Taare Rikiai – Page 24 – Kaongora Newsletter

TAK conducts Eco-Tourism Consultation on Maiana Island

January 4, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority Kiribati (TAK) conducted follow up community eco-tourism consultations on Maiana Island, south of the country’s capital Tarawa from 08 – 18 December 2021.

Funded through the Least Developed Countries Fund’s (LDCF) project to enhance food security in the context of global climate change, this recent activity by TAK aimed to promote community based eco-tourism development on Maiana Island.

As a follow up consultation, this activity involved the education and promotion of community-based sustainable tourism initiatives including eco-tourism and agri-tourism amongst the island’s communities.

Maiana Island offers an excellent mix of niche experiences including saltwater fly fishing, cultural tours and TAK believes that concepts such as farm to table and nature-based tourism will complement the island’s existing niche products.

TAK concluded their activity on Maiana with their participation at the island’s cultural trade event where locals showcased their rich heritage through arts and craft, local cuisine, and traditional sports.

Nonouti Island presents Opportunities for Tourism

January 5, 2022January 4, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

Located south of the equator, the island of Nonouti is better known for being home to Kiribati’s largest and oldest maneaba known as ‘te Aake’ or the ark.

Through the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) project in the context of global climate change, Nonouti is undergoing an eco-tourism product development which aims to use tourism as a means of enhancing food security on the island.

Under this arrangement, 6 villages and communities of Nonouti underwent eco-tourism product development awareness training on how sustainable tourism development can improve the islands socio-cultural, environmental, and economic well-being.

Nonouti’s tourism potential includes its designated marine protected area tours, cultural and historical attractions, bonefishing, local culinary experiences and agritourism products.

TAK will continue to work with the 6 selected villages and communities in Nonouti to develop their own unique tourism products which should be available for travellers to experience when Kiribati’s international borders open in 2022.

Scheduled International Flights to begin from 10 January 2022

January 4, 2022January 4, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has welcomed the announcement by The President, His Excellency Taneti Maamau for the gradual reopening to Kiribati’s international border from 10 January 2022.

Speaking to Radio Kiribati, President Maamau confirmed that this will begin with scheduled international flight into Tarawa once every 2 weeks. Through this arrangement, all international travellers arriving in Kiribati will be required to comply with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) standard operating procedures.

Travellers will need to present proof of full vaccination 14 days prior to departure to MHMS, undergo a 10-day pre-departure quarantine with negative COVID-19 test and a further COVID-19 free test result 72 hours prior to departure. Once in Kiribati, visitors will undergo 14 days mandatory quarantine at their own cost.

TAK acknowledges that the scheduled fortnightly flights will present Kiribati tourism operators with renewed business opportunities following the 21 months closure of the country’s international borders.

The Authority has delivered COVID-19 protocol training for registered accommodation providers in the Gilbert and Line islands to prepare them for the resumption of international travel into Kiribati.

Kiritimati Hotels complete COVID-19 safety training.

January 4, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

90% of the total employees of Kiritimati Island hotels and accommodation providers have now completed the Kiribati Tourism & Hospitality Protocols for the New Normal training funded through the US Embassy’s Economic Recovery Grant.

The Kiribati Tourism & Hospitality Protocols for the New Normal is a set of COVID-19 safety protocols and guidelines for tourism enterprises. Developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health & Medical Services (MHMS), the protocols cover accommodation, transport, restaurant and bars, employee safety and the safe disposal of COVID-19 related waste.

The Inn Pacific, established in February 2020 was the latest Kiritimati accommodation provider to undergo the two-day COVID-19 safety protocol training by the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) on 30 and 31 December 2021.

The remaining 10% of tourism employees in Kiritimati will undergo their COVID-19 protocol training in January 2022.

TAK Plans for 2022

January 3, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) Board of Directors, Management and staffs underwent a 2-day retreat to review its 2021 workplan outcomes and finalise the organisation’s 2022 workplan at Tabon Te Keekee Eco Lodge in Abatao North Tarawa from 28 – 30 December 2021.

The retreat presented TAK the opportunity to measure its performance in 2021 and assess and acknowledge lessons learnt from what has been described as another challenging year for international travel and tourism.

Through the participation of its Board of Directors, TAK was also able to review its strategic priorities based on the provisions of the Kiribati Tourism Act 2018.

The retreat also allowed TAK and its Board of Directors to extensively discuss Kiribati’s Tourism Restart Program and how the organisation’s 2022 workplan must be aligned to achieving the destinations reopening priorities.

In her closing remarks, Board Chairperson, Ms Aako Teikake congratulated TAK management and staffs on their diligence throughout 2021 and encouraged the team to remain focused on the deliverables set out for 2022.

Kiribati hosts 2021 Tourism Restart Forum

December 14, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) officially opened its 2021 Kiribati Tourism Restart Forum with the theme Preparing Kiribati for a Safe, Smart and Sustainable Restart to Tourism today in South Tarawa, Tuesday 14 December.

The forum aims to create a platform where key local stakeholders can dialogue and engage with international travel and tourism experts on tourism border reopening priorities and to be informed of best practices for the resumption of international tourism in Kiribati.

Day 1 of this 2 days has been successful in bringing together government leaders and representatives, private sector, development partners, civil society, regional organisations, training institutions, faith-based organisation and local communities to dialogue and discuss tourism restart opportunities for Kiribati. As a hybrid event, the forum also includes international online participants.

In her address, Chief Guest and Minister for Employment & Human Resources, Honourable Taabeta Amuera Teakai acknowledged the work that the TAK has carried out since border closure in 2020. Hon. Teakai also applauded the Authority for its proactive approach to preparing the tourism industry for the new normal in tourism through its Kiribati Tourism & Hospitality Protocols for the New Normal.

A line-up of distinguished local and international experts in public health and safety, destination management, airline marketing, niche tourism, environment conversation and trade and investment are presenting at this event.

The Kiribati Tourism Restart Forum continues Wednesday 15 December, and virtual participation will be available through https://corporate.visitkiribati.travel/tourismforum/

COVID-19 Safety Protocol Training in Kiritimati

December 2, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) in Kiritimati Island continued its the Tourism & Hospitality Protocols for the New Normal training for accommodation providers, tour operators and fishing guides on the island throughout November 2021.

The training is based on COVD-19 safety protocols for the tourism and hospitality sector and is part of TAK’s tourism restart program as Kiribati prepares for border reopening in 2022.

To date, 85% of all tourism employees on the island have completed this training and the remaining 15% are scheduled to receive their training in December 2021.

Refresher training for these employees will be conducted once a definite border reopening date is set.

The program was developed through the Economic Recovery Grant program of the United States of America’s Embassy in Fiji’s.

Kiribati to host Tourism Forum

December 2, 2021December 2, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

In preparation for border re-opening in 2022, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) will host the Kiribati Tourism Restart Forum on 14 & 15 December 2021 with the theme Preparing Kiribati for a Safe, Smart and Sustainable Restart to Tourism.

The forum will bring together leaders and stakeholders in government, private sector, development partners, civil society, regional organisations, training institutions, and local communities.

TAK will also use the forum update its stakeholders on the organisation’s Tourism Restart Program which include COVID-19 tourism safety protocols, the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Development Policy Framework, Digital Marketing Strategy, Tourism Investment Promotion and the Mauri Mark Program.

The forum will provide a platform for stakeholders to share ideas and experiences and to discuss suggested best practices for Kiribati to consider as it maps the way forward towards a SAFE, SMART & SUSTAINABLE RESTART to Tourism.

The event is also open to virtual participation and registration is now open on https://corporate.visitkiribati.travel/tourismforum/

Abemama hotels prepare for Tourism Restart

November 30, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAKI) conducted a one-week training on Customer Service, Basic Housekeeping and Hospitality, Revenue Management and Kiribati Tourism and Hospitality Protocols for the New Normal / COVID-19 Safety Protocols at the women’s center in Abemama.

The Tourism Restart training program is designed to help prepare tourism business operators for border reopening in January 2022.

Participants of the workshop included employees from the three hotels, Abemama Island Guesthouse, Green Eco-lodge, St. Anthony Parish Hotel and representatives from Reina Community and Ainen Wiikin Abemama Ecotourism Communities.

The program included the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all participating organisation, funded by the US Embassy’s Economic Recovery Grant.

Similar programs and training have been delivered in South Tarawa, North Tarawa, Abaiang, Butaritari, Marakei, Tab South, Tab North and Kiritimati. TAK will deliver the same training in the remaining islands of the Gilbert and Line Islands prior to border reopening.

TAK Supports Abemama ‘Tania ni Maeu’ By-law

November 30, 2021November 30, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in the Tania ni Maeu By-law consultation in Abemama in November 2021. Led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the Tania ni Maeu By-law is part of the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) project aims to assist Abemama sustain its resources from exploitation and envisages to regenerate and safeguard the natural and cultural resources of the island.

TAK used the consultation as an opportunity to highlight the benefits of ecotourism to Abemama communities and how the Tania ni Maeu By-law will help contribute to the sustainable development of tourism on the island.

The consultation also included representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Cooperative (MCIC), Ministry of Fisheries and Resources Development (MFRD), Ministry of Environment, Land & Agricultural Development (MELAD) and Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

Tourism Authority Kiribati