The tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted a one-week tourism awareness and community consultation as part of its product development and enhancement program in North Tarawa from 21 – 28 January 2021.
The purpose of the consultation was to assist the villages better understand tourism, its economic potential,, and how they can engage in the industry through creative business alternatives that will support their livelihood.
The team visited 11 villages of Buariki, Tearinibai, Nuatabu, Taratai, Nooto, Abaokoro, Marenanuka, Tabonibara, Kainaba, Nabeina and Tabiteuea.
During the consultation, the villages were provided with information on how small-scale eco-tourism businesses work, their economic and socio-cultural benefits, and its contribution to environmental conservation. The villages were also encouraged to be part of the important local tourism supply chain network.
The consultations included a video presentation of the pilot Reina community based cultural tour project to help the villages better grasp the idea of sustainable community-based tourism and how they can apply that in their local setting.
Feedback from the consultations was positive and TAK will return to North Tarawa to work with interested villages and assist them in developing their own unique eco-tourism programs.
