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Latest news, press releases, and media coverage about tourism in Timor-Leste.
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment welcomes the launch of Aero Dili's new twice-weekly direct service between Dili and Darwin — bringing Timor-Leste to 12 weekly direct flights to Australia and strengthening one of the country's most important visitor markets.
UNESCO has recognised Nino Konis Santana National Park as the country's first Biosphere Reserve — placing one of Timor-Leste's most distinctive landscapes on the global map for sustainable, nature-based travel.
A certified training initiative to strengthen customer service, professionalism and destination knowledge across tourism and hospitality — 59 participants completed the first sessions in Dili, with around 300 more targeted through September.
Timor-Leste has broken ground on a new International Convention Centre on Dili's old port waterfront — a landmark venue with conference halls, a pedestrian promenade, an aquarium and a Ferris wheel, scheduled to open in 2028 ahead of the country's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.
Two upcoming world-class tourism events — Tasifest Music Festival and the Dili International Marathon — along with new Aero Dili flights to Kuala Lumpur and Darwin, are set to further enhance Timor-Leste's reputation as a top destination in 2026.
Timor-Leste ushered in a new era for its tourism sector through its historic first full participation at the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cebu, Philippines, conducting media briefings and forging business partnerships.
CNN Travel has named Timor-Leste among its best places to visit in 2026, celebrating the country's unique position within the Coral Triangle and its authentic cultural experiences that remain largely undiscovered by international tourism.
Timor-Leste's historic entry into ASEAN, combined with expanded international flights from Batik Air and Aero Dili, plus major airport and conference centre projects, positions the nation to capture a larger share of Southeast Asia's tourism market.
From October through December, Timor-Leste provides rare access to pygmy blue whales, sperm whales, and other marine giants as they migrate through the Ombai-Wetar Strait — one of Earth's few deep-water migratory superhighways.
Three major developments — the launch of Batik Air direct flights from Malaysia, the opening of the premium Dili Palm Springs hotel, and TasiFest 2025 — set to significantly enhance Timor-Leste's tourism infrastructure and cultural offerings.
