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Methodology for Tourism Product Development
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Methodology for Tourism Product Development

A practitioner’s guide from USAID’s Tourism For All program covering methodology for inclusive and sustainable tourism product development in Timor-Leste, aligned with the National Tourism Policy’s five niche sectors. (2023)

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Overview

USAID’s Tourism For All program aims to develop and enhance Timor-Leste’s tourism industry in an inclusive and sustainable manner. It does so by facilitating private sector investment and co-creation, promoting steady and sustainable tourism growth, safeguarding the environment and the social character of local communities, and creating inclusive tourism through improved industry governance and investment in the tourism workforce.

Policy Context

The Government of Timor-Leste’s National Tourism Policy, approved in March 2017, envisions a vibrant tourism sector that contributes significantly to the economy, society, and environment. It implements a five-pronged approach to sector development and identifies five tourism niches:

  • Eco and marine tourism
  • Historical tourism
  • Cultural tourism
  • Adventure and sports tourism
  • Religious and pilgrimage tourism
  • Conference and convention tourism

This guide provides practitioners with a methodology for developing tourism products that respond to these niches while maximising community benefit and environmental sustainability.

Year: 2023