Destination Plan Ataúro Island, Timor-Leste was prepared by a tourism consulting team under Developing and Promoting Sustainable Nature-Based Tourism in the Coral Triangle. That initiative was implemented by WWF with Australian Government funding for the six Coral Triangle Initiative countries, and the plan was developed through three consultation visits to Atauro and Dili. Atauro was chosen as Timor-Leste’s site. The plan is undated but cites sources up to 2016. It came before, and is separate from, the USAID-supported Sustainable Tourism Strategy (2019) and the Ataúro Island Sustainable Management Plan 2021–2025.
Key contents
- Rationale: The project forecasts that nature- and adventure-based tourism will be worth far more to Coral Triangle countries by 2035, with higher returns than mass tourism. It cites research suggesting Atauro may hold the world’s highest reef-fish biodiversity, and notes that the island’s existing marine protected areas had struggled without economic value for residents.
- Vision: “A sustainable and low-impact tourism industry flourishes and supports vibrant communities, strengthens local economies and contributes to the conservation of the outstanding marine and coastal environment of the Coral Triangle”, agreed with the community and stakeholders.
- Target market: “Nature and Adventure Travellers”, a niche, high-yield psychographic segment based on Tourism Australia’s Global Experience Seeker. Sub-segments include adventurous families, young adults, “flash-packers” and older couples. The plan says Atauro will not suit mass markets such as large cruise ships.
- Experience themes: “Conservation through Stewardship”, “Experience Village Life” and an adventure theme built around the Coral Triangle setting.
- High-priority actions: master-planning signature experiences. These are guided village-to-village kayaking and walking, an island circumnavigation, a produce trail, whale, dolphin and wildlife watching, and community dive centres. Other actions are to add at least one small, higher-end eco-lodge to the existing homestays, guesthouses and lodges, map trails, and build capacity and marketing.
- Appendices: background on the Coral Triangle project, the consultations held while drafting the plan, marketing models, and a Blue Ventures case study on recent developments on Atauro.
Document details
- Programme: Developing and Promoting Sustainable Nature-Based Tourism in the Coral Triangle (implemented by WWF, funded by the Australian Government)
- Logistical support: Coral Triangle Foundation, MV Ataúro, Barry’s Place
- Year: Undated (c. 2016–2017)
- Language: English
- Pages: 37
- Download: PDF (timorleste.tl)