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Re-assessing Nonouti and Maiana Islands’ Potential as upcoming Fly-Fishing Destinations

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From July 22nd to 29th, 2024, Cesar Uylangco from UPFP Wealth Pty Ltd and Gavin Platz from Tie ‘n’ Fly Outfitters along with an officer from the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) visited Nonouti Atoll to re-evaluate its potential to become a fly-fishing destination. Following this, they extended their reassessment of Maiana Island from July 31st to August 3rd, 2024. The primary objective of these visits was to assess the readiness of the islands’ fisheries, boats, and accommodations to cater to discerning anglers, positioning Nonouti and Maiana as unique locations for the global fly-fishing community, and also to show their commitment to the development of fly fishery tourism on Nonouti Atoll.

Inspired by the success of Kiritimati Island, which attracted 520 fly-fishing anglers in the first quarter of 2024, there is a vision to capture a portion of this market. Even attracting 10% of these anglers to Nonouti could generate significant economic benefits, with potential revenue that could be reinvested into infrastructure and community development projects.

In their re-assessment, Cesar and Gavin identified several immediate needs and long-term goals essential for making Nonouti an attractive destination for anglers. In the short term, existing accommodation facilities at the Nonouti Island Council guesthouse require immediate renovations to enhance comfort and functionality. Additionally, the acquisition of well-equipped boats with reliable engines and the training of local young men to become professional fishing guides are crucial. Providing English language training for guides and staff is also a priority, ensuring effective communication with international visitors.

The long-term vision involves developing a new fly-fishing resort at Buariki Islet (Teuaabu Village) along the North Causeway. This location offers proximity to prime fly-fishing flats, where bonefish are abundant—an essential factor for attracting serious anglers. Furthermore, the clearer waters and pristine beaches in the northern part of Nonouti offer an ideal setting for sustainable tourism, supported by infrastructure such as a desalination plant and a solar power facility.

The success of this ambitious project hinges on the collaboration of the Nonouti Island Council, the Kiribati Government, and potential investors, including the Australian High Commission. However, true commitment must also come from the people of Nonouti, with local investment being crucial to ensure community buy-in and the project’s long-term viability.

Tabiteuea South communities consulted on Ministry’s new business regulations.

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati joined the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives and its SOEs to do consultations on its newly approved Kiribati business regulations and services offered to the communities of Tabiteuea South from 8-10th July 2024.

The highlight of the consultations was to feature three new regulations that will take effect from January 2025. These include the Price Control from the Business Regulation Centre, the Business Registrations from Kiribati Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (KCCI) and the Tourism Business Licenses from TAK. Also included as part of the team consultations was the Kiribati Copra Development Limited (KCDL) and Business Promotion Division which also presented their services for businesses.

This was the first time that the divisions and SOEs of MTCIC combined their consultation and awareness efforts and drew in the same target audience. The session provided a wonderful avenue to raise public awareness as well as answer any queries or clarifications from the stakeholders which included the Tabiteuea South Island Council, Uea Ni Kai representatives; business groups women and religious groups that were present during the consultations.

TAK took the opportunity to present on the processes involved in the new licensing rollout as well as showcase promotional videos from tourism ready outer islands to gauge interest from stakeholders who wish to establish their community- based tourism operations on Tabiteuea South.

TAK participates in the Kiribati Career Fair

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The Ministry of Women, Youth, and Social Affairs organized a one-day career fair on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the Sports Complex, inviting secondary school students from Forms 6 and 7 to attend.

Students from various secondary schools visited the TAK information booth, eager to learn about career opportunities in tourism and the role of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) in the country. The TAK booth staff provided extensive information and encouraged students to visit the TAK office if they required further assistance.

TAK informed the students that one of its key roles is to provide tourism education and awareness, which it conducts annually during its School Visit Programs. These programs help students enhance their understanding of tourism concepts and the significant role TAK plays in the planning and development of tourism in Kiribati.

Additionally, during the career fair some students received assistance from TAK staff in filling out application forms to study tourism programs at universities abroad.

Overall, the students showed great interest in visiting the TAK office for further assistance and advice, eager to deepen their understanding of tourism and the pivotal role TAK plays in the development of tourism in Kiribati.

Kiritimati Island Celebrates 45 Years of Kiribati Independence

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Kiritimati Island marked its 45th year of independence of Kiribati with a joyous celebration, showcasing the island’s unique culture and community spirit. The festivities spanned several days, featuring events that captivated both residents and visitors alike.

The celebration kicked off with the Inter Pre-School Sports Day, where the island’s youngest athletes showcased their budding talents in a series of friendly competitions. This was followed by a Beauty Contest and Poem Drama, highlighting the children’s creativity and expressions. The Inter Primary School Sports and Quiz provided a platform for older students to demonstrate their athletic prowess and academic knowledge.

Meanwhile, local Sports enthusiasts on Kiritimati Island were treated to a competitive series of knockout matches and finals in volleyball, basketball, and football. The intense competition showcased the island’s passion for sports. The excitement culminated in the crowning of the champions in each sport, solidifying their place in Kiritimati’s Independence Day sporting events.

The celebration continued with a Talent Show, where individuals of all ages took to the stage to display their unique skills and artistic flair. The audience was entertained by a variety of performances, ranging from singing and dancing to magic tricks and comedy routines. The island’s rich cultural heritage was further celebrated through a Local Choir Competition, where groups from different villages competed with their harmonious melodies.

The Kiritimati Beauty Contest captivated the audience with the contestants from across the island showcasing their beauty, intelligence, and cultural pride, competing for the Miss Kiritimati title. The event was a testament to the island’s appreciation for both inner and outer beauty.

The festivities were also marked with a colorful parade March on the 12th of July. The streets of Kiritimati came alive with vibrant floats, energetic dancers, and enthusiastic participants, all celebrating the island’s 45 years of independence. The parade was a fitting tribute to the island’s history, culture, and resilient spirit.

The 12th of July was also showcased with a ceremonial colorful parade performed by the Kiribati Police, Government offices, and schools who paraded and marched to honor the day celebrating the 45th Kiribati Independence Day. The parade was a fitting tribute to the island’s history, culture and resilient spirit.

The 45th independence celebration on Kiritimati Island was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all who participated and who came to spectate. The events fostered a sense of unity, pride, and community spirit, showcasing the island’s unique identity and unwavering determination to thrive.

Tourism Authority Team Conducts Awareness Campaign on New Licensing Role

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The Tourism Authority Team, composed of representatives from various Governmental Departments, recently conducted an awareness campaign to inform the Tarawa Urban Council members about the upcoming changes in the collection of Tourism Operators License fees. The Team included a representative from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a Legal Adviser from the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, a Standard and Licensing Manager, and a Tourism Officer currently in training at the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK).

The Awareness campaign focused on the new Licensing role of the TAK, set to begin in early 2025 under the Tourism Act 2018. The purpose was to notify TUC members the responsibility for collecting tourism operators license fees would transition from the island councils under the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Tourism Authority (TAK). This change aims to streamline the process and ensure that the fees are reinvested into the tourism sector.

Mr Iataake King, the Standard and Licensing Manager, explained that the fees collected by the TAK will be reinvested into the Tourism Operators through a marketing fund. This fund will be used to promote and market the Operators’ Establishments in the international Markets. Additionally, TAK will enhance services by providing training in areas such as Customer Service, Cookery, and housekeeping based on the needs of the tourism operators.

The TUC Council, although expressing some concerns and differing views about not being consulted during the drafting of the Tourism ACT and the potential loss of revenue starting in 2025, has agreed to support the new measures. They recognized the necessity of adhering to the new legislation and pledged their full support.

TAK expressed gratitude towards the TUC Council for their understanding and cooperation in this transition period. The campaign aims to ensure a smooth shift in licensing responsibilities and to foster a more robust and competitive Tourism Sector in Kiribati.

TAK promotes the new tourism registration and licensing regulation to the Line & Phoenix Islands

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The Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives (MTCIC) held a half-day awareness campaign with the Mayor, Councilors, and the clerk of the Kiritimati Urban Council on 29th July on the new licensing regime for all local tourism operators under the new TAK Regulation which stipulates that the collection of tourism license fees will be implemented by the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) in 2025.

The awareness consultation was led by legal advisor Mr. Waimauri Nawaia from the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives in Tarawa, who was accompanied by the Principal Tourism Officer from TAK office based in Kiritimati Island.
In the existing practice, the Kiritimati Urban Council Office, like other island council offices throughout Kiribati, collects the hotel and tour operation license fees. Through this awareness consultation, the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industries & Cooperatives promoted and informed the Kiritimati Urban Council that by the beginning of 2025, all licenses from hotels and tour operations will be collected and payable to the Tourism Authority of Kiribati.

The Kiritimati Urban Council is very supportive of this new change. The mayor and his councilors are looking forward to further development of the tourism and hospitality sector as anticipated in this change.

Kiritimati is now the 5th island to be informed about this new role by TAK and the new licensing initiative. Further awareness will be extended to Tabuaeran (Fanning Island) and Teraina (Washington Island) later in the year.

TAK supports Kiritimati island’s Beautification Initiative

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The Kiritimati Island TAK team took a huge role in being part of the organizing committee to promote the beautification, gardening, sanitation, and water hygiene competition on Kiritimati Island. The competition was held between 30 registered households as part of the 45th Kiribati Independence Day event in July. The competition was initially planned and implemented in 2022 and will be a continuous activity for households on Kiritimati to participate and compete.

The purpose of the competition is to promote a cleaner and healthier Kiritimati Island community that will contribute to achieving Kiritimati Island’s aspiration of being a “New Paradise.”

This initiative was chaired and promoted by the Ministry of Lands, Environment & Agricultural Development through its Agriculture Division based on the island and was joined by other stakeholders from the Wildlife Unit, Ministry of Line Islands, the WASH project, and the TAK team who formed the organizing committee.

The Ministry of Linnix awarded a competition prize of $1,500, and the WASH project donated 30 filter buckets to participants. These participants were involved in cleaning water tank catchments to ensure accessible drinking water, building cooking huts for boiling water, and installing tippy taps for hand washing.

The 30 registered households participated in the competition and were all commended for their creativity and innovations in creating their household tippy taps, and waste reduction methods, and for promoting home vegetable gardening, growing cabbage, cucumber, pawpaw, and other vegetables.

TAK Releases 2024 First Quarter Tourism Review

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati has published its Quarter 1 Tourism Industry Review for 2024, revealing exciting growth in the sector. The report shows a 100% increase in international arrivals when compared to the same period in 2019, before the pandemic.

In the first quarter of 2024, the USA became the top source market for Kiribati, surpassing Pacific Islanders who had been the top source market since Q1 2023. This quarter, 25.9% of arrivals to Kiribati were from the USA. Most of these American visitors travelled to Kiritimati for leisure, specifically for fly fishing holidays.

In the first quarter of 2024, Kiribati continued to welcome cruise passengers, although only one cruise ship visited. As a result, the number of cruise passengers was 65% lower than in 2023.

The report also highlights a boost in domestic air travel and a decrease in domestic marine travel. It also captured the number of visitors to the Museum.

Additionally, the report notes improvements in the tourism supply. Employment in the tourism sector has increased by 97%, showing that more jobs are being created. The reports covered a detailed increase in the other tourism supply.

TAK would like to express its appreciation to Air Kiribati Ltd, the Marine Guard Division, the Immigration Department, Te Umwanibong Cultural Museum, the Kiribati Customs Authority, the Shipping Agencies of Kiribati (SAOK), and local Tourism operators who have been instrumental in gathering and contributing relevant data and insights, making this report a comprehensive and robust assessment of the tourism sector in Kiribati.

Minister of Tourism highlights historical tourism potentials during the 132nd Anniversary of Union Jack in North Tarawa.

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The Minister for Tourism, Commerce Industry and Tourism (MTCIC), Honorable Booti Nauan led the Government team to commemorate the 132nd Anniversary of the hoisting of the Union Jack at Taratai Village on North Tarawa. The team was comprised of Government officials from MTCIC, Office of Te Beretitenti (OB) and the Ministry of Culture, and Internal Affairs (MCIA).

Each year on 8th of June, the people of Taratai honour their forefathers and commemorate the end of an intense traditional warfare in Kiribati and celebrate the signing of peace when Captain Davis established a protectorate Government and hoisted a Union Jack on Taratai Village in 1892.

In the Minister’s statement, he encouraged the people of Taratai village to continue to take pride and ownership and maintain the celebrations of this auspicious event. Mr Nauan also added, that this is a rich part of their history and culture and should be maintained for many generations to enjoy. It has great potentials to boost historical tourism that the Government of Kiribati through the Tourism Authority of Kiribati is committed to support.

The celebration was a lively one with march parades, hoisting of the Kiribati and England flag in the field followed by entertainment and feasting in the Maneaba. The one-day celebration was also joined by the Australian and New Zealand High Commissioners and their team, North Tarawa Island Council Mayor and Clerk, Church pastors and catechists, former MPs, teachers and friends of Taratai village as guests to the event.

Tourism Authority of Kiribati partners with Nauru Tourism on sustainable travel, destination marketing and exchange programs.

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The Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives affirms a partnership for Sustainable Tourism Development with Nauru Tourism during its meeting at the Consulate General office of Republic of Nauru in Brisbane on 31st May 2024.

The partnership meeting took place with the Consul General, Tourism Attache and Nauru Advisor at their Brisbane office. The meeting was in line with a partnership opportunity with the esteemed Governments to bolster the tourism industries in both Nauru and Kiribati and capitalizing on the existing Nauru Airlines fleet from Brisbane, Nauru, Tarawa as well as Kiritimati.

Both the countries believe that there are still so much untapped tourism potentials and have great opportunity to broaden the leisure adventure travellers seeking new destinations targeting the Australian market. At the moment, there is very little visitor travel for leisure using such route. Through collaborative efforts, Kiribati and Nauru through their respected Tourism Authorities, has potential in increasing sustainable travel to focus on niche attractions that it offers through joint marketing campaigns and exchange programs.

The only way this will work is through strong brotherhood partnership, the Honorable Minister Nauan says.

The meeting was facilitated in collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Kiribati and Nauru Tourism since the beginning of the year. It forms part of the Joint Micronesian Island hop Marketing Campaign with Nauru Airlines and supported by the Pacific Trade and Invest.

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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