Timor Village Hotel

Brian Monaghan

Brian is an agricultural scientist who conducted pioneering reseach in Botswana before moving to the southern East Timorese district of Manufahi at the end of 2001. In Manufahi, he developed a project to improve farming practices and food security amongst the local farming community. Along the way, he developed an ecotourism idea to show people the wonders and beauty of the culture and scenery in East Timor. He resides in Timor and continues to operate his farm on the rural ouskirts of Melbourne, Australia.

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:
Providing socio-economic support and environmental protection.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:

Timor Village Hotels (TVH) was established in 2006, with a goal to help develop Timor Leste, in terms of sustainable tourism, with the core undertaking to provide real benefits to local communities. This includes protecting and promoting the amazing features that are truly unique to this (very new) country.

TVH believe that to truly provide opportunities to locals, education and training are essential. So with this in mind, they also plan to open a hotel in Dili, which will not only be a normal international standard hotel, but which will act as a training and management centre where locals can learn skills that will help them earn a sustainable living.

They also want to develop this idea into various other community based tourism projects, where tourists can stay with locals and villagers - but in a situation where the locals can see a real benefit from tourism, and that travellers can learn about local life as only a local can show you. They hope to provide a number of ‘village based' accommodations that will allow a real win-win connection between the locals and tourists.

In planning, only local materials and traditional designs will be used in these projects, without compromising on the basic comforts. All environmentally friendly and renewable methods will be undertaken to ensure only a minimal environmental impact will be felt. All of these establishments will be planned and managed side by side with the local communities involved.