The Timor-Leste Council of Ministers has approved a plan to develop an international-standard marina complex in the heart of the capital, Dili. USAID’s Tourism For All project has been working with the government, the port authority and technical experts for the past two years to craft the proposal for a public-private partnership that will see the transformation of the current commercial shipping port into a tourism hub. The $50M+ project will revitalize the extensive waterfront area in the city centre, integrating marine and urban transport with cultural, recreational and residential facilities.
Public-Private Partnership Model
The Public-Private Partnership model is designed to leverage public assets and the commercial and operational strengths of the private sector. This milestone in Timor-Leste’s tourism development shows how the government, the private sector, and development partners can work together for the collective good. Once completed, the project will have a dynamic impact on Timor-Leste’s economic development, stimulating investment and investor confidence, as well as improving quality of life for citizens and offering an exciting tourism experience to visitors.
The Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, Jose Agustinho da Silva, expressed his appreciation:
“We greatly appreciate the Dili Port Redevelopment and Commercialization project, which will serve to diversify Timor-Leste’s economy and help us to move away from dependency on the petroleum sector.”
A World-Class Waterfront for Visitors and Locals
The development will include a variety of tourism-related waterfront facilities, serving:
- Visiting cruise ships and yachts
- Whale-watching and dive boats
- Local ferry services
The plan includes a dedicated area for passenger processing, immigration and customs, accessed by a pedestrian bridge, with ample parking and loading facilities. A marina will provide moorings for small and medium-sized vessels, allowing for safe and easy embarkation of passengers and loading of luggage, supplies and equipment.
Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Design
The design concept prioritises pedestrian movement throughout and around the development, linking with footpaths along the waterfront and providing easy access to public transport, with provision for future low-emission vehicles. Key resilience features include:
- All water frontage raised by one metre to protect against storm surge and flooding
- Integration of modern architecture and construction techniques
- Preservation of Timor-Leste cultural identity
Dili Port as a Tourism Destination
Dili Port is intended to serve as a tourism destination in itself, featuring:
- Boutique hotels, restaurants and cafes
- Handicraft retail outlets
- Tour and dive company booking facilities
- A tourism information centre
- Residential and general retail units
- Pedestrian-friendly zones with spaces for cultural performances, exhibitions and public gardens
The port will also act as a hub for tour itineraries connecting key attractions such as Mount Ramelau, Atauro Island, and places of interest throughout Dili.
Economic Impact for Dili
For residents of Dili, the waterfront development will provide:
- Employment and commercial opportunities
- Economic benefits radiating throughout the city centre
- Stimulation of urban development around the site
- A showcase for Timor-Leste’s tourism offering in the international marketplace
The project capitalises on the country’s growing reputation for world-class marine tourism and will serve as a gateway to the interior.
Project Timeline
The downtown site will be available for redevelopment once the new commercial port in Tibar becomes operational. Following ministerial approval, the development process includes:
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Pre-tender | Feasibility study and final selection of development option |
| Financing | Partnership model and infrastructure design |
| Tender | Development, promotion and issuance for international tender |
The Dili Port Site Redevelopment and Commercialization project is expected to serve as a model for future developments of state-owned sites with tourism potential currently in the pipeline.
Source: USAID’s Tourism For All Project