As Kiribati concluded the commemoration of 79th anniversary World War 2 on the islands of Butaritari and Betio in South Tarawa, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) shares that many untold stories of these historical events in 1943 makes Kiribati an intriguing island destination for battlefield tours.
TAK Chief Executive Officer, Petero Manufolau made the comments following the final commemoration WWll event at the Japan and Korean memorial monuments in Tabon Takoronga on Betio, South Tarawa.
“Whist most of what we know about these historical World War 2 events are documented”, Manufolau added that “first-hand accounts of survivors in the islands of Tarawa and Butaritari offer a fascinating and emotional journey into what is a significant part of the island destination’s history”.
To share the many untold, undocumented and undiscovered remanence of World War 2 in Kiribati, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) will begin work to develop ‘relive and re-discover Kiribati WWll packages’ for the 80th anniversary celebrations in November 2023.
Through its engagement with the United Stated of America, Japan and the Republic of Korea on battlefield tours and war relics preservation, TAK will collaborate with local stakeholders and international World War 2 travel and tour operators to develop and promote battlefield tour products to Kiribati.
Manufolau said “the Kiribati WWll 80th anniversary in 2023 will be an excellent opportunity for families and relatives of U.S, Japanese and Korean servicemen whose lives were lost in Tarawa and Butaritari to visit Kiribati to honour their memories”. Furthermore, he said “such a visit will also allow relatives to connect with IKiribati people who have become custodians or WWll relics and guardians of the remains of their loved ones in these islands”.
Visitors to Kiribati can enjoy WWll guided tours in Tarawa and Butaritari with trained local guides and historians.
