A five-day transformative training program has equipped 30 participants the majority of whom represent women-led businesses from the community-based tourism providers, with essential skills to enhance their operations in Com, Lautém Municipality. The participants—guesthouse, homestay, and campsite operators, cultural dance groups, tais-weaving artisans, and sea turtle conservationists—are at the heart of Com’s tourism industry. Their businesses not only preserve Timor-Leste’s eco-tourism and cultural heritage but also create jobs, support local livelihoods, and promote environmental conservation, ensuring a more sustainable and inclusive tourism sector.

Prospares WebTech, Unipessoal, Lda., in collaboration with East Timor Development Agency (ETDA) and Banco Nacional de Comércio de Timor-Leste (BNCTL), organized this hands-on training to strengthen local tourism enterprises. The sessions provided practical skills and knowledge in business management, financial literacy, hospitality, arts and crafts, barista skills, eco-tourism, waste management, marine conservation, and digital marketing. Through this training program, participants are now better equipped to improve service quality, attract more visitors, and increase their income while ensuring their businesses operate sustainably. The training received strong local endorsement, with the Chefe Suco Com and two Chefe Aldeias from Vailovaia and Muapusso, expressing their full support for tourism development in the region. During the closing ceremony, Chefe Suco Com encouraged participants to put their newfound skills into practice:

“This training provides a great opportunity for our community. If we apply these skills, we can improve our services, increase our income, and help boost Com’s local economy.” – Mr. Sérgio José Cristovão

The impact of the training was immediately visible. During a post-training visit by Prospares WebTech and ETDA, local businesses began implementing improved service practices. At Sina Guesthouse and Rosa Guesthouse, restaurant owners enhanced food hygiene by providing handwashing stations before meals, ensuring proper food presentation, and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness.

Additionally, Sina Guesthouse expanded its offerings by integrating the Tais-weaving experience into its travel package. Following the training, the Prospares WebTech team participated in a 20-minute Tais-weaving session, gaining hands-on experience and contributing directly to the artisans. This initiative not only adds cultural value to the guesthouse experience but also provides a new income stream for local weavers, further strengthening the connection between tourism and traditional craftsmanship. Mana Robela from Sina Guesthouse shared her experience:

“We are already applying what we learned. This training has given us confidence and practical tools to improve our services and attract more visitors to Com.” – Mrs. Robela Mendes

This initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening community-based tourism in Timor-Leste, ensuring that local businesses are not only sustainable and competitive but also actively contribute to the country’s social, environmental, and economic development.

A Five-Day Hands-On Training for Sustainable Growth

Days 1–3: Essential Skills for Community-Based Tourism Providers

The first three days of training provided participants with hands-on experience in key areas essential for running and expanding community-based tourism businesses. Designed to strengthen local entrepreneurship, the workshops focused on enhancing artisanal skills, hospitality services, and business management, ensuring that participants could offer high-quality experiences to visitors while maintaining sustainable operations. The sessions covered a range of practical skills, including:

• Arts & Crafts – Mr. Paulo Exposto guided participants in creating unique, locally inspired souvenirs, helping them incorporate cultural identity into their products and enhance the tourism experience.
• Barista Skills – Mr. Leonito da Cruz introduced techniques for preparing high-quality coffee using both manual and machine-based methods, equipping participants to improve coffee service in cafés, homestays, and guesthouses.
• Tourism & Hospitality, Customer Service & Communication, and Business Planning & Pricing – Mr. January Mok, Director of ETDA, delivered a comprehensive module covering guest service excellence, tourism business management, and pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with sustainability.

To put their learning into practice, participants were divided into three groups to develop mini business plans. Each group outlined their tourism services, highlighting their unique value proposition and a clear vision, mission, and objectives to guide their business growth. This interactive exercise not only reinforced key business concepts but also encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic thinking—critical skills for building a resilient and thriving community-based tourism sector.

Day 4: Financial Inclusion and Digital Transactions

One of the biggest challenges facing rural tourism businesses in Timor-Leste is their reliance on cash transactions, due in part to limited access to banking services. This makes it difficult for business owners to manage finances efficiently, receive payments smoothly, and explore opportunities for growth. In an effort to address these barriers, BNCTL led a workshop focused on financial inclusion and digital transactions. During the session, participants gained valuable insights into essential banking and financial management skills, including:

• Opening and managing various BNCTL accounts, such as personal, veterans’, and business accounts.
• Exploring credit and financing options available for small-scale tourism enterprises.
• Understanding the benefits of digital payment systems, including iBanking and mBanking apps, POS machines, and transactions through BNCTL Agents (Ajente BNCTL).

An added benefit highlighted during the session was the opportunity for participants to utilize the POS machines provided free of charge by BNCTL. Not only do these machines facilitate seamless digital payments, but being registered as a BNCTL agent also offers an additional income-generating opportunity for the community. Tourism businesses can leverage this service to earn commissions by processing transactions for others, further boosting their financial stability and growth potential. By the end of the workshop, several business owners, including guesthouse and campsite operators, successfully opened BNCTL accounts, taking a crucial step toward greater financial security and the long-term sustainability of their businesses.

Day 5: Sustainable Tourism, Coastal Management, and Travel Package Design

The final day of training focused on sustainable tourism, coastal conservation, business management, and digital marketing, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to build responsible and profitable tourism ventures. The sessions were led by the Prospares WebTech team, the innovators behind TimorGetaway, Timor-Leste’s first centralized tourism booking platform, designed to connect local tourism providers with a wider market. Participants explored key topics essential for developing a resilient and environmentally conscious tourism sector:

1. Eco-Tourism and Waste Management – Octavio de Araujo shared strategies for minimizing tourism’s environmental footprint and implementing responsible waste management practices.
2. Coastal Community Management – Joctan Lopes emphasized the importance of protecting Com’s marine and coastal ecosystems to sustain tourism while supporting local livelihoods.
3. Business Planning and MSME Tourism Management – Roberto Soares provided practical insights on managing and expanding small tourism enterprises.
4. Digital Marketing and the TimorGetaway Platform – Delivio Soares introduced participants to TimorGetaway, demonstrating how the platform increases visibility and streamlines bookings for community-based tourism providers.

To apply what they had learned, participants worked in groups to design three distinct travel packages, each catering to different visitor preferences:

• 1-night, 2-day package – Stay in a guesthouse or homestay.
• 1-night, 2-day package – Stay in a campsite, offering a nature-focused adventure.
• 2-night, 3-day package – Stay in a guesthouse or homestay, allowing for a deeper exploration of the region.

Each group carefully curated activities to provide a diverse and enriching travel experience, blending adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation. Their itineraries included:

• A trip to Zon Beach, with a stop to feed monkeys along the way.
• A sunrise or sunset walk at Kamatara Beach to experience breathtaking coastal views.
• Tais-weaving experiences, where visitors learn about and actively participate in traditional weaving.
• Boat excursions for snorkeling and seasonal dugong and dolphin spotting.
• Witnessing turtle hatchling releases, offering a rare and educational conservation experience.
• Traditional meals and locally brewed coffee at the Sea Turtle Conservation Kafe.

To ensure the packages remain competitive and sustainable, participants also developed pricing strategies that appeal to both budget-conscious travelers and high-end tourists, making Com a more accessible and desirable destination. With these well-structured travel experiences and strong environmental and cultural components, Com is now better positioned to offer visitors an engaging and memorable experience, ensuring that tourism in the region is vibrant, well-organized, and sustainable.

TimorGetaway: A Holistic Approach to Tourism Development

Timor-Leste is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most stunning beaches, rich marine biodiversity, breathtaking mountains, and a vibrant cultural heritage. Despite its immense potential, the country remains one of the least-developed tourism destinations in the region. The challenges extend beyond marketing—high flight prices, limited infrastructure, and policy gaps continue to limit growth. While these challenges require long-term government investment and reforms, the private sector and young professionals have an immediate opportunity to create a meaningful impact by addressing accessibility and travel convenience.

One of the most significant gaps in Timor-Leste’s tourism sector is the absence of a centralized booking system that connects travelers to verified services. Tourists often struggle with:

• No centralized booking system – Visitors rely on Facebook or word-of-mouth to find accommodations and activities.
• Complicated trip planning – Travelers spend hours coordinating accommodation, transport, and activities.
• Limited payment options – Many guesthouses and tour operators only accept cash, making transactions inconvenient.
• No verified reviews or quality control – Visitors hesitate to book services due to a lack of credibility and assurance.

TimorGetaway addresses these challenges by offering more than just a booking platform; it’s a game-changer for the tourism industry, making travel easier for visitors while empowering local communities. Through this platform, visitors can:

• A one-stop booking platform – Find and book accommodations, tours, and activities all in one place.
• Hassle-free trip planning – Pre-arranged packages simplify travel logistics.
• Digital payment options – Secure and cashless transactions improve convenience.
• Verified hosts and quality assurance – Enhancing trust between travelers and service providers.

Beyond improving accessibility, TimorGetaway is committed to community empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. The platform highlights the economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism by:

• Empowering local communities – Supporting small-scale tourism providers, homestay owners, and tour operators to expand their businesses improve their services, gain better visibility and increased sales.
• Preserving Timor-Leste’s cultural heritage – Visitors can take part in authentic experiences such as traditional weaving, dance, cuisine, and historical sites.
• Promoting sustainable tourism – Encouraging responsible travel practices, supporting eco-lodges, and minimizing environmental impact.

TimorGetaway is setting a new standard for tourism in Timor-Leste. More than just a booking platform, it’s a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable tourism that ensures growth benefits local communities and respects the country’s natural and cultural treasures. It is part of a larger effort to create a responsible, thriving, and sustainable tourism industry. Young professionals and the private sector play a critical role in shaping this future, ensuring that tourism growth is inclusive, meaningful, and beneficial for all.

Prospares WebTech is committed to supporting community-based tourism providers and expanding TimorGetaway across the country. The strategic expansion plan, set to begin in 2025, will follow a phased approach, starting with Com, then moving to the broader Eastern Region, and later expanding into the Central Region, including Dili and Atauro. Full national coverage, integrating all municipalities and RAEOA, is expected by 2028. The rollout is contingent upon securing future funding, which will enable further development and ensure the successful implementation of the platform’s nationwide reach. Additionally, mobile apps for Android and iOS will be launched to enhance accessibility and provide a seamless experience for users.

About Prospares WebTech

Prospares WebTech is a leading digital solutions provider in Timor-Leste, specializing in web development, digital transformation, and business solutions. The company is committed to harnessing technology to create positive social and environmental impact, particularly in sectors such as tourism, e-commerce, and financial inclusion.

In October 2024, Prospares WebTech was honored to be selected as one of the 60 winners of the ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge (ABIC), chosen from over 1,341 proposals submitted by innovators across Southeast Asia and Timor-Leste. Prior to the training, Flora Brytes, Team Leader of TimorGetaway, and Delivio Soares, CEO of Prospares WebTech, proudly represented Timor-Leste at the ASEAN Blue Innovation Expo and Business Matching event in Jakarta, Indonesia (February 17-21, 2025). At the expo, Flora and Delivio had the opportunity to present TimorGetaway to a diverse audience, including potential investors, industry leaders, and the 60 other ABIC winners from ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste. Their presentation showcased how TimorGetaway is playing a pivotal role in the digitalization of Timor-Leste’s tourism industry, offering innovative solutions that empower local communities and promote sustainable tourism practices.

TimorGetaway is part of the ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation project, a significant initiative funded by the Government of Japan to commemorate 50 years of Japan-ASEAN cooperation. The project is jointly implemented by the ASEAN Secretariat, the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, and UNDP Indonesia, with endorsement from the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME). Beyond financial support, the ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge (ABIC) offers invaluable networking opportunities, connecting innovators like TimorGetaway with investors, businesses, and other key stakeholders, furthering opportunities for growth and collaboration across the region.

Experience the Beauty. Empower the Communities. Protect the Environment. 

Join Us in Building a Sustainable Future for Timor-Leste’s Tourism!