D&T Advisory’s Marlon Liu Shares Community-Based Tourism Framework at UNDP Strategic Foresight Training

Dili, Timor-Leste — Mr. Marlon Liu, Co-Founder of D&T Advisory, was invited as a guest speaker at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Strategic Foresight Training held at the Leadership Room, City 8 in Dili.

The program gathered development practitioners, government officials, and community leaders to discuss the future development of municipalities such as Aileu, Baucau, and Viqueque, with a focus on sustainable economic growth and tourism development.

Bridging Culture and Tourism Development

During the session, Mr. Liu shared insights on community-based tourism models that balance economic development with cultural preservation.

As Timor-Leste expands its tourism sector and strengthens regional integration, the country is prioritizing:

• Community-based tourism

• Ecological tourism

• Religious and cultural tourism

These sectors are increasingly supported by private sector participation, while the government shifts toward a role as a strategic facilitator for sustainable investment.

Three Frameworks for Sustainable Tourism

Mr. Liu introduced three practical frameworks for developing authentic tourism experiences while ensuring community participation.

1. Re-inventing Tradition

Adapting traditional practices into meaningful experiences for modern visitors while maintaining authenticity. This allows culture to remain alive and relevant, rather than becoming a static display.

2. Re-invigorating Tradition

Reviving cultural practices that may have faded over time. This approach strengthens intergenerational knowledge transfer and helps communities build tourism products rooted in living culture.

3. Re-extending Tradition

Applying traditional knowledge in new contexts, such as:

• Eco-lodges incorporating traditional architecture

• Cultural performances for visitors

• Community-led heritage interpretation programs

Together, these frameworks aim to position Timor-Leste as a destination for authentic, respectful, and sustainable tourism.

Timor-Leste’s Tourism Development Vision

The country is implementing long-term plans to build a high-value tourism industry, targeting approximately 200,000 visitors annually by 2030.

Key initiatives include:

• Expansion of Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport

• Development of community-based guesthouses

• Hospitality training programs to raise service standards

Beyond the capital Dili, the municipalities of Aileu, Baucau, and Viqueque are being developed as new tourism destinations to diversify growth across the country.

Opportunities for Investors

For investors and development partners, these emerging destinations present strong opportunities in:

• Eco-tourism and adventure tourism

• Cultural heritage experiences

• Community-based hospitality projects

The government is also exploring investment incentives, including tax reductions and streamlined licensing processes for tourism-related projects.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism Investment

As Timor-Leste positions itself as ASEAN’s next frontier for authentic discovery, initiatives like the UNDP Strategic Foresight Training highlight the importance of aligning community participation, sustainable investment, and cultural preservation.

The frameworks presented by Mr. Liu provide practical approaches for building tourism models that benefit both investors and local communities.

Explore Investment Opportunities in Timor-Leste

Interested in the emerging tourism sector in Timor-Leste?

Invest Timor provides:

• Market insights on tourism development

• Investment facilitation and government connections

• Local partnership development

• Regulatory guidance for tourism projects

📩 Email: marlo@invest-timor.com

📩 Email: harris@invest-timor.com

🌐 Website: www.invest-timor.com