LICENCIAMENTO E FUNCIONAMENTOS DE AGÊNCIAS VIAGENS E TURISMO
A Portuguese-language regulation from the Ministry of Tourism governing the licensing and operation of travel agencies and tourism businesses — conditions and procedures for obtaining and keeping a licence.
Business & RegulationREGISTO COMERCIAL
Official gazette (Jornal da República, May 2017) containing Decree-Law No. 16/2017 on Commercial Registration, alongside the new Companies Law and ratification of the Paris Agreement — the legal instrument governing commercial registration.
Business & RegulationREGULAMENTOS DE JOGOS RECREATIVOS E SOCIAIS
A Portuguese-language regulation from the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry setting the legal framework for licensing and operating recreational and social gaming activities.
Business & RegulationRegulamentos dos Restaurantes e Estabelecimentos Cimilares
A Portuguese-language government regulation on rules and standards for restaurants and similar food-service establishments in Timor-Leste — licensing, hygiene and operating standards.
Research & StudiesSingapore Market Study Findings
A USAID Tourism For All Project market study of Singapore as a source market for Timor-Leste — outbound travel volumes, Changi connectivity, the travel-agent landscape and strategies for attracting Singaporean visitors.
Sustainability & EnvironmentSISTEMA NACIONAL DE ÁREAS PROTEGIDAS
Decree-Law No. 5/2016 establishing Timor-Leste's National System of Protected Areas (SNAP) — legal instruments for national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, nature reserves and community protected areas, aligned to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Sustainability & EnvironmentStatus of Marine Information for Conservation Management in Timor-Leste
A 2018 USAID-commissioned review (Dr Karen Edyvane) of marine datasets, conservation programmes and research in Timor-Leste, inventorying high-value marine information and identifying gaps and future priorities.
Strategy & PolicyStrategic Tourism Marketing Plan for Timor-Leste.
A 2019 strategic marketing plan (The Asia Foundation / Bali Discovery) targeting Indonesia and Bali as key source markets — market analysis, a step-by-step action plan and five short-term priority projects to grow Indonesian arrivals.
Strategy & PolicySUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND MARKETING ACTION PLAN
A 2020 market-research summary and marketing action plan (ZOIK for the Market Development Facility) focused on the Australian market — consumer survey findings, travel-trade interviews, media habits and a phased COVID/post-COVID strategy.
Sustainability & EnvironmentSustainable Destination Management in Timor‐Leste
An academic thesis (Philipps University of Marburg, 2011) examining sustainable destination management in Timor-Leste. Drawing on field research, it assesses how the country’s emerging tourism sector can grow in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
Research & StudiesSustainable Tourism And Alternative Livelihood Development On Ataúro Island, Timor-Leste, Through Pro-Poor, Community-Based Ecotourism
A 2016 Charles Darwin University master's thesis on the economic, social and environmental impacts of community-based and pro-poor ecotourism on Atauro Island, based on 150-household surveys across three villages.
Strategy & PolicySustainable Tourism Sector Development and Institutional Strengthening Project
A UNDP/UNWTO project report (2007, Volume 1) giving Timor-Leste strategies for sustainable tourism — current status and potential, constraints, guiding policies, tourism zones, institutional strengthening of the National Directorate of Tourism, and marketing and product development.
Sustainability & EnvironmentSustainable Tourism Sector Development and Institutional Strengthening, Republic of Timor- Leste
A 2006 UNWTO/UNDP environmental-planning report assessing tourism-related environmental concerns — deforestation, water conservation, coral loss, overfishing and waste — and recommending mitigation for environmentally sustainable tourism.
Sustainability & EnvironmentThe National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Timor-Leste (2011-2020)
Timor-Leste's ten-year national biodiversity strategy (2011–2020), prepared by the Ministry of Economy and Development with UNDP and GEF support — goals, targets and actions to protect ecosystems, species and genetic resources.
Sustainability & EnvironmentThe National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Timor-Leste (2011-2020)
Timor-Leste's national biodiversity strategy and action plan (2011–2020), coordinated by the Ministry of Economy and Development with UNDP and GEF — goals and actions for conserving terrestrial and marine biodiversity, relevant to ecotourism and protected-area management.
Culture & HeritageThe potential for cultural tourism
A field-research report (Fundasaun Alola and Timor Adventures, supported by the ILO) on cultural-tourism potential in Bobonaro, Ainaro and Lautem — significant sites and ceremonies, best-practice models, and district recommendations that benefit women while preserving heritage.
Research & StudiesThe Prospects for a Community Based Tourism Network in Timor-Leste
A Victoria University working paper examining the prospects for community-based tourism networks in Timor-Leste — CBT theory, the development context, and a framework for maximising community benefit and economic diversification.
Strategy & PolicyTimor Leste National Tourism Policies And Strategies
A Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry presentation on national tourism policies and strategies, including the country profile and key potential sectors — oil and gas, tourism, agriculture, fisheries and coastal/marine tourism.
Research & StudiesTimor- Leste Tourism Barometer 2018
An annual tourism-sector snapshot (The Asia Foundation / Destination Human Capital, 2018) covering supply, demand, partnerships and institutions — destination brand positioning, visitor statistics, trends and a SWOT.
Research & StudiesTimor-Leste Economic Diversification Analysis
A USAID economic diversification analysis (2015) covering candlenut, mobile finance and tourism, assessing market potential, value-chain constraints and investment opportunities to reduce dependence on oil revenue.
Strategy & PolicyTimor-Leste National Tourism Policy
The Government of Timor-Leste's National Tourism Policy, framed as 'Growing Tourism to 2030: Enhancing a National Identity' — strategic direction for sustainable, inclusive development aligned with UNWTO and WTTC, emphasising ecotourism, cultural identity and private investment.
Strategy & PolicyTimor-Leste Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030
The Government of Timor-Leste's 20-year national development plan — social capital (education, health, culture), infrastructure (roads, ports, airports) and economic sectors including tourism, agriculture and petroleum — setting long-term priorities.
Strategy & PolicyTIMOR-LESTE TOURISM REBOOT Initiative
A USAID Tourism For All Project plan (Chemonics International, May 2020) outlining proactive strategies for reviving Timor-Leste's tourism sector after COVID-19 — recovery priorities to rebuild arrivals and industry capacity.
Research & StudiesTimor-Leste Tourism Research and Development
A sector research-and-development report for the ILO BOSS Project covering the tourism value chain, district-level findings on visitation, access and experience delivery, and priority interventions, with methodology and constraints.
Training & GuidesTour Guiding Training Module
A training module from USAID's Tourism For All project covering the fundamentals of tour guiding — the business of tourism, tourist engagement, recognising different visitor types, and building itineraries and packages. Designed to lift service quality and guiding skills among Timorese tourism workers.
Research & StudiesTourism Asset Mapping Report
An Asian Development Bank consultancy report on cross-border tourism between Indonesia and Timor-Leste — a four-stage asset-mapping methodology, asset scoring across West Timor and Timor-Leste, tourist personas, and nine joint 'One Island–Two Nations' itineraries.
Strategy & PolicyTourism Development Strategies For Timor-Leste
An early strategic blueprint for Timor-Leste's nascent tourism sector, drawing lessons from post-conflict Cambodia and Laos — a focused, incremental approach centred on sustainability, community participation and target segments such as divers and cultural tourists.
Research & StudiesTourism Management
A peer-reviewed Tourism Management (2015) article by Hong Kong Polytechnic University researchers analysing stakeholder perceptions of community-based tourism networks in Timor-Leste, identifying success factors including funding authority, leadership and power balance.
Strategy & PolicyTourism Policy Development For Timor Leste
A UNWTO–UNDP Sustainable Tourism Sector Development report (Phase I, 2005) with foundational policy recommendations for the nascent sector — attractions, marine-resource protection, cultural conservation, infrastructure, air transport and scenic roads.
Training & GuidesTourism Product Development Methodology – A Guide For Practitioners
A USAID Tourism For All Project practitioner's guide to a three-phase tourism product-development methodology — product-market matching, identifying needs and opportunities, and action planning — with case studies from Atauro and Mount Ramelau.
Training & GuidesTourism Sector
An ILO BOSS Project report on a multi-year private-sector development programme for Timor-Leste's tourism sector — support for a visitor centre, national tourism policy drafting, district working groups, training and destination marketing.
Research & StudiesUnderstanding Timor-Leste 2013
Proceedings (Volume II) of the Understanding Timor-Leste 2013 conference, published by the Timor-Leste Studies Association — 21 peer-reviewed papers spanning tourism, community development, gender, agriculture, environment and cultural identity.
Training & GuidesUNDERSTANDING TOURISTS & TOURISM
An ILO trainer resource guide (Module 1) from the Guesthouse Operators Tourism Training programme for remote delivery in Timor-Leste, introducing tourist behaviour and the tourism industry with structured lesson plans.
Training & GuidesUNDERSTANDING TOURISTS & TOURISM
An ILO trainer resource guide (Module 1, 2016) for guesthouse operators, introducing tourism concepts over three days — types of tourists, customer service, safety, cultural awareness, communication and complaint handling.
Training & GuidesUNDERSTANDING TOURISTS & TOURISM
An ILO participant manual (Module 1), developed with ETDA, introducing guesthouse operators to the basics of the tourism industry, types of tourists, and Timor-Leste's tourism context to build domestic operator capacity.
Training & GuidesWalking in Hato Builico Timor Leste
A community-produced walking guide to the Hato Builico highlands, developed with Australian volunteers — preparation, guided and self-guided routes including treks to Mount Ramelau, with local place names and visitor tips.
Sustainability & EnvironmentWhere to next? Community-based tourism in hidden Timor-Leste
A UNDP publication profiling community-based tourism in the Oé-Cusse Ambeno enclave — reefs, mountain hiking, hot mud volcanoes and Dawan tais weaving — and how tourism creates opportunities for youth, women and marginalised groups.
Sustainability & EnvironmentWhy Ecotourism for Atauro
A 2017 essay arguing for community ecotourism on Atauro Island, drawing on livelihood and population data and the island's tourism history to show why low-impact tourism is the right path.
Sustainability & EnvironmentWhale Watching Guidelines: Interactions with Whales, Dolphins and Dugongs in Timor-Leste
The code of conduct and standard operating procedures for whale, dolphin and dugong watching in Timor-Leste, written for tour operators, boat crews, guides, researchers and visitors. It sets minimum approach distances for boats, aircraft and drones, a limit of three vessels near the animals at one time, extra protection for mothers and calves, and how to report injured or stranded marine mammals. It builds on the 2020 Guidelines for Interactions with Cetaceans and Dugongs in Timor-Leste, and was produced by Conservation International Timor-Leste with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry under the SOMACORE project. This edition is dated 30 September 2026 and adds profiles of the whales, dolphins and dugongs found in Timor-Leste waters.