Tourism Authority Kiribati

Kaongora Newsletter

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Ketia Natan

First Meeting and Induction of the New TAK Board of Directors

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) convened the first meeting and induction program for its newly appointed Board of Directors on 25 November 2025, held at the MTCIC Boardroom in Betio.

TAK extends its sincere appreciation to all new Board Directors for their attendance and for demonstrating their commitment to the continued growth and development of the organisation. Their guidance and leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing the progress of Kiribati’s tourism sector.

Newly Appointed Board Directors:

  1. Mrs. Maryanne Mikaere Namakin – Chairlady
  2. Mr. Teurakai Ukenio – Deputy Chairman
  3. Mr. Kinta Eram
  4. Mr. Daniel Langley (Kiritimati Representative)
  5. Ms. Pelea Tehumu
  6. Ms. Louisa Bitamatang
  7. Mrs. Kataraiti Koraing
  8. Mr. Tewia Tawita

This important gathering marked not only a formal introduction but also the beginning of a strengthened partnership that will guide TAK toward a brighter and more sustainable future.

Kiritimati Island Expands Community-Based Tourism Opportunities

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is advancing Community-Based Tourism (CBT) initiatives to enhance tourism development on Kiritimati Island. From 11-25 November 2025, TAK implemented a two-week programme focused on strengthening community participation and creating new tourism experiences that reflect the island’s culture and way of life.

This initiative was led by Mrs. Kiarake Karuaki, who worked in close collaboration with the TAK Kiritimati Branch. The first week was dedicated to in-house training on CBT packaging and costing, equipping local officers with the necessary skills to support communities in designing market-ready visitor experiences.

During the second week, Mrs. Karuaki facilitated a series of CBT awareness consultations with five communities: Banana Village, including Te Aakenikamaiu Community, Te Ununiku, Ueen te Mwaukunikin, Taakete, and Kekeiaki Community. Each community expressed enthusiasm and confirmed their willingness to participate in future CBT initiatives, demonstrating strong grassroots support for sustainable tourism development.

By embracing CBT, Kiritimati Island is diversifying its tourism offerings beyond its internationally acclaimed fly-fishing holiday experiences. Once fully developed, these community-driven products will appeal to a broader range of travellers, including families of anglers and visitors seeking immersive cultural interactions, traditional livelihoods, and authentic local experiences.

This development represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainable tourism for Kiritimati Island, one that supports local economic growth, fosters community empowerment, and helps preserve the island’s distinctive cultural heritage and natural environment.

TAK conducts a Tourism Business Inventory Survey on South Tabiteuea

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its annual Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS) on South Tabiteuea (Tab-South), conducted by the Research and Statistics Division on 3 November 2025.

The TBIS supports TAK’s ongoing efforts to maintain an accurate and up-to-date Kiribati Accommodation Database by collecting key information such as business contact details, staffing levels, services offered, and available facilities.

Findings from the latest survey indicate that tourism in South Tabiteuea has improved this quarter. While the number of accommodation providers remains unchanged—Hospitium Guesthouse and the Tab-South Island Council Guesthouse continue to be the only two accommodation options—both establishments have upgraded their facilities and increased staffing.

Notably, the total number of rooms has doubled from five (5) to ten (10), representing a 100% increase in room availability. The total number of beds has increased by 40%, while the number of accommodation units has risen by 106%. These gains reflect meaningful investment in the island’s visitor infrastructure and improved readiness to host more travellers.

The TBIS also recorded a significant increase in employment at the Tab-South Island Council Guesthouse, where staff numbers rose from 3 to 12. Of the 12 staff members, 9 are female and 3 are male, highlighting strong female participation in tourism employment. This growth suggests that more local residents are gaining opportunities and benefiting directly from tourism-related activities.

Overall, the results show encouraging progress for the South Tabiteuea tourism sector. Improvements in facilities and staffing demonstrate a clear commitment to strengthening service quality and preparing the island to meet future visitor demand.

Strengthening Hospitality Standards in Tabiteuea Maiaki

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) successfully completed a mission to Tabiteuea Maiaki (South Tabiteuea) from 29 October to 9 November 2025, delivering Basic Hospitality Training to two local accommodation providers: Hospidium Guesthouse (Catholic Parish-owned) and the Tabiteuea Maiaki Island Council Guesthouse.

The mission was led by Ms Tie Manuera of TAK’s Training & Development Unit, who facilitated the training sessions, with support from Ms Beebe O’Connor of the Product Development & Investment Promotion Unit, who provided ongoing assistance throughout the program.

The training combined essential theory with practical application, covering core hospitality standards, customer service, housekeeping, and teamwork. Participants also took part in role-play activities, reinforcing the importance of positive guest interactions, clear communication, and professional service.

Strong participation and enthusiasm throughout the training highlighted the commitment of local operators to improving hospitality services. The skills and knowledge gained will support both guesthouses to deliver more consistent, high-quality experiences for visitors and strengthen South Tabiteuea’s capacity to grow tourism and hospitality.

In addition to training delivery, TAK officers conducted a tourism business survey and completed Mauri Mark standards assessments for both accommodation providers.

TAK extends sincere appreciation to Hon. Minister Bootii Nauan for the invitation, the Mayor and Clerk of South Tabiteuea for their valued support, and the dedicated staff of Hospidium Guesthouse and the Tabiteuea Maiaki Island Council Guesthouse, along with everyone who contributed to the success of the mission.

Celebrating International Volunteer Day 2025

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) team on Kiritimati Island and their Australian volunteer, Mr Spencer Liapakis, celebrated International Volunteer Day 2025 on Friday 5 December, commemorating the work of volunteers on Kiritimati Island with an event at the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Development in London.

The TAK team was joined by representatives from the Kiritimati Urban Council, who also partnered with an Australian volunteer earlier this year, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC) and the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID).

The event included a garlanding dance, remarks by Mr Liapakis about the Australian Volunteers program, and a reflection on the successes achieved by volunteers and their partner organisations from Ms Ereti Tekabwaia, Officer in Charge of TAK Kiritimati.

In Tarawa, TAK CEO, Ms Reeti Onorio, attended the International Volunteer Day 2025 event hosted by the Australian Volunteers Program and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Mr Liapakis, a Tourism Digital Marketing Mentor, has been working with the TAK team on Kiritimati Island since July, and concludes his assignment in mid-December. Mr Liapakis and his fellow volunteer at the Kiritimati Urban Council are the first volunteers from the Australian Volunteers Program to live and work on Kiritimati Island.

The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian Government-funded initiative that supports global volunteering. It works with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia and Africa to achieve locally led change.

We hope that Mr Liapakis’ assignment is the first of many, as part of an ongoing relationship between the Australian Volunteers Program and TAK, and we look forward to welcoming more volunteers in the future.

KIRIBATI REPRESENTED AT THE PACIFIC REGENERATIVE VERIFICATION EXCHANGE PROGRAM.

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is proud to announce its participation in the Pacific Regenerative Verification Exchange Program, with Mrs. Kiarake Karuaki, Tourism Officer for Product Development and Investment Promotion, representing Kiribati during a threeweek immersive experience hosted by Five Sixty Farms in Lismore, New South Wales, Australia.

The program brought together representatives from across the Pacific to explore three core pillars of regenerative practice:

  • Regenerative Farming and Agriculture
  • Regenerative Gastronomy
  • Regenerative Agritourism

Through this exchange, Mrs. Karuaki and her regional peers gained valuable insights into how tourism can be developed through regenerative approaches that honour traditional knowledge, strengthen cultural identity, and promote sustainable livelihoods.

One of the key highlights of the program was the focus on nourishment through local food sources. This approach not only enhances visitor experiences but also supports the health and wellbeing of local communities. Considering the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Kiribati, the promotion of traditional, nutritious food practices holds great potential as part of community-based tourism initiatives.

Another major learning outcome centred on the importance of soil health—its essential role in sustaining food systems, human wellbeing, and ecological balance. This holistic perspective, rooted in regenerative farming and agriculture, forms the foundation for regenerative gastronomy and agritourism. It reinforces the deep interconnection between land, culture, and community resilience.

The exchange also highlighted the importance of grounding tourism development in the authentic livelihoods of local communities, rather than solely responding to market trends. Regenerative approaches in farming, gastronomy, and agritourism serve as powerful pathways to revitalise cultural traditions that risk being lost over time.

Kiribati’s participation in this program represents an important milestone in its journey towards regenerative tourism – one that celebrates authenticity, sustainability, and cultural pride.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati extends its sincere gratitude to the Pacific Islands Forum, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and the Regenerative Vanua for their invaluable support and coordination. Special appreciation is also given to Five Sixty Farms for their warm hospitality and knowledge-sharing throughout the exchange program.

EXPERIENCE WITH US FAR FAR AWAY ARORAE ISLAND, KIRIBATI’S SOUTHERNMOST ISLAND- SEE IT IN OUR LATEST VIDEO.

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is excited to share a new promotional video that brings the remote and captivating Arorae Island to life. As the southernmost island of the Gilbert Group, Arorae offers a unique glimpse into the people, culture, and way of life of its vibrant community.

Visitors will be enchanted by the warm and welcoming people of Arorae, who proudly preserve their cultural traditions. The island is renowned for ancient navigation stones, frigate bird taming, traditional canoe fishing, and dynamic island dances, reflecting centuries of heritage and the rhythm of daily life. Through the video, viewers can experience these customs firsthand in the island’s traditions, showing how the people of Arorae maintain and share their vibrant culture with the world.

Arorae also offers authentic local accommodations, including the Arorae Island Council Guesthouse and Te Baba n Aine Guesthouse, where travellers can enjoy the hospitality of the island community. Surrounding the island is the vast, open Pacific Ocean, with pristine beaches and breathtaking coastal scenery that provide the perfect backdrop to Arorae’s rich culture.

🎥 Watch the video here to explore Arorae Island like never before.

This video is part of TAK’s ongoing efforts to promote Kiribati’s outer islands, showcasing Arorae as an authentic island destination for visitors seeking culture, adventure, and natural beauty, where the experience is with the people.

TAK CONDUCTS TOURISM SURVEYS ON ARORAE ISLAND FOR THE FIRST TIME

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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.

KIRIBATI TOURISM NEARS 10,000 VISITOR MILESTONE- A RECORD YEAR FOR THE INDUSTRY.

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) proudly announces a remarkable achievement for the country’s tourism industry. For the first time, Kiribati recorded a total of 9,504 visitor arrivals in 2024, marking a significant milestone as the destination moves closer to the 10,000-visitor benchmark.

The 2024 Annual Tourism Review presents a comprehensive overview of Kiribati’s tourism performance, capturing key data on visitor arrivals and departures, purpose of visit, nationality, and monthly trends. The report also examines domestic travel patterns by sea and air, visitation to the Kiribati Museum, and insights into the tourism supply chain across the islands. In addition, it highlights cruise passenger numbers, yacht arrivals, and tourism intensity rates resulting from the increase in visitor arrivals.

 Key Highlights

  • Pacific countries emerged as the leading source market in 2024, contributing 30% of total arrivals.
  • Australia and the United States followed closely, each representing 18% of arrivals.
  • Corporate travel remained the primary purpose of the visit, particularly among Pacific and Australian nationals.
  • The United States continued to lead as the top source market for fishing tourism in Kiritimati.

 Growth in Accommodation and Tourism Supply

Kiribati’s accommodation sector also experienced notable growth, expanding from 69 establishments in 2023 to 74 in 2024. This growth includes a 7% increase in rooms, 8% increase in beds, and an 11% increase in tourism employment.

Although the number of accommodation establishments in South Tarawa, the capital, remains constant, the number of available rooms rose by 20%.

New developments include three establishments in North Tarawa, one in Makin, and one in Butaritari, reflecting continued investment in the country’s tourism infrastructure.

Domestic Travel Trends

Domestic travel data shows a 12% increase in air travel and a 6% decrease in sea travel compared to 2023, highlighting a shift in travel preferences among residents and local travellers. For full details of the report, please click here. Kiribati Tourism Review 2024

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati extends its sincere appreciation to the following partners for their invaluable support and contribution to this report: Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), Air Kiribati Limited, Marine Guard, Immigration Department, Shipping Agencies of Kiribati, Kiribati Customs Office, and all tourism operators and accommodation providers who supplied data for the 2024 review.

PACIFIC YOUTH LEADING THE WAY TOWARD SUSTAINABLE TOURISM.

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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.