ATKOMA (Asosiasaun Turizmu Koleku Mahanak Ataúro) is the tourism association and destination management organisation for Ataúro Island, north of Dili. Local tourism operators have worked together on the island since around 2000; the association itself was re-formed in 2016 and formally registered in March 2019. USAID’s Tourism For All project supported its early development.
What it does
- Markets Ataúro as a destination and runs the island’s tourism website and social media
- Trains and coordinates local tour guides
- Helps visitors book homestays, guided walks, boat trips, snorkelling and whale watching
- Represents island businesses (eco-lodges, guesthouses, homestays, restaurants and dive operators) in planning and advocacy
- Runs a voluntary visitor contribution: participating businesses add an optional US$2 per stay to guests’ bills to fund the association
In 2021 ATKOMA applied for the Ombai-Wetar Strait to become a Whale Heritage Site (it was named a candidate by the World Cetacean Alliance) and entered Ataúro in the Green Destinations Top 100 competition. In 2022 it signed an agreement with Mission Aviation Fellowship for shuttle flights between Dili and Ataúro.
For visitors
ATKOMA is a good first contact if you want to stay with a family, hire a local guide or plan a few days on the island. Revenue from its tours goes back to island communities; its 2021 mid-year report shows how the association funds its work. For getting there, see our Dili-Ataúro ferry guide; for diving, see diving operators in Timor-Leste.
Contact
- Phone: +670 7737 5489 (as listed on timorleste.tl)
- Email: atkoma@ataurotourism.org
- Website: https://www.ataurotourism.org
- Facebook and Instagram: @ataurotourism
Further reading
- Why Ecotourism for Ataúro (ATKOMA, 2017)
- Sustainable Tourism and Livelihoods on Ataúro Island (2016 study)
- Ataúro Island: Sustainable Management Plan 2021–2025
- Traditional Laws Protect the World’s Most Biodiverse Reef