Tourism Authority Kiribati

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Month: July 2023

TAK participates in National Cultural and Senior Citizen Day

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in the National Cultural and Senior Citizen Day celebrated on 11th July 2023 at the Sports Complex, Betio, South Tarawa.

The event was part of the Kiribati independence celebration organized by the Cultural and Museum Division (CMD) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) with the theme ‘Good Governance through sustaining our I-Kiribati Cultural Heritage’.

Our cultural heritage provides sense of unity and belonging within a group and allow us to better understand previous generations and the history of where we come from. Understanding our cultural heritage gives us a sense of personal identity.

A drama on celebrating womanhood was performed by committee members of the National Cultural Day showcasing the importance and significance of celebrating womanhood in Kiribati and why we need to preserve this part of Kiribati cultural heritage.

The event also included local stakeholders and relevant ministries sharing and showcasing their skills through traditional arts and crafts TAK used the opportunity to raise awareness on its services.

Attending the event was His Excellency President Taneti Maamau, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Government officials, and community. The program concluded with refreshment and booth inspection.

Kiritimati Island hosts Cleaning, Beautification, Gardening, & Sanitation Competition

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Kiritimati Island, also known as Christmas Island, witnessed a spectacular showcase of community spirit and environmental stewardship as it hosted the inaugural Cleaning, Beautification, Gardening, and Sanitation Competition. This event was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Lands & Agriculture Development (MELAD) through the Agriculture & Livestock Division, and the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) played a pivotal role as part of the organizing committee. The competition took place in conjunction with the grand celebrations of the 44th National Day, signifying the island’s commitment to becoming the “New Paradise.”

The primary objective of the competition was to foster a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Kiritimati Island while advancing its aspiration of becoming a true “New Paradise” for its residents and visitors alike. The organizing committee, comprised of the Wildlife Conservation Unit, the Ministry of Line & Phoenix Islands Development, and the EU-funded Water & Sanitation project, worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this community-driven initiative.

Participants from 19 households across three villages – Banana, Tabakeauea, and Ronton – participated in the competition, demonstrating their dedication to making a positive impact on their local environment. The competition witnessed the participation of various individuals and groups, each showcasing their innovative approaches to cleanliness, beautification, gardening, and sanitation.

The competition was supported by generous donations from the government-owned petroleum company, Kiribati Oil Limited (KOIL), and four privately-owned hotels in Kiritimati, namely Little Flower Guesthouse, Sunset Horizon Fishing Lodge, Lagoon View Resort, and Tekabaia Lodge. The gracious contributions of Mum’s Kitchen and the 44th National Day mother-committee also played a significant role in making the event a success.

The Cleaning, Beautification, Gardening, and Sanitation Competition served as a testament to the unity and dedication of the Kiritimati Island community in preserving its natural beauty and promoting a clean and healthy environment. TAK extends its appreciation to all the participants, donors, and organizing committee members for their unwavering support and commitment to the cause.

As the island continues to progress towards its environmental and developmental goals, TAK is dedicated to supporting and promoting similar initiatives that contribute to the well-being of the local community and the preservation of Kiritimati Island’s charm.

Renowned U.S Pro-Surfer Acknowledges Kiritimati Island’s Surfing Potential

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) successfully completed a collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s East West Center’s Outbound Exchange program, through which it received valuable assistance from Mr. Keone Downing, a renowned pro-surfer and tourism expert from Downing, Hawaii. This partnership aims to foster the growth of surfing as a niche market for Kiritimati Island.

Mr. Keone Downing, who is the son of big-wave pioneer, George Downing is a distinguished surfer with numerous national and international accolades to his name. He has wealth of experience and expertise, having won various competitions throughout his career, including victories in the Makaha International and the Quicksilver in memory of Eddie Akau big-wave contest.

During his one-week visit, Mr. Downing engaged in meetings with several hotel and tour operators who expressed keen interest in surf tourism. Together with TAK, he scouted potential surf sites around the island, charting them for further observation and assessment during the upcoming winter season (September/October and March/April).

Beyond his crucial role in identifying promising surf spots on Kiritimati Island, Mr. Downing also undertook an essential mission to impart surfing skills to the local youth. His training sessions proved immensely valuable as he coached young boys and girls on the fundamentals of surfing. Furthermore, the young surfers were left elated by the generous donation of five surfboards and three bodyboards, a generous contribution made possible by the U.S. Department of State through the East West Center’s Exchange program.

The East West Center’s Outbound Exchange program represents the final component of the U.S. funded East West Center administered Pacific Islands Tourism Professional Fellows Program. Designed as a professional development exchange, the program promotes knowledge exchange and cultural understanding between tourism professionals in the Pacific Islands and the United States, while also nurturing long-lasting people-to-people bonds.

TAK expresses gratitude to the U.S. Department of State, the East West Center, and Mr. Keone Downing for their invaluable support and commitment to promoting surf tourism on Kiritimati Island.

Clean Oceans and Beaches Essential for World Class Surfing

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The pristine white sandy beaches of Kiritimati Island will hold a special place in the hearts of surfers as their cherished playground if they are care for. This was emphasized by Mr. Keone Downing, Pro-Surfer and Outbound Exchange Fellow from the East West Center when delivering training for the Island’s youths his one-week stay in Kiritimati Islands.

In addition to imparting surfing skills to the young surf enthusiasts, Mr. Downing encouraged them to adopt a noble habit – beach cleaning. His inspiring words, “Pick one trash before you surf and pick another one when you’re done surfing,” resonated deeply with the young surfers. The message was simple yet impactful – if each surfer commits to this practice, their cherished playground, the ocean, will always remain clean and free from debris washed down from the beaches.

Although Mr. Downing’s stay concluded on the 19th of July, the local surfers conducted their own beach clean-up activity on Thursday, 27th July, attracting new participants to join in the cause.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) supports and recognizes these proactive cleaning initiatives, particularly by the young people. In this spirit of environmental stewardship, they were also invited to participate in the Ronton beach clean-up that was held on Saturday, 29th July 2023.

As the next generation of surfers emerges on Kiritimati Island, their dedication to beach cleaning paves the way for a brighter, cleaner future, where both the ocean and the shore remain pristine for the enjoyment of locals and travellers alike.

TAK contributes to Kiribati Digital Strategy Consultation

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) recently participated in the Consultation Workshop on the development of the Kiribati Digital Strategy. Organized by the Digital Transformation Office (DTO) of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Transport (MICT) in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), this two-day workshop focused on crucial policy aspects and included representatives from various government and private sector organizations.

The Kiribati Digital Strategy is set to become a cornerstone of the Government of Kiribati’s (GoK) efforts in driving digital transformation across multiple sectors, including tourism. TAK recognizes the significance of this strategy in fostering technological advancements, enhanced communication and promoting economic growth through a whole of government and whole of society approach.

As the agency responsible for sustainable tourism development in Kiribati, TAK shared its vision for the future of tourism in a digitally integrated world. TAK firmly believes that embracing digital technologies and solutions will be instrumental in elevating Kiribati’s tourism offerings, attracting a diverse range of visitors, and providing an enriched traveler experience.

Petero Manufolau, CEO of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, expressed his enthusiasm for the Kiribati Digital Strategy, stating, “We are genuinely excited about the potential of the Kiribati Digital Strategy in shaping the future of tourism in Kiribati. Embracing digital technologies will enable us to showcase the breathtaking beauty and unique cultural heritage of Kiribati to a global audience, while also streamlining our operations and enhancing the overall travel experience.”

As the Kiribati Digital Strategy continues to take shape, TAK looks forward to contributing actively to its implementation and exploring innovative ways to harness the potential of digitalization to further develop Kiribati’s tourism landscape.

TAK releases Kiribati Q1 2023 Tourism Industry Review

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is pleased to present the Kiribati Quarter 1 (Q1), 2023 Tourism Industry Review. This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the tourism sector in Kiribati during the first quarter of 2023, focusing on international visitor arrivals and other relevant tourism data. The report compares the Q1 2023 international visitor arrivals with Q1 2019, providing valuable insights into the sector’s recovery and progress following the COVID-19 pandemic.

During Quarter 1 of 2023, Kiribati experienced a decrease of 8.2% in the number of international visitor arrivals when compared with the pre-COVID figures of Q1 2019. While this decline indicates the ongoing impact of the pandemic on global travel, it is essential to note that there has been a positive development on a quarterly basis. Comparing Q1 2023 with Quarter 4 of 2022, there was an encouraging increase of 3.8% in international visitor arrivals.

Australia emerged as the leading source market for Kiribati in Q1 2023. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Australian visitors continued to show their interest in exploring the unique attractions and experiences that Kiribati has to offer.

The Quarter 1 report includes additional research and data that provides valuable insights into the state of tourism in Kiribati. This data covers tourism operator sentiments and tourism intensity, which further enhances our understanding of the sector’s current situation. TAK recognizes the importance of capturing and presenting comprehensive tourism-related data to support effective decision-making and strategic planning.

An exciting development in Quarter 1, 2023, was the return of inbound tourists by cruise ship. After border reopening in August 2022, Kiribati successfully welcomed inbound travellers via cruise ships in February and March, with visits to Tarawa and Fanning Island. This milestone signifies a step towards normalcy and a positive outlook for the cruise tourism segment in the country.

TAK would like to express its appreciation Air Kiribati Limited, Marine Guard, Immigration Department, Te Umwanibong, Kiribati Customs Office, Shipping Agencies of Kiribati (SAOK), Kiribati National Statistics Office (KNSO) and Tourism operators. Their collaboration and support have been instrumental in gathering relevant data and insights, making this report a comprehensive and robust assessment of the tourism sector in Kiribati.

CLICK HERE to download a copy.

TAK Participates in DFAT Pacific Aviation Support Program Consultation

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), represented by CEO, Petero Manufolau participated in the Pacific Aviation Support Program Consultation, held at the Australian High Commission in Tarawa on Friday, 7 July 2023.

The consultation, facilitated by Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Anthony Liew brought together key stakeholders from the Kiribati aviation, infrastructure, finance and tourism sectors to address the challenges and opportunities faced by Kiribati’s aviation industry. TAK seized this opportunity to voice the tourism sector’s long-term goals and discuss how strategic aviation development can play a crucial role in unlocking Kiribati’s tourism potential.

Kiribati, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, has the potential to become a sought after tourism destination. However, the country’s remote geographical location and limited aviation infrastructure pose significant hurdles to its tourism growth. The Pacific Aviation Support Program Consultation served as a platform for TAK to highlight the importance of affordable, reliable, and safe air travel for attracting international travellers and promoting sustainable tourism development.

During the consultation, TAK emphasized the need for enhanced aviation infrastructure in Kiribati, such as upgraded airports, enhancement of Pacific regional airline partnerships that benefit travellers, Kiribati fare subsidy considerations and capacity development within the aviation sector . These improvements will not only facilitate smoother travel experiences for tourists but also strengthen Kiribati’s ability to effectively market and promote its unique offerings on a global scale.

TAK is committed to working closely with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) and other stakeholders to ensure that the aspirations of the tourism sector are heard and adequately addressed. The authority believes that by fostering a collaborative and integrated approach to aviation development, Kiribati can realize its tourism potential while preserving its cultural heritage and natural environment.

As TAK moves forward, it will continue to advocate for sustainable aviation and tourism practices, seeking opportunities for capacity development, knowledge sharing, and investment in the tourism industry. The authority remains dedicated to creating an enabling environment that attracts visitors, empowers local communities, and contributes to the socio-economic growth of Kiribati.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati is responsible for working with our partners to encourage travelers to come to Kiribati and spend time exploring our country.

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