Original scientific paper

Diaspora tourism: The case of Timor-Leste

Manuel Vong ; Dili Institute of Technology (DIT) of Timor-Leste
Patricia Pinto ; Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve, Portugal
João Albino Silva ; Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve, Portugal

Abstract

Timor-Leste is the newest Asian nation, achieving independence on May 20, 2002, and, after petroleum and agriculture, tourism is considered a strategic sector for its national economic development. The previous literature suggests that new destinations should explore the potential demand for diaspora members to visit or revisit friends and relatives in their homeland as a niche market and an opportunity for tourism development. This is because diaspora members abroad can spread information about the attractions of homeland locations as well as invest directly in building the tourist facilities needed in such locations. Timor-Leste is quite an unstudied country as a tourism destination, especially from the demand perspective. Thus, this study intends to contribute to a better knowledge of diaspora members as potential tourists visiting Timor-Leste. In particular, using data from 362 questionnaires applied to Timorese diaspora members residing in Portugal, Indonesia and Australia, the aim of this study is to explore this niche market by identifying and analyzing their characteristics, including their cultural identity, place attachment, expectations, and motivations related to a potential (re)visit to their homeland in Timor-Leste.

Keywords

diaspora tourism; cultural identity; motivation; travel decision; Timor-Leste

Hrčak ID:

183654

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/183654

Publication date:

30.6.2017.

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