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.
