"Experience the beauty, empower the community, and protect the environment."
TimorGetaway is a visionary initiative led by a passionate team of young Timorese professionals dedicated to driving sustainable tourism and advancing the development of Timor-Leste. Our innovative digital platform connects travelers with rural communities, highlighting the country’s breathtaking landscapes, hidden treasures, and rich cultural heritage. By empowering local entrepreneurs, fostering eco-conscious tourism, and promoting inclusive economic growth, TimorGetaway is transforming tourism into a tool for lasting, meaningful change across Timor-Leste.
As a flagship project of Prospares WebTech, Unipessoal, Lda., a Timorese-led and Timorese-owned startup founded in June 2024 by entrepreneur Delivio Soares, TimorGetaway achieved international recognition as one of the 60 winners of the prestigious ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge (ABIC) in October 2024. Competing against 1,341 proposals from Southeast Asia and Timor-Leste, TimorGetaway was celebrated for its innovative approach to economic empowerment, environmental conservation, and social impact.
While its cutting-edge digital platform is central to TimorGetaway, the initiative extends beyond technology. A tailored training program has been developed for local hosts in Com, Lautem Municipality, providing them with essential skills in Business & Financial Management, Hospitality and Customer Service, Beach-inspired Arts and Crafts, Coffee/Barista Skills, Culinary Skills, and Access to Financial Services. These workshops empower local entrepreneurs to excel in the eco-tourism market, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism flow directly to the community.
Our pilot project in Com offers travelers eco-friendly accommodations and curated experiences, such as aquatic adventures, cultural immersion, and conservation workshops co-created with local communities. Building on this initial success, TimorGetaway has developed a two-year business plan to expand its reach across all 13 municipalities and RAEOA, establishing itself as the premier platform for discovering Timor-Leste’s natural beauty and hidden gems.
Needs Assessment in Com by the Prospares WebTech Team on December 7, 2024.
TimorGetaway empowers local businesses through real-time booking, seamless digital payment systems, and curated travel packages, integrating even the smallest operators into the global tourism economy. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, the platform equips women entrepreneurs and marginalized communities with the tools and resources they need to succeed, fostering equitable opportunities for all.
Sustainability lies at the heart of TimorGetaway’s mission. By promoting low-impact tourism practices and prioritizing environmental conservation, the platform helps preserve Timor-Leste’s cultural and natural heritage while offering travelers authentic and unforgettable experiences.
United by their shared vision for Timor-Leste’s development, Flora Brytes and founder Delivio Soares lead TimorGetaway with the support of four dedicated innovators—Joctan Lopes, Octavio de Araujo, Guida Freitas, and Roberto Martins. Together, this dynamic team is revolutionizing tourism in Timor-Leste, blending innovation, empowerment, and sustainability to shape a brighter future for the nation.
Transforming Community-Based Tourism in Com Through TimorGetaway
Training for Local Communities in Com by ETDA, BNCTL Bank, and the Prospares WebTech Team on February 24, 2025.
A five-day intensive training program has empowered 30 community-based tourism providers in Com, Lautém Municipality, with essential skills to enhance their businesses. Organized by Prospares WebTech in collaboration with East Timor Development Agency (ETDA) and Banco Nacional de Comércio de Timor-Leste (BNCTL), the program focused on business management, hospitality, financial literacy, digital marketing, eco-tourism, and marine conservation. The majority of participants were women-led businesses, including guesthouse and homestay operators, cultural artisans, and conservationists.
Participants received practical training in customer service, pricing strategies, financial inclusion, and sustainable tourism practices. BNCTL introduced digital banking solutions, helping business owners transition from cash-based transactions to secure digital payments. The training also facilitated hands-on workshops in arts and crafts, barista skills, and responsible waste management.
Immediate improvements were observed, with guesthouses implementing better hygiene practices and enhancing cultural tourism experiences. For instance, Sina Guesthouse integrated a Tais-weaving session into its offerings, providing visitors with authentic local experiences while supporting artisans.
Chefe Suco Com, Mr. Sérgio José Cristovão, praised the initiative: “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.”
TimorGetaway, a digital booking platform developed by Prospares WebTech, was introduced to participants as a game-changer for tourism in Timor-Leste. The platform simplifies bookings, promotes verified tourism services, and enhances financial inclusion, making local businesses more competitive. Participants also designed travel packages, combining adventure, cultural immersion, and eco-tourism to attract a wider audience.
TimorGetaway’s impact extends beyond Com, as it was one of the ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge (ABIC) winners, a recognition that has enabled its expansion efforts. With plans for national rollout by 2028, Prospares WebTech is committed to connecting more tourism providers with the global market and ensuring sustainable tourism growth in Timor-Leste.
For more details and photos from the training, visit: https://prospareswebtech.com/press-release-transforming-community-based-tourism-in-com-through-timorgetaway/