Goal 2 of the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework recognises that tourism must preserve cultural and historical heritage. This commitment reflects the Kiribati tourism sector’s obligation to guaranteeing authentic visitor experiences. It also an acknowledgement of the value travellers place on Kiribati’s unique culture and history as captured in the 2019 Kiribati International Visitor Survey (IVS).
The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) commends the work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) through its Culture & Museum Division (CMD) to preserve, protect and promote Kiribati’s culture and heritage.
In its role as the advocate for Kiribati cultural preservation, the CMD recently conducted a 1-week training program for 25 youths in South Tarawa. Delivered by community cultural trainers at the CMD Maneaba, the program included traditional food preservation, local arts and craft, toddy cutting and Bwabwai farm cultivation.
TAK is encouraged that the sharing of traditional skills and knowledge is reinforced at a community youth level and when practiced, will offer international visitors an experience that is unique to Kiribati alone.
The preservation and showcasing of Kiribati’s cultures and traditions through tourism will remain a priority for TAK and work is currently underway to establish it as a sustainable tourism indicator for the destination.
