The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), through its Research and Statistics Division, has successfully carried out its first-ever Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS), Outer Island Perception Survey (OIPS), and Cultural Attractions Mapping on Arorae Island. Arorae Island is the furthest island in located in Southern Gilbert Group of Kiribati.
The TBIS identified two operational accommodations on the island – the Arorae Island Council Guesthouse and Te Baba n Aine Guesthouse in Tamaroa. Together, these facilities provide a total of nine available rooms: five at the Arorae Island Council Guesthouse and four at Te Baba n Aine Guesthouse. The survey also revealed that three women are currently employed in the tourism sector – two at Te Baba n Aine Guesthouse and one at the Island Council Guesthouse.
The OIPS collected valuable insights from local residents on their perceptions of tourism, including the environmental, socio-economic, and cultural benefits they have experienced. It also identified attractions that locals believe hold strong potential to attract visitors to Arorae.
In addition, the mapping of cultural and natural attractions highlighted several key sites of interest, including historical landmarks and frigate bird feeding sites, locally known as “Te Kai n Tiku.”
TAK extends its sincere appreciation to the Arorae Unimwane (Tabwakeauea), the Island Council Mayor, Acting Clerk, KUC Church Minister, and the Arorae community for their warm support, cooperation, and teamwork with the TAK team throughout the surveys.