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Kiribati Tourism Optimistic of a Safe Restart

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is optimistic of a safe restart to tourism for the destination following a continued high daily recovery rate from COVID-19 since 09 February 2022, 20 days after the first cases were recorded in Kiribati. .

As of 27 February 2022, Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) updates through the Office of Te Beretitenti (OB) indicated a 70% recovery rate with an average daily total of 13 cases per day over the last 7 days.  

TAK believes that Kiribati’s 98% first dose and 60% second dose vaccination rate,  Government’s COVID-19 safety protocols and public control measures such as the current mandatory lockdown from 7pm to 6am daily have all helped bring daily infection rates down and recoveries high.

TAK further acknowledges frontline medical officials, support staff, national security personnel and development partners in their tireless efforts to manage and contain the COVID-19 cases to its current levels.

As the world begins to open their borders and destinations to international tourism, TAK is optimistic that given the encouraging statistics from national health authorities, Kiribati will be ready for a safe restart to tourism once Government agrees to reopen its borders.

To prepare for a safe, smart, and sustainable restart to tourism, TAK had conducted COVID-19 safety protocols training for all tourism accommodation operators in 2021 and initiated the Mauri Mark Accommodation Accreditation program form January 2022.

TAK conduct Tourism Restart training in Teraina Island

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted its Tourism Restart Training and Awareness Program on Teraina (Washington) Island in the Line Group  in February 2022.

To prepare hotel operators for the new normal in tourism, TAK conducted the Tourism & Hospitality Protocols for the new normal/ COVID-19 Safety Protocols  for accommodation providers on 14 -15 February at the island Council Maneaba in Teraina.

TAK also collaborated with Teraina accommodation providers and conducted a Mauri Mark assessment of their facilities based on fire safety procedure, health hygiene standards, safety & maintenance, facilities and in room amenities, environmental sustainability practices and guest support service.

The assessments highlighted areas in which the accommodation providers will  need to improve their basics service offering and TAK will guide them through that improvement process.

Whilst in Teraina, TAK also conducted a Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS). Through this activity, TAK collects and updates database on the number of accommodations available, number of beds, staff training needs, services, facilities, and contact information. The survey also included the updating of TAK images of the various properties for promotional purposes.

Kiribati Tourism Industry Review Q4 2021 Report

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has released the Kiribati Tourism Industry Review for the fourth quarter of 2021.

The report brings together data from various sources of information and TAK wishes to acknowledge the contributions of Air Kiribati Limited; the Marine Guard; Immigration Department and the tourism operators and accommodation providers that supplied data for the purpose of this report.

Domestic travel increased in Q4, 2021 with marine travel registering a 75% increase and air travel increasing by 38%. This was attributed to the school holidays and festive season travel.

Employment in the tourism industry grew by 5% compared to the previous quarter whilst room and bed numbers increased by 9% and 7% respectively compared to Q3 2021.

Other tourism related data are also presented in the report including tourism employment by gender, most visited outer islands, and international repatriation for Q3 2021.

Please CLICK HERE for a copy of the report.

Kiribati in PATA & BBC News Micronesia Destination Insight Series

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In 2020, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in partnership with BBC Global News launched the Destination Insight Series in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.  The webinar series takes a close look at various destinations around the Asia Pacific region and examines how they have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing towards recovery. The panel discussion will provide a 360° perspective of each destinations’ on-ground activities and preparations from operations to marketing and communications.

On Thursday 27 January 2022, the series explored the warmth of Micronesia specifically  focused on Kiribati, Palau & Guam. Participants to this session included travel trade and tour operators from around the world.

In their introduction to the session, PATA highlighted that Micronesia is a spellbinding world abounding with warm caressing breezes, captivatingly rich culture and exotic adventure all dancing around in unison under the thick golden rays of an arching tropical sun. The mysterious, the magical and the modern sides of life all lie within easy reach for the welcomed visitor, just like a swollen ripe mango dropping from a mango tree into a waiting hand.

Together with Guam, Micronesia comprises of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Kiribati and Palau, with each different island chain offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

Through this session, Hon. Ngirai Tmetuchl Minister of Human Resource, Culture & Tourism Development, Palau and Mr. Gerald Perez of Guam Visitors Bureau and TAK CEO, Petero Manufolau agreed on the need for a unified regional approach to marketing Micronesia as a destination in itself.’

The recorded version of the session is available on YouTube

TAK attends ADB Healthy Oceans Tech & Finance Forum

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in the Sustainable Coastal & Marine Tourism – Changing the Tide on Sustainability panel discussion at the recent Asia Development Bank (ADB) Healthy Oceans Tech & Finance Virtual Forum on Wednesday 26 January 2022.

TAK CEO, Petero Manufolau joined sustainable tourism experts from the Asia Pacific region in a panel discussion that aimed to understand the relationship between different levels of the sustainable tourism product and its – positive and negative – impact on marine and coastal resources.

The panel also discussed the right enabling environment, regulations, awareness and behaviour required for a sustainable tourism system to be able to contribute to healthy oceans. The session also touched on the priority interventions (investment) to be applied to create a more sustainable & marine tourism ecosystem post COVID-19.

In his presentation, TAK CEO used the opportunity to share Kiribati’s Sustainable Tourism Development Framework, outlining Kiribati’s policy environment that supports sustainable coastal and marine tourism and the challenges and achievements of tourism operations and the relationship with other marine resource users. He further stressed that Kiribati only has one opportunity to get their sustainable tourism mandate right and looks to development partners such as the ADB to guide the destination through that process.

Panelists included Ms. Shaahina Ali, Executive Director, Parley Maldives, Mr. Jeffery Smith, Vice President Sustainability, Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas and Ms. Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

 

 

Pacific Tourism Sector Snapshot

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The Tourism sector snapshot for Kiribati compiled by the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) provides an overview of the tourism sector before the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies new existing challenges and opportunities for the tourism industry.

It also includes an assessment of visitor arrivals, transportation networks, local accommodation, tourism industry employment, economic impact, governance and planning, destination marketing, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure.

This snapshot of Kiribati before the pandemic can help the government and the Tourism Authority of Kiribati assess the downturn and be able to find solutions to the sectors’ recovery.

Full information on Kiribati tourism sector snapshot can be accessed here

Kiribati continues with its vaccination program

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Kiribati received an additional 2200 doses of AstraZeneca from the Australian High Commission, on 24 January 2022.

The additional vaccines and recent deliveries of PPE and oxygen concentrators will help Kiribati to respond to the current COVID19 situation.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati, therefore, encourages all the tourism stakeholders, especially in South Tarawa to get vaccinated and assist Ministry of Health and Medical Services Kiribati in their work to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

TAK would also like to wish all our Australian friends and colleagues a Happy Australia Day.

Kiribati goes into Level 3 Lockdown

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Kiribati is currently on COVID-19 Level 3 Alert lockdown following the Government of Kiribati’s announcement yesterday of 4 confirmed community cases in South Tarawa and Buota. This is following the announcement by the Office of Te Beretitenti on 19 January 2022 that 36 of the 54 passengers that arrived on the repatriation flight from Nadi, Fiji on 10 January 2022 had tested positive for COVID-19 as well .

Government has appealed to elders, church, island councils, community and youth leaders for their support and cooperation to protect and safeguard people’s and the nation’s health during this time. Government expressed that the only way to fight the virus is to be fully vaccinated and is urging all eligible citizens to complete their vaccination.

Ministry of Health & Medical Services (MHMS) officials are currently conducting contact tracing for the 4 additional cases and will issue further updates in due course.

The lockdown advise requires a 24-hour curfew for all residence. A 6am to 2pm movement exception is extended only to those that need to purchase of essential food items from within their local zones. All Government Offices and SOEs will be closed, and staffs will work remotely from home. Essential and emergency services however will remain open.

Outer island travel will only be allowed to those returning to Tarawa for health and medical reasons. All air and sea departures from Tarawa is currently suspended.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) reiterates the call from government on the need for all eligible citizens to complete their vaccination. TAK therefore urges tourism operators to encourage their staffs to be fully vaccinated and protect themselves from COVID-19.

All accommodation operators in Kiribati have received the Kiribati Tourism & Hospitality COVID-19 safety protocol training and TAK is confident that these operators will ensure that the protocols are being activated given the current COVID-19 situation.

The TAK office will be closed from tomorrow, Monday 24 January until further notice. However, all staffs will be working remotely from home and will ensure that all communications are  responded to on a timely manner.

TAK Begins 2022 Community Tourism Program

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) began its 2022 Community Tourism Program with a roadside and waterfront clean up along the Bonriki Causeway and Nawerewere on Saturday 08 January 2022.

Supported by the Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC), Honourable Booti Nauan, the program also included participation from the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development (MELAD) and the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD), MTCIC, Nei Mom Uprising,  The POSSIBILITY Network Group and the Nawerewere community. Refreshments were provided compliments of the Kiribati Islands Conservation Society (KICS).

A total of 80 bags of plastic and solid waste was collected through this initiative.

TAK hopes that the participation of local communities will help reinforce the message that tourism is everyone’s business, and that everyone has an important role to play for the safe, smart, and sustainable restart to tourism in Kiribati.

TAK will conduct similar programs on the first Saturday of every month and welcomes the support and participation of all government ministries, private sector operators, non-governmental organisation, civil societies, and local communities.

Kiribati border open to I-Kiribati nationals and essential TA’S only.

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The Government of Kiribati reaffirmed that the country’s border reopening from 10 January 2022 is limited to Kiribati nationals and essential Technical Assistants (TA) only. Holiday and leisure travel by foreign nationals into Kiribati will remain closed and any amendment to this condition will be advised once approved.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has welcomed the announcement and acknowledges that this partial reopening takes the destination a step closer towards the organisations vision for a safe, smart, and sustainable restart to tourism in Kiribati.

The Kiribati COVID-19 Task-force in its press statement delivered on Tuesday 11th January 2022 emphasized that the opening of the borders will consider the “New Normal” travel conditions based on an updated travel Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Kiribati.  All arrivals into Kiribati will be controlled through the major ports on South Tarawa.

The Taskforce further clarified that all inbound travellers will be thoroughly monitored, and passengers will be strictly checked before departure and upon arrival in Kiribati. All incoming passengers will be required to provide proof of vaccination, COVID-19 test results, and will be quarantined upon arrival. Extra quarantine days for travellers from high-risk countries will be imposed in line with updated travel SOPs to safeguard Kiribati from COVID-19.

The Taskforce confirmed that travellers from countries with active community transmissions of COVID-19 like Fiji and Australia, are required to be quarantined ten days before their departure and to be tested 48 hours before their flights. Upon arrival, these passengers will be tested again and quarantined for 14 days. Passengers who test positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to board inbound flights.

Inbound travellers from COVID-19 free countries like the Nauru and the Marshall Islands are also required to have their tests 48 hours before departure. Upon arrival, these passengers will be tested again by the medical team and required to spend 7 days in quarantine.

The Taskforce wishes to assure the public that the Government will strictly implement its new SOPs to ensure that Kiribati is safeguarded from COVID-19 and its new variants.

 

 

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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