The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) proudly represented Kiribati at the inaugural Youth Forum on Sustainable Tourism, held from 18-22 October 2025 in Neiafu, Vava’u Island, Kingdom of Tonga.
Ms. Kiarake Karuaki, Tourism Officer for Product Development, joined youth delegates from across the Pacific to share insights and experiences in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for tourism in the region.
This landmark forum was a direct outcome of the 2023 Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting, where regional leaders endorsed the establishment of a youth platform under the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit. The initiative aims to empower young Pacific voices to play an active role in advancing sustainable, culturally grounded, and inclusive tourism development.
Youth representatives from Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Niue, Fiji, and Kiribati took part in the five-day program, sharing inspiring stories of innovation, resilience, and cultural pride.
Over four days of dialogue, workshops, and collaboration, participants reflected on their roles as emerging leaders in tourism. The forum provided a platform to exchange ideas, explore shared challenges, and build a collective vision for a more resilient and sustainable Pacific tourism sector.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Pacific Youth in Tourism Action Plan (2025-2030), unveiled during the Tourism Ministers Meeting. This strategic framework outlines a shared commitment among Pacific youth to co-create a regenerative tourism landscape, one that honours cultural heritage, promotes environmental stewardship, and strengthens community empowerment.
The forum also fostered meaningful regional connections, laying the groundwork for ongoing collaboration and innovation among Pacific youth in tourism. Their unified vision underscores the importance of youth engagement in ensuring that tourism continues to benefit both people and the planet.
The Tourism Authority of Kiribati extends its sincere gratitude to Pacer Plus for funding the Youth Forum and expresses heartfelt appreciation to the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), the Government and Ministry of Tourism of Tonga, local tourism operators, and the people of Vava’u for their warm hospitality and unwavering support in making this milestone event a success.