The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has officially unveiled a new community-based tourism (CBT) experience on Butaritari Island, marking the first of its kind in the northern Gilbert Group and the third CBT initiative across Kiribati. The three-day familiarization tour, held from 11–14 September 2025, was coordinated by TAK’s Tourism Product Development Officer, Ms Kiarake Karuaki. The Honourable Minister (for Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives), Mrs Tangariki Reete, members of the TAK Board of Directors, representatives from Kiribati Coconut Development Limited (KCDL), and senior MTCIC officials participated in the event, experiencing firsthand the variety of tourism products developed by the communities on Butaritari. Participants visited Antakana Village, Buroon Taakenraoi (Kuuma Village), Keuea Village, Tanimaiaki Village, the Utirake community in Onomwaru Village, Ukiangang Village, and Bikati Islet. Each location showcased a unique range of CBT packages, including: • Marine-based activities – guided tours of marine protected areas and marine heritage sites. • Cultural immersion – traditional performances such as the Nan Tekei war dance. • Agri-tourism – hands-on experiences with the Polynesian Arrowroot (te mwakemwake). • Battlefield tourism – visits to historic sites of the Battle of Makin, the Makin Raid, and the bombing of Keuea Village. To ensure sustainability, TAK has formally registered CBT operators in Butaritari as cooperatives, empowering them to strengthen their operations and explore future