Timor-Leste Tourism Generates USD 62.5 Million In Direct Expenditure As Visitor Satisfaction Reaches 95%

International tourism generated an estimated USD 62.5 million in direct expenditure for Timor-Leste in 2025, supported by high visitor satisfaction and strong intentions to recommend and revisit the country. The results are detailed in the January–December 2025 International Visitor Survey (IVS), released by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MTA) through the New Zealand Government-funded Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI).

The survey found that 95% of visitors would recommend Timor-Leste and 91% intended to return. Eighty-four per cent described the country as a unique and appealing destination, and the same share considered it good value for money. More than half of respondents (58%) were first-time visitors. People and hospitality were the most frequently cited attraction (46%), followed by natural beauty and scenery (30%); culture, history, diving and snorkelling were also prominent. Estimated direct expenditure averaged USD 1,279 per visitor per trip, including retained prepaid spending and in-country expenditure—equivalent to about USD 165 per visitor per day. Applied to an estimated 48,927 international visitor arrivals in 2025, this produced a direct economic contribution of approximately USD 62.5 million.

Holidays were the main purpose of travel (55%), followed by business and conferences (13%), visiting friends and relatives (10%), volunteering (10%), and research and education (7%). Asia was the largest source region (52%), ahead of Europe (22%) and Oceania (19%). The leading markets were Australia (18%), China (17%), Indonesia (16%), Portugal (13%) and Malaysia (4%).

Respondents identified transport, roads, airport processes, visitor information and signage, digital connectivity, environmental cleanliness and waste management as priorities for improving the visitor experience and destination competitiveness.

MTA Director General of Tourism Antonio da Silva said the findings would guide national tourism 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 by its findings, especially as this will help shape our tourism planning and investment priorities as we prepare to host the ASEAN Summit in 2029. With the hosting of this major event, the Ministry of Tourism anticipates tourism to grow by 10-20% in next few years and is targeting at least 100,000 visitor arrivals and US$200 million in direct tourism expenditure by 2030.”

The 2025 IVS marks a further milestone in the SPTO–MTA partnership under PTDI, which strengthens tourism data capability to support evidence-based planning and investment. A copy of the full report can be downloaded here.