Tourism Authority Kiribati

Kaongora Newsletter

Tourism Authority Of Kiribati (TAK) Office Moves to a New Location

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is excited to announce that it has officially moved its office to a new location. The new TAK office is located at the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives (MTCIC), opposite the Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT). Our office is situated at the back of the MTCIC building.

This is now our new mailing address:

Tourism Authority of Kiribati
Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives
P.O Box 479, Betio, Tarawa,
Rep. of Kiribati

TAK looks forward to continuing to serve all from our new premises.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) engages Ministry of Internal Affairs on Licensing Transition.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) held a productive meeting with the Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), and his team on December 27th, 2024. The meeting focused on updating the Ministry on TAK’s recent awareness consultations with island councils across Tarawa, Kiritimati, and some of the outer-islands regarding the transition of licensing responsibilities from the Councils to TAK, effective January 2025.

Representing TAK were Mr Iataake King, Manager of the Standards and Licensing Unit and a University of the South Pacific (USP) intern currently attached to the Unit. The MIA team was led by the Director, supported by a Senior Local Government Officer and staff.

During the discussion, the Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs expressed strong support for the transition, emphasizing that it was long overdue. While the initiative was initially planned for the implementation two years ago, it had been delayed as some island councils were not adequately informed at the time.

Mr King provided a comprehensive update on TAK’s progress, highlighting the recent awareness consultations with several island councils. He also sought the Ministry’s assistance in disseminating information to councils that had not yet been reached, given the limited timeframe. The Director assured full cooperation and instructed his team to begin informing the remaining councils immediately.

This transition marks a significant milestone for TAK, as the collection of licensing fees from Accommodation Establishments will serve as a primary source of revenue for the organisation in 2025.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati remains committed to strengthening its partnerships with Government Ministries and Stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of this important initiative.

Miss Pacific Islands 2024-2025 to Visit Kiribati from 18th to 20th January 2025

South Tarawa, Kiribati – The people of Kiribati are delighted to welcome Miss Pacific Islands 2024-2025, Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke, on her official visit to the island nation from the 18th to the 20th of January. This significant visit highlights the growing engagement between Pacific Island nations and provides a unique opportunity to showcase Kiribati’s rich culture and history.

During her stay, Moemoana, accompanied by her sister and a cameraman, will be passionate about advocating for Pacific culture and heritage, and she is eager to promote Kiribati’s beauty & culture through captivating photos and videos shared on her social media platforms, reaching audiences across the region and beyond.

Moemoana’s journey arrived at the Miss Pacific Islands competition in Nauru in January 2024 when she was crowned as the Pacific’s Queen for 2024-2025. Hailing from Samoa, she has been a vocal advocate for sustainability, women’s empowerment, and the celebration of Pacific identities. Her reign as Miss Pacific Islands in 2024 has been marked by her efforts to highlight the stories and resilience of the Pacific peoples, making her an inspirational figure for communities across the Pacific region.

As part of her visit, Ms. Moemoana is also expected to meet with Miss Kiribati 2024, Ms. Kimberly Tokanang, who is set to represent Kiribati at the upcoming Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025 in the Solomon Islands from 1st to 9th February. This meeting will serve as a valuable opportunity for Ms. Tokanang to learn from Ms. Moemoana’s experiences and insights.

For Media Inquiries: info@kiribatitourism.gov.ki

The Pacific Nation Kiribati Confirms Miss Kiribati 2024, Ms. Kimberly Tokanang, to Compete in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025

South Tarawa, Kiribati – The Tourism Authority of Kiribati is excited to officially announce that Miss Kiribati 2024, Ms. Kimberly Tokanang, will represent Kiribati at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) 2025. This milestone marks the first-ever participation of a Miss Kiribati in the prestigious regional pageant, which will be held in the Solomon Islands from 1st to 9th February 2025.

The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant is a celebrated cultural event that showcases the beauty, intelligence, and talents of Pacific women while promoting the rich traditions and values of the region. Ms. Kimberly Tokanang’s participation represents a significant step for Kiribati, providing a platform to highlight the nation’s unique culture, heritage, and resilience on the regional stage.
To ensure a successful debut, a dedicated Miss Kiribati MPIP2025 Working Committee has been formed. This committee, along with its subcommittees, is tasked with organizing preparations and spearheading fundraising efforts to support Ms. Tokanang’s journey. The committee comprises representatives from various sectors, including government, local businesses, and community organizations, reflecting the collective pride and commitment of the people of Kiribati.

Statement from the Miss Kiribati MPIP2025 Working Committee:

“We are excited to support Ms. Kimberly Tokanang as she prepares to represent Kiribati at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025. Her participation is an opportunity to celebrate Kiribati’s culture and showcase our talent and values on a broader stage. We encourage all I-Kiribati to join us in fundraising and supporting Kimberly on this historic journey.”
In the lead-up to the event, the 6 Working Sub-Committees have been formed to oversee activities, including cultural talent training, wardrobe preparation, traditional wear, sarong wear, and a fundraising & float sub-committee. Fundraising events will be organized to ensure that Ms. Tokanang is well-prepared and fully supported for this momentous occasion.
The people of Kiribati are invited to follow Kimberly’s journey and actively participate in the upcoming events and initiatives. Together, we can make her representation a source of pride for our nation Kiribati.
For Media Inquiries: info@kiribatitourism.gov.ki