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.
