Taare Rikiai – Page 10 – Kaongora Newsletter

TAK Participates in DFAT Pacific Aviation Support Program Consultation

July 14, 2023July 13, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), represented by CEO, Petero Manufolau participated in the Pacific Aviation Support Program Consultation, held at the Australian High Commission in Tarawa on Friday, 7 July 2023.

The consultation, facilitated by Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Anthony Liew brought together key stakeholders from the Kiribati aviation, infrastructure, finance and tourism sectors to address the challenges and opportunities faced by Kiribati’s aviation industry. TAK seized this opportunity to voice the tourism sector’s long-term goals and discuss how strategic aviation development can play a crucial role in unlocking Kiribati’s tourism potential.

Kiribati, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, has the potential to become a sought after tourism destination. However, the country’s remote geographical location and limited aviation infrastructure pose significant hurdles to its tourism growth. The Pacific Aviation Support Program Consultation served as a platform for TAK to highlight the importance of affordable, reliable, and safe air travel for attracting international travellers and promoting sustainable tourism development.

During the consultation, TAK emphasized the need for enhanced aviation infrastructure in Kiribati, such as upgraded airports, enhancement of Pacific regional airline partnerships that benefit travellers, Kiribati fare subsidy considerations and capacity development within the aviation sector . These improvements will not only facilitate smoother travel experiences for tourists but also strengthen Kiribati’s ability to effectively market and promote its unique offerings on a global scale.

TAK is committed to working closely with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) and other stakeholders to ensure that the aspirations of the tourism sector are heard and adequately addressed. The authority believes that by fostering a collaborative and integrated approach to aviation development, Kiribati can realize its tourism potential while preserving its cultural heritage and natural environment.

As TAK moves forward, it will continue to advocate for sustainable aviation and tourism practices, seeking opportunities for capacity development, knowledge sharing, and investment in the tourism industry. The authority remains dedicated to creating an enabling environment that attracts visitors, empowers local communities, and contributes to the socio-economic growth of Kiribati.

Sustainable Fisheries through Marine Protected Area Tours in Butaritari

June 30, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

In a groundbreaking effort to support sustainable fisheries and community development, the Butaritari community is launching the Nei Tengarengare project—a Community-Based Tourism (CBT) initiative centered around Marine Protected Area (MPA) tours. This project, developed in collaboration with Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), aims to foster environmental conservation, empower local communities, and promote responsible tourism practices.

The Nei Tengarengare project stems from the outcomes of the Coastal Fisheries Summit held in May 2023, where TAK was invited to join the Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM), locally known as Nei Tengarengare. Nei Tengarengare is a division of the Coastal Fisheries Division under the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFRD), and it works closely with communities in Butaritari to ensure sustainable fisheries practices.

As part of the project’s initial steps, TAK will collaborate with MPA communities in Butaritari to provide training on MPA tour package development, itinerary planning, and package costing. Ms. Kiarake Karuaki, the Tourism Officer for Product Development, conducted training sessions in three MPA communities—Kuuma village (north and south), Tanimaiaki village, and Bikaati islet—in preparation for the upcoming national stakeholder meeting scheduled for early August in Butaritari.

During the consultation workshops, Ms. Kiarake shared insights on various topics including the foundations of tourism, Kiribati niche tourism products, Butaritari niche tourism products, and different types of travellers or visitors. This knowledge exchange aimed to enhance the communities’ understanding of tourism in general, enabling them to develop tailored experiences that align with visitor preferences.

The three MPA communities in Butaritari—Kuuma village (north and south), Tanimaiaki village, and Bikaati islet—will serve as pioneers, sharing their MPA through a tour program with representatives from other MPA participants across the Gilbert Islands. The participating islands include Makin, Marakei, Abaiang, Tarawa, Maiana, Kuria, Aranuka, Abemama, Nonouti, Tab North and Tab South, Onotoa, Beru, and Nikunau. The aim is to facilitate knowledge sharing and inspire other island groups to replicate successful practices in their respective regions, ensuring the sustainability of their established Marine Protected Areas.

“The Nei Tengarengare project is a remarkable example of collaboration between the tourism sector and local communities for sustainable development,” said Petero Manufolau, CEO of TAK. “By harnessing the potential of Marine Protected Area tours, we can protect our precious marine ecosystems, empower communities, and create authentic experiences for visitors. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to its positive impact on Butaritari and beyond.”

The Nei Tengarengare project marks an important step towards promoting responsible and community-driven tourism in Butaritari. By integrating conservation efforts, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods, this initiative paves the way for a brighter, more resilient future for both the environment and the local communities.

Tarawa Accommodations Awarded 2023 Mauri Mark Rating

June 29, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is pleased to announce that most North & South Tarawa Accommodation providers have been awarded Mauri Mark rating following assessments conducted in April and May 2023.

The Mauri Mark rating is a significant indicator of accommodation standards, serving as a trusted reference for travelers when making their booking decisions. It provides valuable insights into the quality and range of services offered, ensuring guests have a clear understanding of what to expect during their stay.

All North and South Tarawa accommodation providers underwent comprehensive evaluation across various criteria to secure their Mauri Mark Coconut rating. The assessment process covered crucial aspects such as Business Operations, Room Facilities, Fire Safety, Health and Hygiene, Support Services, and Sustainability. These parameters were examined to ensure that each rated accommodation provider meets or exceeds industry standards in each category.

The achievement of the Mauri Mark rating for most North and South Tarawa accommodation reflects Kiribati’s dedication to providing an exceptional guest experience albeit their slow recovery post COVID-19.

TAK is confident that amidst these challenging recovery phase, accommodation provider’s adherence to the standards of business operations, room facilities, fire safety measures, health, and hygiene protocols, support services, and commitment to sustainability is an indication of their commitment to raising visitor experience in Kiribati.

TAK will conduct the Mauri Mark Assessment in Kiritimati and the outer islands of the Gilber and Line Islands in the coming months.

TAK Officer Participates in USA Professional Fellows Program

July 5, 2023June 29, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) Assistant Officer, Research & Statistics, Mr Garstang Bitauea has returned from USA after attending the Professional Fellows Program Oceania (PFP Oceania) at Arizona State from May 1-31 and Professional Fellows Congress June 5-9 at Washington DC. Mr Bitauea was amongst participants lows from Fiji, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Samoa, and FSM.

The program is a two-way, global exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, as well as build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from the Pacific Islands and the United States.

The PFP Oceania Program ran from May 3-31 where, during which time, Mr Bitauea was placed at the Arizona State University for School of Communities Resources and Development to learn about Sustainable Tourism initiatives from Dr. Christine Buzinde. The TAK assistant officer also had the opportunity to connect with Research Manager from Research Division of Arizona Office of Tourism and CEO of Tourism Tempe to learn about Tourism Industry in Arizona State.

The fellowship concluded with a Professional Fellows Congress in Washington DC from 5-9 June. The Congress hosted fellows from more than 40 countries who engaged to enhance their network internationally with each other, reflect on U.S exchange fellowship and discusses common challenges and opportunities for international collaboration.

The Professional Fellows Program Oceania (PFP Oceania) was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ and organized by Cultural Vistas a non-profit organization based in Washington DC. This fellowship program will be continuing to attract more young leaders from the Pacific Islands every year.

Tourism Authority of Kiribati participates in SPTO regional consultations.

June 16, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The CEO of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, and Chairman of the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), Petero Manufolau participated in the SPTO Regional Consultations on the Research Cooperation Framework, Climate Resilience Needs, Sustainable Tourism Standards, Digital Training for Research and Sustainable Tourism Planning from 13th to 16th June 2023 in Nadi, Fiji.

The workshop provided tourism practitioners and policy makers from the National Tourism Organi-sations, private sector, and development partners the opportunity to contribute to the above-mentioned regional tourism initiatives. Participants exchanged valuable insights, experiences, and best practices to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the ever-evolving tourism landscape.

As the CEO of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, Petero Manufolau shared Kiribati’s experiences and initiatives in promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the country’s unique natural and cul-tural heritage. He emphasized the importance of responsible tourism practices and highlighted Kiri-bati’s commitment to preserving its pristine environment.

In his role as the Chairman of the Pacific Tourism Organisation, Petero Manufolau also led discus-sions on regional collaboration and cooperation among Pacific Island nations. He stressed the signif-icance of working together to promote tourism as a means of socio-economic development in the re-gion while ensuring the preservation of Pacific cultures and environments.

Petero Manufolau expressed his gratitude to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (NZMFA) for its funding support to the weeklong workshop and the SPTO Secretariat for an engag-ing program, stating, ” that through a strong regional approach, tourism in the Pacific can better serve the needs of the Pacific Islands, visitors, industry, and the environment. Improved coordination at a regional level is fundamental in shaping global actions and change.”

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati extends its appreciation to the organizers and hosts of the workshop for their efforts in facilitating this significant.

TAK conducts Sustainable Tourism Policy Consultation

June 11, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) in partnership with the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has just concluded a one-week local stakeholder consultation in Tarawa for the development of the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy & Action Plan.

The consultations provided TAK with the valuable opportunity to present the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework to Government ministries, regional organisations, private sector organisations and local NGOs.
The consultations also provided stakeholders with the opportunity to share their expertise and recommendations on how TAK can best develop a sustainable tourism policy that is doable and measurable.

Mrs Jennifer Bartlett, the International Technical Assistant for this project acknowledged the importance of considering the valuable stakeholder contributions and is optimistic that Kiribati is on the right track to achieving sustainable tourism development by 2036.

TAK Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Project coordinator, Ms Reeti Onorio highlighted the importance this policy will have towards Kiribati achieving the KV20 tourism aspirations of the Government of Kiribati (GoK).
On a national level, TAK is committed to promote sustainable tourism and its potential contribution to stimulating economic development, providing employment, income generation as well as supporting the retention of cultural traditions, sustainable management of national environmental assets and wider contribution towards social–economic benefits.

Kiribati also joined its Pacific Island neighbours when it signed the Pacific Statement of Commitment for Sustainable Tourism in the Pacific in 2022 and it is committed to ensure that tourism also addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

Deputy CEO Onorio stressed to stakeholders that “tourism is still at its early stages of development in Kiribati and the sustainable tourism policy is our chance to get this right from the beginning”.
TAK envisages to complete and submit the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy and Action Plan to Cabinet for endorsement by July 2023.

Border Reopening Boosts Tourism on Kiritimati Island

June 1, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The reopening of Kiritimati (Christmas) Island’s border on 03 May 2023, more than 3 years after COVID-19 lockdown, has boosted international tourism activities on this world-class fly-fishing destination.

The first flights from Nadi, Fiji and Honolulu, Hawaii were met with Kiribati style fun fare and a showcase of the islands’ culture through song and dance. Passengers, who were mainly returning residents and fishermen from New Zealand and the United States of America, were all garlanded upon arrival.

The jovial mood at Cassidy International Airport on the arrival of the first flights was evident as arriving guests joined in the merrymaking and pleasant reunions with local fishing guides. Residents of the island also flocked to the airport to join in the celebration of welcoming international travellers after a 3 year hiatus.

Head Fishing Guide, Mr. Timon Eberi expressed appreciation to the Government of Kiribati for the resumption of flights to Kiritimati. He added “this had brought happiness not only to us as fishing guides and tourism operators but also to the people of Kiritimati who will benefit from the restart of tourism”.

Seven (7) accommodation operators are now opened on the island. These include Ikari house, Sunset Horizon Fishing Lodge, Tropical flat fishing lodge, Lagoon View hotel, The Villages Hotel, Dive and Fishing lodge and The Little Flower Guesthouse. 2 more accommodation providers, including the Captain Cook Hotel are expected to reopen before end of the year.

TAK joins Kiribati World Tuna Day Celebration

May 26, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) joined the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD) as they celebrated World Tuna Day. Observed on 02 May each year, the Kiribati celebration was moved to 26 May to coincide with the conclusion of the Kiribati Coastal Fisheries Summit that concluded on the 25 May 2023 in Bairiki, South Tarawa.

With the theme, Sustainable Tuna; Our Dream, Our Future, the event began with a float procession that included MFMRD, Kiribati Fishing Limited (KFL) and the Central Pacific Producers Limited (CPPL). Each creatively highlighted the valuable relationship between healthy oceans and sustainable tuna management across the vast waters of Kiribati.

In his keynote address, Minister for Fisheries & Marine Resource Development, Honourable Ribanataake Tiwau said the “purpose of the event is to ensure that this shared resource, which are highly migratory and traverses the entire Pacific Ocean, are well managed for the benefit of the current and future generations”.

TAK acknowledges that the tourism sector can draw inspiration from the MFMRD’s work in sustainable tuna fishing practices and apply them to other aspects of sustainable & regenerative tourism development throughout the islands, particularly in the recreational fishing and community-based-tourism markets.

The event concluded with the Tuna Bites culinary competition that featured some of the best tuna dishes.

TAK conducts first M&E for Nonouti Island Tourism Initiative

May 25, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) together with the Project Management Unit (PMU) for the LDCF- Project conducted the first monitoring and evaluation mission activity of the Nonouti Island Community Based Tourism (CBT) operators from 13 – 17 May 2023.

Through this activity, TAK conducted an audit of all components of each CBT product on the island and shared its findings with participating communities. Together, these communities and TAK mapped out ways for improvement.

The exercise revealed some key learnings for both TAK and the CBT communities. These include the need for a whole of island approach to support and promote tourism to the island and the value of digital technology in tourism.

The Nonouti island council was also consulted on the importance of their engagement to help realise a successful sustainable tourism operation on the island. Through this consultation, TAK also committed to providing continuous support to communities and organisations engaged in CBT activities on the island.

The 3 communities that offer CBT products in Nonouti are CM Umwantewenei, Rotin Abamakoro, Autukia village and the fishing guides.

Kiribati Flag Carrier under 3-years Leasing Agreement

May 19, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

Kiribati’s national flag carrier the Jet Embraer E190-E2 is under a 3yrs leasing agreement with Pionair Australia.

The aircraft will be operated under the 3yrs leasing agreement between Pionair Australia and the Government of Kiribati.

The Embraer can fly to Kiribati from time to time if required. The internal and direct flights between Tarawa and Kiritimati can commence when the upgrading work at the Canton runway is completed as the alternate emergency and stopover airport.

This is an EDTO requirement for the aircraft before it is approved to operate within the distances between Tarawa and Kiritimati Island.

The upgrading of the Canton runway is paramount in this Jet and Infrastructure project as it will provide more reliable air service connectivity to this remote island station, provide the alternative stopover or emergency for any aircrafts using air space over the Line and Phoenix Island Group, and a provisional airfield for the Jet Embraer E190-E2.

The runway feasibility study on Canton that was conducted by engineers from the Government of the People’s Republic of China in March this year was done after a long delay planning when COVID-19 struck at the end of 2019 until borders opened in 2022.

The results of the feasibility study will fast-track a project to rehabilitate the runway to make it operational and meet requirements as an alternate airport.

The second Jet Embraer E190-E2 is in a production line in Brazil and will soon be delivered upon completion.

Tourism Authority Kiribati