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Food Security Project supports Community-Based Tourism Development.

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in the Least Developing Countries Fund (LDCF-1) wrap up event on Saturday 17 December at the Kiritimati Island Fish Limited (KIFL) conference room in Ambo. The program included sector presentations and an appreciation dinner.

TAK presented the outcomes of its LDCF-1 project involvement which is the development of Community – Based Tourism (CBT) on Abemama, Maiana and Nonouti Islands. Activities for this initiative included tour guide training, baking training, boat safety training, font desk operations, cookery and hospitality training, and fishing guide trainings. These trainings allowed participants to further understand the importance of their contribution to the CBT model.

Although there are only three pilot islands under the project, TAK is determined to replicate the activities and CBT model to the rest of Kiribati. Trainings have already been conducted in many of the remaining islands such as Abaiang; Makin; Butaritari; Marakei; Tabieuea North; Teraina; and Tabuaeran.

One successful outcome was on Abemama – developing and launching the CBT product of Reina Community. The project allowed TAK to train the people of Reina and other villages on Abemama on packaging and pricing their products and how to welcome and host guests to their village and during the tours.

A large component of the CBT model is preserving traditional knowledge on food preparation and presentation. Many outer islands rely heavily on imported food products which have proven to contribute to non-communicable diseases (NCD). Through this project, the communities are learning to revive their traditional means of food gathering and sustainable fishing practices. This will ensure the current and future generations do not lose traditional knowledge and maintain their land and marine resources.

The pandemic impacted the project outcome which was to measure revenue generation. However, the communities are better positioned now to receive new travellers and adventure seekers.

In addition to revenue generation, the CBT model envisages to increase customer satisfaction the maintenance of traditional knowledge, promotion of sustainable practices and enhancement of traveller experiences.

The other sectors that presented were Coastal Fisheries Division under MFMRD; Environmental Conservation Division and Agriculture & Livestock Division both under the Ministry of Environment, Land and Agricultural Development (MELAD) Culture & Museum Division and Local Government Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives (MTCIC).

 

Tourism Kiribati to develop Sustainable Tourism Indicators

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Carl Obst and Mr. Mark Lound as Sustainability Data Specialists to support the organisation and the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives (MTCIC) develop suitable indicators to measure the Kiribati tourism industry performance.

Through this project, TAK aims to develop a more holistic understanding of tourism’s benefits and costs beyond the traditional measure of International Visitor Arrival (IVA) and tourism contribution to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. These will include the costs and benefits to of tourism to economic development, environmental preservation and social well-being across Kiribati communities.

Carl Obst is a Director at the Institute for Development of Environmental-Economic Accounting – IDEEA Group. He was the lead author and editor of the United Nation’s System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) – the international standard for government work on accounting for natural capital. Prior to this work, Carl had a long career with the Australian Bureau of Statistics, including time at the OECD. His current work involves projects on natural capital accounting and sustainability measurement within the United Nations system, with the Capitals Coalition and with various companies and governments in Australia and internationally. Carl is a leading player in closing the gap between government and corporate approaches to natural capital accounting.

Mark Lound has extensive statistical experience managing the statistical operations of Tourism Australia and the Bureau of Immigration and Population Research as well as leading teams across economic and social statistics at the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Of particular relevance to this assignment, he has of recent times worked with Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and PARIS21 on a major assessment of tourism statistics in the Pacific and developed a Pacific Tourism Statistics Strategy (PTSS), the UNWTO assessing sustainable tourism statistics for Saudi Arabia, and assisted Kiribati with the analysis and presentation of results from their International Visitor Survey.

In the first part of 2022 he completed an assignment working with the ADB and Tourism Fiji to improve methodologies for measuring visitor expenditure in Fiji and provided expert oversight for the UNWTO Workshop on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism for Asia and the Pacific.

This project is funded through the Asiad Development Banks’ (ADB) Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) and is scheduled to be completed in April 2023.

Tourism Kiribati applauds Wrecked Vehicle Compacting project

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) applauds the Ministry of Environment, Lands & Agricultural Development (MELAD) for the successful implementation of the metal waste compacting program in Betio, South Tarawa.

Implemented through MELAD’s Environment Conservation Division (ECD) and funded by the Government of New Zealand, the program is administered by scrap metal recycling company Maucalay Metals Limited and environment project management company, Argo Environmental.

The project began on 01 November and has so far collected more than three hundreds (300) transport metal waste. Using bail type crushing machines, the wrecked vehicles are compacted and reduced to cubes ready for shipment to metal waste recycling plants overseas.

TAK acknowledges that this project will help address Tarawa’s wrecked vehicle waste management challenges and will contribute to the overall look and cleanliness of the island.

TAK also appreciates the efforts of the various Government ministries, NGO’s and communities that work collectively to help address solid waste management in Tarawa. These initiatives contribute to the enhancement of the Kiribati visitor experience.

Tourism Kiribati welcomes new market development in Betio

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) welcomes the initiative by the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives (MTCIC) to construct an Open Integrated Market (OIM) on Betio, South Tarawa.

At the official ground-breaking ceremony on Thursday 24 November 2022, Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Honourable Booti Nauan said that “the prime objective of the Open Integrated Market is to provide a one stop shop or market, a place to market all locally grown fruits and vegetables, and Kiribati homemade handicrafts”.

Honourable Nauan added that “the selection of Betio the location is strategic knowing that island has the highest number of the population and is the main port for all inbound and outbound shipping vessels”.

Funded by the Government of Australia, the OIM will also serve foreign vessels who may wish to purchase any fruits and vegetables along with Kiribati homemade handicrafts. The construction of the OIM will foster the development of domestic trade and create more economic opportunities for the people of Kiribati, particularly at the grassroot level, especially women and youth.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati recognises the value such a development will bring to improving visitor economy on South Tarawa especially for cruise tourism. The OIM will be a central location for local handicraft makers from all over Kiribati to sell their creations to international travellers.

This project is scheduled to be completed in 2025 and will cost AUD$6 million.

Tourism Kiribati to promote WW2 80th Year Commemoration in 2023

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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.

Kiribati honours Japanese & Korean WWII Monument

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The Kiribati Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Honourable Booti Nauan hosted the 79th WWll anniversary commemoration and the reopening of the Japan and Korea monuments at Tabon Takoronga, Betio Tuesday 29 November, 2022.

Present at the event was His Excellency Kawakami Fumihiro, Ambassador of Japan to Kiribati and Excellency Park Young-kyu, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kiribati.

Set against the backdrop of the re-built Japan and Korea WWll memorial monument, the event began with a welcome from the traditional landowners the Unimwane ao Unaine Betio followed by a commemoration memorial service led by Reverend Tioti Timon from the Kiribati Uniting Church.

In his address, Hon Nauan shared that “while the Battle of Tarawa will long be remembered as the bloodiest battle in the Pacific campaign of WWll, it important to acknowledge that each of the more than 5,000 lives lost, whether they were Americans, Japanese or Koreans, were sons, fathers, brothers, uncles who were loved by their families and that their memory must always be honoured”.

The Ambassadors of Japan and Korea both expressed their sincerest gratitude to the Government and the people of Kiribati for the initiative to remember their fallen countrymen.

The event was also attended by the High Commissioner of Australia to Kiribati, His Excellency David Yardley, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kiribati His Excellency Tang Songgen, the Mayor of Betio, local church leaders and community elders.

Tourism Restart Training delivered in Maiana Island

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted a five-days tourism restart program training to all tourism businesses in Maiana on the 9 – 15 November 2022. This was held at the Island Council Guesthouse in Tebwangetua.

The five days training was attended by representatives from the local accommodation provider and tourism communities.

Conducted by Tourism Officer Ms. Monika Rikita, the training included Tourism and Hospitality for the new normal, Revenue management and Tourism Business Fundamental.

Six modules of the tourism and hospitality safety protocol training focused on the necessity for the tourism businesses to protect employees and travellers from COVID-19 by adhering to set protocols developed by TAK.

The tourism business fundamental training focused on tourism business concepts and services and the role that marketing and human resources capacity development plays in strengthening community-based tourism business initiatives. These also included ecotourism revenue management training which focused on sustainability practices, and revenue management.

TAK is confident that trainings provided in Maiana will assist the island community as they prepare to welcome back travellers to the island.

This program was supported by the Kiribati LDCF-1, funded by the Global Environmental Facilities, and implemented under the Ministry of Environment Lands and Agricultural Development through the Environment and Conservation Division.

Butaritari ready to welcome international travellers 

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) completed a one-week training on housekeeping, tour guide and COVID-19 safety on Butaritari island from 14 – 18 November 2022.

The COVID-19 safety protocol refresher training aimed to support the islands 4 accommodation providers and 1 restaurant to remain safety conscious as the island begin welcoming foreign visitors.

The tour guide training provided the islands registered tour guides the opportunity to improve their product knowledge, get a better understanding on tour package and pricing and management of their services as a business.  Participants also received customer service training and were encouraged to create exceptional experiences for travellers to Butaritari.

The week-long training program concluded 79th anniversary of the Battle of Makin (Butaritari) in Ukiangang village.

Kiribati Commemorates 79th Anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa

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Kiribati commemorated the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa in a solemn dawn ceremony at the U.S. World War 2 memorial monument in Betio, South Tarawa on Tuesday 22 November 2022.

The Battle of Tarawa was one of the first battles in the Pacific War during World War 2 and lasted between 20 – 23 November 1943. By the end of this campaign, nearly 6,400 Japanese, Koreans and Americans died on the tiny island of Betio in the 76 hours of fighting. This earned its name as the bloodiest battles during World War 2.

The commemoration ceremony began with a traditional welcome from the elders of Betio, followed by a moving memorial remembrance service led by the Kiribati Uniting Church Deputy Moderator Reverend Tioti Timon.

In his address, President of the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency Taneti Maamau said “my wife and I have the great pleasure in joining you today to pay tribute to the US Servicemen and women, that have bravely fought for peace and harmony. While history cannot be changed, the bravery, courage and selfless determination of the fallen and of the survivors must forever be recognized and honoured”.

President Maamau shared that “by remembering, by telling our stories, we hope that their legacy becomes a source of inspiration for nations to forge peace with one another”.

In attendance was a delegation from the U.S Embassy in Suva Fiji led by Army Attaché Lt. Colonel John Paul A Smock, the High Commissioner of New Zealand to Kiribati, H.E. Andre Van Der Walt, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia, Timothy Gill, Deputy Mayor of Betio, Government officials and community elders.

Lt. Colonel John Paul A Smock whilst acknowledging the commemoration said that “today, the United States is enhancing its commitment to Kiribati and the Blue Pacific, and I thank God that I am privileged enough to be part of that effort. Our shared past unites us, and our shared future will only make us stronger.” He thanked everyone present for their time today and for the opportunity to remember those who gave so much in the cause of freedom.

The event concluded with refreshments served by staffs and management of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK).

Kiribati presents at 2022 Global Sustainable Tourism Forum

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Tourism Authority of Kiribati CEO, Petero Manufolau presented Kiribati’s aspirations for sustainable tourism development at the 2022 Global Sustainable Tourism Forum in Seoul, Republic of Korea on Thursday 10 November 2022.

In addressing the forum on climate action in tourism destinations, Manufolau shared the steps that TAK has undertaken towards sustainable tourism, beginning with the development of the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework that was launched in 2021.

As a destination most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming, the Kiribati tourism sector plays an important role in mitigating the impacts of climate change through responsible and regenerative tourism practices.

He added that “the Kiribati tourism sector is at a very unique stage of industry development and that TAK is working to develop sustainability indicators and a Kiribati Sustainability Policy that will set the guidelines the industry’s development”. He added that “we only have one chance to get this right and government, development partners, civil society and community support will be vital if Kiribati is to realise its full sustainable tourism development potential”.

CEO Manufolau also called out to international sustainable tourism best practice specialists and sustainable tourism development agencies to support the Kiribati tourism sector’s initiative for effective climate action in tourism.

Following his presentation, Manufolau participated in a panel discussion on accelerating the transition to green tourism. Panelists included representatives from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Greenview Hospitality, Singapore, Jaya House, Cambodia and Rogers Hospitality, Mauritius.

The keynote address for the event was delivered by Ms. Sofia Raquel Gutierres Laza, Deputy Director, United National World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO) with special remarks from Mr. Jorge Laguna-Cells, Head of the One Planet Secretariat, UNEP.

The event was jointly hosted by the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism, Republic of Korea.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati is responsible for working with our partners to encourage travelers to come to Kiribati and spend time exploring our country.

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