Tourism Authority Kiribati

Kaongora Newsletter

International travel to Kiribati to begin 01 August 2022

The Government of Kiribati, through the Office of Te Beretitenti today announced that all international travel to and from Kiribati will return to normal on the 1st of August, 2022.

This official announcement also confirmed that the Government of Kiribati has reduced the compulsory in-country quarantine days for all travelers from seven (7) to three (3) days.

The announcement follows the Government of Kiribati’s confirmation that the country’s COVID-19 Alert Level has been reduced from 3b to 3c and it has relaxed the SOP guidelines currently being practiced as part of Kiribati’s preventive measures against COVID-19.

The New Public Health Order was effective from Friday 17th of June, 2022 and will remain for two weeks as the curfew hours have ceased for all islands that are infected by COVID-19.

Furthermore, inter-island travel will still be subject to the availability of quarantine centres on islands that are COVID-19 free.

Despite the relaxation of some of the SOP guidelines, the Government appeals to the general public to continue practicing health safety measures such as wearing masks in public and the continuation of handwashing to help stop the spread of the virus. The public is encouraged to visit clinics to receive vaccination and booster, 5 months after receiving second dose.

As of this week, the administration of the Pfizer vaccine for youths between the age of 12 and 17 years has commenced in South Tarawa and Betio. Parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure all their children are fully vaccinated to ensure the safety and well-being of their children and the general public.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati will share the full details of Kiribati’s August border reopening conditions in the coming days.

 

 

TAK commemorates World Oceans Day 2022

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) team joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Oceans Day on 08th June 2022 through a beach clean-up activity at the Betio Takoronga point WW2 Japanese Défense Vicker guns.

This year’s theme is ’Revitalization: collective action for the ocean’ and it was an opportune time to to raise awareness among people about the impact of human actions on the ocean and to call citizens for their sustainable management.

The TAK recognizes the significance the ocean plays to Kiribati economic growth as it accounts for 99% of our national boundary.  Most of our life source comes from the ocean and its preservation is consistent with the aims of the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Development Policy Framework.

The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people. This is part of the reason why TAK has committed to celebrating this global event annually as an attempt raise awareness on a resource that is vital to the sustainable growth of tourism in Kiribati.

The George Hotel receives Bakery Training

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted a 4-day pastry baking training to 3 kitchen staff of the George Hotel from 16-19 May 2022.

The training was provided by the Assistant Training and Development Officer as a special request from the George Hotel to improve their kitchen staffs’ capability in baking as well as to enhance their pastry menu offered to guests.

In the midst of Covid-19 outbreak and the prolonged lockdown and curfews, George Hotel have been able to maintain its kitchen employees, and this had been possible through the provision of catering services as an alternative to the Hotel restaurant. The request for the bakery training enables the hotel to provide a variety of menu for breakfast or morning tea serves.

A total of eight recipes were shared during the training with practical sessions at the hotel’s kitchen.  TAK encouraged the trainees to keep practicing their new recipes and improve their pastry menu and presentation to guests.

TAK signs MoU with China Tourism Academy

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) through the Government of Kiribati (GoK)  signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Tourism Academy (CTA) to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries for tourism development and promotions.

The signing took place on the margins of the official visit of the State Councillor of the People’s Republic of China and Foreign Minister, His Excellency Wang Yi and his delegation on Friday 27th of May, 2022.

The MoU promotes the development of the Kiribati tourism industry and promotion of the destination in China in the areas of program and market research, destination marketing and promotions, capacity building and training, and participation in international tourism seminars and events

His Excellency Taneti Maamau acknowledged the visit of H.E. Wang Yi and his delegation which demonstrates China’s commitment to enhancing mutual trust, building consensus, expanding cooperation, and deepening friendship with the Republic of Kiribati.

The signing of the MoU formalises TAK’s partnership with CTA and it prepares for a safe, smart and sustainable restart to tourism in Kiribati.

Kiribati elected to Chair Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)

The Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), Petero Manufolau was appointed Chair to the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Board of Directors at its bi-annual meeting on Wednesday May, 25th 2022.

In acknowledging the selection by the SPTO Board, Manufolau noted the importance of the opportunity, especially for a Small Island State like Kiribati.

“Though we are a small island state with a minute contribution to regional tourism, rest assured that we are determined to work collaboratively and innovatively with SPTO, its membership and key stakeholders to ensure sustainable, resilient, inclusive and prosperous tourism reactivation in the Pacific”.

TAK is grateful for this opportunity to serve regional tourism as Chair of the SPTO Board and will work with SPTO CEO, secretariat and members to advance the region’s post COVID-19 recovery and promote sustainable tourism development in the Pacific.

Kiribati prepares to participate in the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2022

Kiribati has been invited an opportunity by China to participate in the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE) that will be scheduled to take place in Shanghai China from November 5th to 10th 2022.

In line with the participation, the GOK Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC) held its first meeting with key stakeholders on the 27th May 2022 to discuss preparations for Kiribati’s participation in CIIE.  Kiribati Fish Ltd (KFL), Kiribati Coconut Development Ltd (KCDL) and Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), were among the key trade stakeholders present during the first prep meeting.

The CIIE Expo is held annually in China with this year’s theme, “New Era, Shared Future.”  China has also been kind enough to offer Kiribati 2 free booths (each 9 square meters) that will facilitate multiple stakeholder participation from Kiribati.  This also includes the provision of a digital pavilion platform where Kiribati will be able to display videos, imagery and information to promote trade, Investment promotion, tourism, cultural exchange and open cooperation between China and Kiribati

The participation of Kiribati in CIIE is expected to further boost sustainable, healthy, stable economic trade relations between China and Kiribati, and also offer a potential opportunity for more visitors worldwide to get a unique, charming impression and cultural experience of Kiribati.

Tabiteuea South Outer Island Perceptions (OIPS) Survey Report

TAK has released the Tabiteuea South (Tab South) OIPS report which contains interesting information and data on how the people of Tab South feel about tourism.

The data was collected through a series of face to face interviews with the locals of Tab South in November 2021. The respondents’ ages ranged from 22 -67 years with a gender split of 70% female and 30% male. 20 individuals were interviewed.

The survey measured income from tourism products sold as well as tourism activities and attractions that the people felt were available to visitors.

This report hopes to expose any gaps in the tourism sector on Tab South and identify pathways for TAK, the Island Council and the communities to work together to bridge these gaps and present Tab South to the rest of the world as a truly unique tourism destination.

The survey targets all outer islands except Tarawa and Kiritimati which are considered the ‘urban’ centres of Kiribati. This is the 8th report of its kind and the survey results are shared first with the respective Full Council meeting before it is circulated to other stakeholders and the general public.

Kiribati receives support for Climate Resilience

Communities in Kiribati will receive support for climate resilience as part of a new $20 million climate change adaptation project.

The World Bank has approved the Kiribati Outer Islands Resilience and Adaptation Project to work with 20 of Kiribati’s Island councils together with three urban councils across Tarawa to invest in community-level climate resilience measures that will directly support 14,000 people equivalent to 12% of the country’s population.

These measures include providing communities with improved access to fresh water, drainage improvements, coastal protection, upgrades to buildings and critical facilities as well as maintenance equipment and climate-resilient solutions for flooding.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) sees great potential that this project will provide to the outer islands in terms of provision of a more conducive environment for tourism investment opportunities. TAK will be guided by its Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Development Policy Framework to work and support island communities in sustainable tourism development and shaping their tourism initiatives to be more climate resilient.

 

 

Kiribati Sport Fishing Club May Competition

The Kiribati Sport Fishing Club hosted its first fishing competition for 2022 on Saturday 14th of May with weigh in at the Horizon Cafe in Takoronga.

18 teams attended the May competition including Takgee, Delish fish, Whiskey, Heineken, King fisher, 2 APS, Lady Mary, Nei Boiboi, Teribauati, Otimeta, Blue bite, Salap, Jowi and Brandy. Each team had 3 to 7 anglers per team to register per boat.

The weigh in at the Horizon Café attracted local residents, media representatives and the members of the Kiribati sport fishing community that were keen to witness the catches. The Horizon café proudly sponsored the event and prizes were issued based on different categories such as weight, quantity and fish types such as Yellowfin tuna, Barracuda, Wahoo, Marlin, and Dog Tooth.

Team Jowi was awarded the winning team for the highest total species weight category whilst the winner for the highest number of tuna caught was awared to team Teribauati.  The Honorable Minister of Ministry of Environment and Agricultural Development (MELAD), Honourable Ruateki Tekaiara had the honor to present the prices to the winning teams.

The Kiribati Sport Fishing competition is a monthly event and attracts fishing enthusiasts and anglers, both men and women.  Sponsors have already been secured for the June and July independence competitions and look forward with anticipation to the catches during the weigh in events.

TAK officially adopted to new Ministry

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) was officially adopted by its new Ministry the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives during a banquet celebration which took place on Tuesday, 10 May at Tenimanraoi Maneaba, Betio.

Hosted by the Honourable Minister Bootii Nauan, the event was attended by His Excellency, Te Beretitenti Taneti Maamau and First Lady Maamau, Government Ministers, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Unimwane and Unaine of Betio, CEO’s and Board Chairmans and staff of the MTCIC. The celebration included a traditional blessings from te Unimwane of Betio; the official handing over from the former Honorable Minister of Ministry of Information, Communications, Transport (MICT) and the welcome of TAK team by the Honorable Minister, MTCIC.

In his remarks, Hon Minister Nauan acknowledged TAK and the authority’s mandate to improving the livelihood of local people through income generation. He also reminded TAK of their supporting role to achieve the goals of the Kiribati Government Motinnano. Minister Nauan also expressed his appreciation to TAK’s former Ministry and looks forward to supporting TAK achieve its KV20 goals.

TAK was established on 10 June 2019 under the Tourism Act 2018 and currently employs 19 staffs with offices stationed in Tarawa and Kiritimati Island.