# Timor-Leste tourism and economic profile

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/timor-leste-tourism-and-economic-profile
> Updated: 2026-10-07T18:23:53.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Timor-Leste is characterized by a young demographic and a unique economic framework in Southeast Asia, notably being the only country in the region that uses the United States dollar as legal tender. 

In the tourism sector, the nation generated an estimated USD 62.5 million in direct expenditure in 2025. Data indicates approximately 48,927 international arrivals, with an average direct expenditure of $1,279 per visitor, or roughly $165 per day. 

Asia serves as the primary source market, accounting for 52% of arrivals, followed by Europe at 22% and Oceania at 19%. Key individual markets include Australia, China, Indonesia, and Portugal. While 55% of travelers visit for leisure and holidays, 15% travel for business and conferences. Visitor satisfaction remains high, with 95% of respondents stating they would recommend the destination.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: Tourism and event sectors show growth in Timor-Leste and Brazil

Timor-Leste's tourism contributed $62.5 million to its economy in 2025, while Brazil rose to 13th globally in the international events market.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tourism-and-event-sectors-show-growth-in-timor-leste-and-brazil

### 2026-09-26: Timor-Leste reports tourism revenue of USD 62.5 million and unique economic profile

Timor-Leste maintains a young population of 1.4 million and uses the US dollar as legal tender. In 2025, tourism contributed USD 62.5 million to the economy with high visitor satisfaction rates.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/timor-leste-reports-tourism-revenue-of-usd-625-million-and-unique-economic-profile

---
Cite as: Timor-Leste tourism and economic profile. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/timor-leste-tourism-and-economic-profile