Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

Promoting cultural, financial and environmental sustainability.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

It was back in 2006 that Timor Village Hotels (TVH) got started. They wanted to make a difference by working with the local people so that a win-win situation could share the benefits of tourism, whilst highlighting and maintaining what Timor Leste truly unique. As part of this, they aim that for each dollar they make; their local partners make the same.

As part of this philosophy, they aim to develop Timor Leste as a sustainable tourist location, where the real benefits are felt by the local communities and environment.

TVH works together with, and helps develop the capacity of, local community organisations to protect the environment, encourage other income generating activities and to preserve local culture and tradition. TVH believes that sustainable income generation and protection of environment and culture need not be mutually exclusive but in fact are intricately intertwined. Placing a commercial value on culture and environment will help ensure their protection and a sustainable tourism industry in Timor Leste.

Timor has a rich and diverse history, and it is this unique Timorese story and culture that they seek to document, protect and show to travellers - so they can provide a unique insight into day to day life in Timor. They believe that this has to be done in a manner which enables recognition of the past, but also providing a beacon of light for the Timorese people.