The reopening of Kiritimati (Christmas) Island’s border on 03 May 2023, more than 3 years after COVID-19 lockdown, has boosted international tourism activities on this world-class fly-fishing destination.
The first flights from Nadi, Fiji and Honolulu, Hawaii were met with Kiribati style fun fare and a showcase of the islands’ culture through song and dance. Passengers, who were mainly returning residents and fishermen from New Zealand and the United States of America, were all garlanded upon arrival.
The jovial mood at Cassidy International Airport on the arrival of the first flights was evident as arriving guests joined in the merrymaking and pleasant reunions with local fishing guides. Residents of the island also flocked to the airport to join in the celebration of welcoming international travellers after a 3 year hiatus.
Head Fishing Guide, Mr. Timon Eberi expressed appreciation to the Government of Kiribati for the resumption of flights to Kiritimati. He added “this had brought happiness not only to us as fishing guides and tourism operators but also to the people of Kiritimati who will benefit from the restart of tourism”.
Seven (7) accommodation operators are now opened on the island. These include Ikari house, Sunset Horizon Fishing Lodge, Tropical flat fishing lodge, Lagoon View hotel, The Villages Hotel, Dive and Fishing lodge and The Little Flower Guesthouse. 2 more accommodation providers, including the Captain Cook Hotel are expected to reopen before end of the year.
