George Kumkee – Kaongora Newsletter

Curfew order issued for South Tarawa and Betio

May 21, 2021May 21, 2021 by George Kumkee

The Government of Kiribati (GoK), through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) Public Health Infectious Disease regulation (regulation 17 & 22) issued a curfew order for South Tarawa and Betio effective from Thursday 20 May 2021. The curfew is effective from 9pm – 6am daily and will remain until further order is issued by GoK. This comes after Kiribati registered its first 2 cases of Covid-19 in quarantine earlier this week.

The order requires that all persons must remain at their home of residence from 9pm to 6am daily. This means that activities like night fishing, and social gatherings are prohibited, and Kava bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and bingo centres will be closed. Only persons seeking medical, police or fire emergency services will be excused from movement within the curfew hours. All Church leaders have also been advised to plan for their church services/ prayers and to ensure that they comply with all social distancing requirements.

All arms of government (government agencies) and private businesses have been instructed to maintain their operations as usual outside of the curfew hours and to avoid restrictions on sale of goods that would cause the public to panic. Only essentials service providers are allowed to operate during the curfew hours with prior approval from the Office of the Beretitenti (OB) through the Kiribati Police Service.

AII travels from South Tarawa and Betio to the outer islands and vice versa are currently suspended. Only goods, fuels, medicines, and patients’ referrals will be allowed. Travels other than those mentioned here will require the approval of the Secretary of the OB.

The curfew order does not impact the Tourism Authority of Kiribati’s (TAK) daily operational hours and tourism business operators in the affected areas are encouraged to contact TAK should they require clarification on the curfew order. All planned TAK events are currently suspended until further notice.

TAK undertakes Tourism Perception Survey in Marakei

May 21, 2021 by George Kumkee

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati’s (TAK) Research & Statistics Division recently conducted a tourism scoping mission on the island of Marakei, to ascertain potential for tourism development. The island is located just a 20-minute flight from Bonriki International Airport.

In addition to consultation with government officials and council members, TAK used the scoping mission to carry out an Outer Islands Perceptions Survey (OIPS) in the island’s 8 villages. The aim of the OIPS is to gauge the islander’s perceptions on tourism and to understand how they feel towards the vision of tourism positively adding value to the island’s economic, socio-cultural, and natural environment. The survey also aims to identify tourism perception gaps at the community level and the results will be used as a guide by TAK and relevant stakeholders that plan to undertake tourism development initiatives on the island.

Whilst on Marake, TAK also conducted a Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS) with the two accommodation providers on the island; Rawannawi Catholic Parish Guesthouse and the Island Council Guesthouse. The TBIS survey is an important means for TAK to gather operational information from accommodation providers to assist the organisation in its marketing and promotions, training, and product development programme.

The team also conducted the GPS mapping of historical sites, shrines and other tourism attractions which will be incorporated in the island’s new tourism map.

TAK explores eco-tourism opportunities on Marakei

May 20, 2021 by George Kumkee

Situated 70km north west of Tarawa, the island of Marakei is the only enclosed atoll in the Gilbert group of Islands in Kiribati. The island is well-known for its babai (swamp taro) and its local oyster, te rabino while the people of Marakei are celebrated for their traditional dancing skills such as the te bino and te kaimatoa.

The relative proximity of Marakei to Bonriki International Airport, the urban centres of South Tarawa, its rich cultural history and unique island geography presents the island with the potential for ecotourism development.

To explore these potentials, the Product Development team of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) undertook a scoping mission on the island in early May 2021.

In collaboration with the Marakei Island Council, TAK conducted an ecotourism awareness consultation and presentation to all its councillors and community representatives. This was met with enthusiasm with the councillors agreeing to the establishment of a Marakei Tourism Development Committee. Once formalised, the committee will work with TAK to deliver tourism product development, capacity building, and marketing and promotion for the island.

Whilst on Marakei, TAK also used the opportunity to update the island’s two accommodation providers on the progress of the revamped Mauri Mark Accredication Program. The revamped Mauri Mark Accreditation Program will be the national tourism business quality accreditation program for Kiribati. This program will rate accommodation, restaurant and bars, tourism leisure crafts and dive operators based on their compliance to relevant industry safety and service standards.

Kiribati School Tourism Awareness Program

April 26, 2021 by George Kumkee

Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) commenced its Primary Schools Tourism Awareness program on South Tarawa and Betio from 19 April 2021. This program will run through to 05 May and targets Year 6 students.

The goal of the program is to provide students with an understanding of tourism, its benefits on the economy and community and the potential careers opportunities that exist in the industry.

Whilst tourism is not part of the year 6 syllabus, TAK’s School Tourism Awareness program helps enrich and enhance children’s understanding of tourism and provides them with valuable information on the potential it has to contribute to development in Kiribati.

The program also included the distribution of Tourism Careers posters.

Bikenibeu West Primary School teacher Mrs Kaetieti Iotua commented that such a program is important for students at this level to better their understanding on tourism and its potential. She added the posters will be put up on the wall to remind children of the many opportunities that exist in the tourism industry.

TAK is grateful to the Ministry of Education (MoE) for endorsing this program and looks forward reaching out to all primary schools across the country.

Kiribati Extends Border Closure to End of February 2021

February 3, 2021January 13, 2021 by George Kumkee

The Government of Kiribati has officially declared a further extension of its border closure in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Government advises that this extension will remain effective until the end of February 2021 where it will be further reviewed. Special approval is required for humanitarian flights to transport essential equipment, medical supplies, and medevac operations.

In addition, Kiribati nationals travelling back on government arranged repatriation flights can enter Kiribati. A Repatriation Taskforce setup by Cabinet has been planning recent repatriation exercises to bring back all I-Kiribati stranded overseas since November last year.

The Taskforce is currently working with partners and neighbouring countries to repatriate remaining stranded nationals and Seafarers who have been affected by the border closures as a result of the pandemic.

The undertaking is being conducted in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures that seek to safeguard the public from the potential entry and transmission of COVID-19. All repatriated nationals would be required to undergo mandatory quarantine at a Government-designated facility on South Tarawa.
Throughout the repatriation period, Kiribati borders will remain closed to foreign nationals unless specific directions are given to enable critical and lifesaving operations and activities in Kiribati. During the border closure, the provision of medical supplies and cargoes will continue under the established COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols to ensure necessary support to strengthen the national health system and to support the needs of the people.

The Government continues to appeal to the general public and Kiribati’s development partners for their continued cooperation, support and understanding to ensure the necessary arrangements are strictly followed so that risks are managed and the health safety of all is not compromised. (source: Office of Te Beretitenti)

TAK RELEASES 3rd Quarter Kiribati Tourism Review Report

December 29, 2020December 23, 2020 by George Kumkee

TAK has released its 2020 3^rd quarter Tourism Review Report.

The report highlights Kiribati’s domestic travel market with statistics on maritime and air passengers travelling within country. Data collected indicated an 87% increase in domestic air travel compared to maritime transport. Maritime travel on the other hand dropped by 27% compared to the previous quarter.

Furthermore, the report also captures the number of local seafarers that have been quarantined at our local quarantine centres on Tarawa. Data gathered show an increase of 17% compared to 2nd quarter figures.

The final part of the report provides a snapshot of our tourism industry employment statistics including a 1% drop in the number of people directly employed by accommodation providers this quarter compared to the previous quarter.

TAK is grateful to Air Kiribati Limited, Ministry of Health & Medical Services, Ministry of Information, Communications, Transport & Tourism Development and the local accommodation providers for agreeing to share their data with us.

A copy of this report can be downloaded from the link below:

https://corporate.visitkiribati.travel/download/kiribati-tourism-industry-3rd-quarter-review-2020/

TERAU AND MARYS WIN AT NATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS

December 11, 2020December 11, 2020 by George Kumkee

Terau Beach Bungalow in Abaiang and Mary’s Motel in Bairiki scooped the top prizes for Best Accommodation Hospitality categories for the Outer Islands and South Tarawa respectively at the 2020 National Business Awards. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC) on the 05 December 2020 at the National Sports complex in Bairiki.

Terau Beach Bungalow is a beachfront property that offers both traditional over water bungalows and biua accommodation. Located on the organic island of Abaiang, it is well-regarded for its staff’s welcoming attitude and the resort offers numerous activity and day trip options including a picnic tour to Teirio islet. TripAdvisor rates Terau Beach Bungalow at 5 out of 5.

Located in Bairiki, Mary’s Motel is a family-run operation and has been in business since 1990. What started as a 4 rooms and small restaurant establishment has now expanded to 15 units, fully operational restaurant, and meeting facilities for up to 15 people. Average reviews for Mary’s Motel on TripAdvisor rates the property at a 3.5 with location and service at 4 out of 5.

The selection was based on an independent online poll survey which measured properties on facilities, customer services and overall guest satisfaction.

77th ANNIVERSARY – BATTLE OF TARAWA & MAKIN

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020 by George Kumkee

20 November 2020

77 years ago, today, the US Marines began two separate attack operations on the Japanese on the islands of Makin (Butaritari) and Tarawa in Kiribati known as “Operation Galvanic”. These lasted between 20 – 23 November 1943.

To commemorate the 77th anniversary of one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific Theatre of WWII, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is releasing a series of videos and personal interviews and accounts of I-Kiribati survivors of the 1943 battles of Tarawa and Makin.

Produced locally, the videos share very personal stories of trauma and survival by Ikiribati elders who witnessed the atrocities of the war firsthand as children.

TAK Head of Marketing, Ms. Sarah Teetu says that “the stories of the battle of Tarawa and Makin hold significant place in Kiribati’s history and the Tourism Authority of Kiribati will share this part of the destination’s history through the niche battlefield tourism market”.

Teetu adds that remnants of World War 2 are still visible throughout Kiribati today for battlefield travellers to visit and these include coastal guns, bunkers, and other artilleries.

Through its Reset Kiribati program, TAK has embarked on an effort to preserve war relics and promote battlefield tours to Kiribati.

MAURI EXPERIENCE – SUPPORT LOCAL

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020 by George Kumkee

19 November 2020

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) and Kiribati tourism business operators today launched the Mauri Experience – Support Local campaign, an initiative targeted to help promote tourism businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the international border closure in late March 2020, Kiribati tourism business operators have been negatively impacted due to the drop of international visitors. This has seen some operators suspending or minimising their offers to suit the low demand in their services.

More than 6 months on and with no confirmed end in sight for this global pandemic, TAK will through this campaign will promote special hotel, restaurant and activity deals and packages available from tourism businesses across Kiribati.

TAK Head of Marketing, Ms. Sarah Teetu shares that “Mauri Experience is a call to the local market to explore the diverse tourist experiences available across the Gilbert and Line Islands”. She added that the campaign is an invitation to travel and support domestic tourism and the Mauri Experience deals will include discounted accommodation rates, special menu deals, happy hour prices, special outer island boat transfer rates and many more.

The campaign will be run via a numerous channel including social media, electronic direct mails, newspaper advertisements, mobile SMS texts, radio, and television. This includes a Mauri Experience Facebook page where deals and special offers will be regularly updated.

17/03/20 UPDATE – KIRIBATI HEALTH TRAVEL ADVISORY & RESTRICTIONS IN RELATION TO THE 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID -2019)

March 30, 2020March 17, 2020 by George Kumkee

All travellers FROM and TO KIRIBATI (Tarawa and Kiritimati) are advised to take note of the following:

Citizens and residents of Kiribati who are planning to travel to areas and territories in countries with sustained transmission are recommended to avoid non-essential travel.
In the event that travel cannot be postponed; preventive measures should be adhered to at all times.
In case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness before travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and advise about travel restrictions.
In case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness during and after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share travel history with health care providers.
A Health Arrival Form is to be filled out by all incoming travelers upon arrival to Kiribati through Tarawa and Kiritimati.
All incoming international travelers will be subjected to temperature check upon arrival to the international airports and seaports in Kiribati.
All Travelers from areas and territories in countries with local transmission11 of novel coronavirus must spend 14 days2 in a country free of the COVID-2019, and to provide a medical clearance after the 14 days to confirm and/or prove this coronavirus free status. Exemptions for medical clearance can be considered for transit passengers and those who come from the Countries NOT listed in this travel health advisory (THA).
In the event that travelers arrive earlier than the required 14-day-period, health quarantine measures may be applied and deportation to the country of travel origin would be considered depending on the health status of the individual.
Such travel advisory applies to all travelers including returning residents as the country has highly vulnerable group (high incidence of NCDs) of COVID-19 and also the absence or limited capacity of clinical management and ability to contain the virus if introduce.
The 14 days quarantine implies that traveling can only be on the 15th day onwards
Exemptions for medical clearance can be considered for transit passengers that are coming from the Countries NOT listed in this health travel advisory (HTA).
In the event that travelers arrive earlier than the required 14-day period, health quarantine measures may be applied and deportation to the country of travel origin would be considered, depending on the health status of the individual.
Such travel advisory applies to all travelers including returning residents as the country has highly vulnerable group (high incidence of NCDs) of COVID-19 and also the absence or limited capacity of clinical management and ability to contain the virus if introduced.

THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL COME INTO FORCE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
All travelers are required to comply with the required preventive measures.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

At all times:

Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections
People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing and wash hands)
Avoid contact with animals (alive or dead), visiting animal markets, and purchasing products thatcome from animals (such as uncooked meat).
Wash hands often with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to affect areas and territories with their health care provider.
In order to minimize the risk of transmission, people travelling to the affected area should maintain good hand and personal hygiene.
Travelers should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days if visiting any other affected countries or countries with local transmissions, informing their health
service prior to their attendance about their recent travel to the affected country.
Self-Quarantine at home to minimize spread of infection

These measures are being undertaken to protect Kiribati from the introduction of this infection into our communities.

For more information contact Mrs Kaaro Neeti (Secretary, MHMS) on (686) 74028100 extension 202; or (686) 73072357 or Director of Public Health 73058772, or Deputy Director of Public Health 73007258

In updates on Confirmed Countries with COVID 19:

According to WHO there are 159 countries, areas or territories with confirmed cases. From the 159 countries, territories and areas, 82 countries have been confirmed for local transmission cases of the COVID19:

You can also click on WHO (COVID-19) Situation map link below for world updates: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd

Tourism Authority Kiribati