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Kiribati Tourism Q4 2020 Tourism Review Report

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati’s (TAK) 2020 Quarter 4 Tourism Review Report is now available in the Resource Centre of TAK’s corporate website.

The report contains domestic travel data and highlights maritime and air travel numbers, quarantine and repatriation information and domestic tourism supply for Kiribati.

The report highlights a 105.7% increase in maritime travel compared to the previous quarter, with Abaiang registering as the most visited island from South Tarawa by boat.

A 58% drop in domestic air travel was recorded in this quarter compared to the previous quarter, and Tabiteuea Meang registered the highest passenger traffic of 1448 visitors, due mainly to its position as a transit hub for the Southern Gilbert Islands.

The report also includes direct employment numbers in the tourism sector in Quarter 4, 2020.

With the absence of international visitors, the only inbound traffic for the quarter came from the 254 repatriated nationals and work permit holders.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati is grateful to the following stakeholders and data providers; Air Kiribati Limited; Ministry of Health & Medical Services’ Ministry of Information, Communications, Transport & Tourism Development; and the local accommodation operators in providing the valuable data.

Click here for report. 

Kiribati wins Creative Tourism Award

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) through the Kiribati Tourism Plastic Repurposing Programme has won the Best Strategy in Creative Tourism Development category in the 2020 Creative Tourism Awards organised by the World Creative Tourism Network.

In an official letter to the Kiribati Minister for Information, Communications, Transport and Tourism Development (MICTTD), Honourable Tekeeua Tarati, the World Creative Tourism Network stated that the international jury, composed of experts in tourism, marketing and creative industries, assumed the heavy task to select the winners among a total of 184 applications, from 37 countries and highlighted the pioneering approach of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati. The main criteria were the use of creativity to design unique experiences and to create an ecosystem at a local scape.

The jury of Creative Tourism Awards highlighted the pioneering strategy designed by TAK to convert a negative externality – plastic contamination into a value chain for the whole territory in terms of inclusiveness, social cohesion, economic reactivation, heritage recovery, destination’s attractiveness, among many others. The committee also highlighted TAK’s sustainable approach in relying on circular economy, creativity, and communities’ engagement to reinvent its tourism, offering unique experiences, and especially in a pandemic context and the TAK’s excellence in betting on creativity and quality in designing experiences that enhance the cultural heritage and local identity.

Upon receiving the award, Hon. Tekeeua Tarati congratulated the Tourism Authority of Kiribati for the innovative initiative and said that “being a tiny nation on the map, this success will help promote Kiribati to the world”. He added that “the TAK led program not only addresses the challenge of solid waste management in Kiribati, but also showcases Kiribati’s creativity in the art of handicraft and jewellery making, something that appeals greatly to our visitors”.

The Director of the Creative Tourism Network®, Caroline Couret, pointed out “the added value of these awardees, in a year in which creative tourism has demonstrated how creativity and human resources are essential.” The winners will benefit from the international promotion of the Creative Tourism Network®, as well as strategic collaborations and synergies through 2021, declared “International Year of Creative Economy and Sustainable Development” by the United Nations.

Tourism Authority of Kiribati CEO, Petero Manufolau acknowledged the invaluable contribution and support of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s (PIFS) Small Island States Division and the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) to the program. TAK also acknowledges the guidance of Pacific renowned artist, Warwick Marlow.

The Kiribati Tourism Plastic Repurposing Program was launched in South Tarawa in December 2020 and TAK plans to introduce this program to other islands throughout the country.

Tourism a Priority for Kiribati

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Tourism remains a priority for the Government of Kiribati. This was revealed at the Ministry of Information, Communication, Transport and Tourism Development (MICTTD) Ministry Strategic Plan(MSP) retreat at the Nemat Lodge in Buariki, North Tarawa on Saturday 30 January 2021.

The retreat was organized by the MICTTD Planning and Research Division and included all Heads of Departments in the ministry and CEO’s and senior managers of State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) under the ministry.

In opening the retreat, Minister for MICTTD, Honourable Tekeeua Tarati acknowledged the enormous task that his ministry has in working towards fulfilling the ambitions of the Kiribati 20-Year Vision (KV20).

One key driver of the economic growth envisioned by the Government of Kiribati is tourism and this is reflected in the new Motinnano (Manifesto) which has set a range of tourism development activities that the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is required to implement.

Objectives in the new Motinnano for tourism include the development of sustainable ecotourism, focusing on niche products, the establishment of tourism zones in the Line and Gilbert Islands, development of Kanton in the Phoenix islands and selected islands in the Line and Gilbert group for high end tourism development, and the development of Tabuaeran (Fanning island) as a world class surfing destination.

TAK presented its 4-year implementation plan at the MSP meeting in Buariki and has commenced the structured roll out of its plans.

Mauri Mark Consultation

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted its first Mauri Mark industry consultation with selected tourism business operators in North Tarawa from 22 – 27 January 2021.

Mauri Mark is Kiribati’s National Tourism Standards Programme originally developed for accommodation providers only. This has since evolved to now include other tourism business operations including restaurants and bars, tourism leisure crafts, dive operators and an industry wide customer service program called the Mauri Way.

The program will be based on the compliance standards developed in partnership with Kiribati’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Ministry of Fisheries and Marines Resources Development (MFMRD) and the Ministry of Information, Communication, Transport and Tourism Development (MICTTD) and TAK is mandated under the Tourism Act 2018 to manage this program.

The North Tarawa consultations provided the opportunity for tourism operators in North Tarawa to understand the program and begin preparing to adopt the improved standards requirements once formalized.

TAK will continue its consultations in other parts of Kiribati in the coming months.

Nemat Resort Barter Program

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North Tarawa’s newest tourism destination, Nemat Resort located along one of the most captivating stretches of brilliant white sandy beach on Buariki offers a unique barter program that promotes community engagement in tourism.

Since opening in December 2020, Nemat Resort has become very popular among locals and the South Tarawa expatriate community.

To encourage local community involvement, Nemat Resort developed a barter program where they offer quality imported second-hand clothes in exchange for local materials that they use to beautify the resort.  The children of Buariki community have been the most enthusiastic in this program, exchanging 5 coral flat stones for a shirt or a pair of pants depending on their preference.

The resort resourcefully uses these coral flat stones to create cobblestone-like paths and walkways throughout the premises which give Nemat Resort a tropical elegant feel.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) agrees that this is an excellent example of how businesses can assist communities during these extraordinary times.

Nemat Resort features a selection of traditional buia and hotel room accommodation with 24 hours restaurant and bar services, conference space, and a range of non-motorized water activities. 

Community tourism consultation

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The tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted a one-week tourism awareness and community consultation as part of its product development and enhancement program in North Tarawa from 21 – 28 January 2021.

The purpose of the consultation was to assist the villages better understand tourism, its economic potential,, and how they can engage in the industry through creative business alternatives that will support their livelihood.

The team visited 11 villages of Buariki, Tearinibai, Nuatabu, Taratai, Nooto, Abaokoro, Marenanuka, Tabonibara, Kainaba, Nabeina and Tabiteuea.

During the consultation, the villages were provided with information on how small-scale eco-tourism businesses work, their economic and socio-cultural benefits, and its contribution to environmental conservation. The villages were also encouraged to be part of the important local tourism supply chain network.

The consultations included a video presentation of the pilot Reina community based cultural tour project to help the villages better grasp the idea of sustainable community-based tourism and how they can apply that in their local setting.

Feedback from the consultations was positive and TAK will return to North Tarawa to work with interested villages and assist them in developing their own unique eco-tourism programs.

 

Resorts receive pastry & bakery training

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted a one-week pastry and bakery training for resorts in Buariki, North Tarawa from 22 – 27 January 2021.

The training was part of TAK’s capacity building initiative through its Reset Kiribati program to help tourism service providers upskill their employees during the current border closure.

Participants to this training were from the Nemat Resort, Eutan Buariki Guesthouse, and Tarabuka Hideaway Lodge.

With the current high demand in domestic travel to North Tarawa, TAK hopes that the training will help these resorts offer their guests more variety. These include freshly baked croissants, mini milo ball, chocolate cake, stripped coconut bread, cinnamon rolls, bun with filling, donut cream, chocolate bread, coconut tart, and coconut cake.

TAK had provided similar training to other properties in South Tarawa, Maiana, Nonouti, and Abemama and plans to hold similar trainings in other islands the Gilbert group.

North Tarawa Surveys

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted the Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS) and the first-ever Kiribati Tourism Outer Islands Perceptions Survey in North Tarawa from 21 – 28 January 2021.

Managed by the Research & Statistics Division, the TBIS is used by TAK to collect data and relevant operations information on waste and energy management systems, climate change impact issues on their operations, and general services provided by lodges and resorts. A total of 7 accommodations providers were surveyed at the new NEMAT Resort.

Tourism Kiribati Outer Islands Perceptions Survey seek local’s perceptions on tourism including socio-economic and environmental impacts on their communities. Surveys were conducted in Buariki, Tearinibai, Nuatabu, Taratai, Nooto, Abaokoro, Kainaba, Nabeina, and Tabiteuea.

The outcome of the survey will be used by TAK to assist in planning activities and programs for each respective island and will also be shared with relevant stakeholders. A full report will be available in the Resource Centre on the TAK corporate website.

TAK will undertake the same surveys in other islands throughout 2021.

Kiribati Sport Fishing Club December Competition  

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The Kiribati Sport Fishing Club (KSFC) hosted its final fishing competition on 28 December 2020 with the weigh in at Freddy’s Bar in Takoronga.

A total of 7 teams registered including Christine, Takgee, Black Pearl, Beauty Shark, Lady Mary, Nei Buroburo and Black Belt. Each team consisted of 3 to 7 anglers.

The competition was open to both women and men, with the aim of encouraging fishing enthusiasts to continue and maintain their skill and knowledge of fishing as a job or hobby.

The teams were judged on the weight and quantity of their catch which included Yellowfin tuna, Tuna, Barracuda, Wahoo, Marlin, and Dog Tooth.

Black Pearl took out the prize for highest number of tuna species caught and the best female angler prize was awarded to Ms. Taara Tokamaen Maiu from team Christine. A special award was also presented to the Lady Mary team for reeling in a 149lbs blue marlin. Lady Mary also too out the overall winner’s prize.

Chairman of the KSFC Mr. Ritiati Ariera closed the event by thanking all the sponsors for their generous support and participants for their continuous interest in fishing. The KSFC has more exciting competitions planned for 2021.

Boat Safety and First Aid Training in Abemama

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) in partnership with Marine Division and the Kiribati Red Cross Society conducted Boat Safety and First Aid Training in Abemama from 02nd – 23rd November 2020.

The training was part of TAK capacity building development program funded by the LDCF-1 project to support the game fishing, established as an ecotourism venture on the island.

Abemama is one of the pilot islands, under the LDCF-1 project that has the potential for game fishing market. The training on boat safety and first aid offered, were to equip the people of Abemama with right skills and knowledge required for the safety and wellbeing of an anglers or anyone should they encounter any problem at sea or at their hotels and to prepare them when the island is opened up to international markets for fly-fishing games or for any tourist visiting Abemama island.

Participants who attended boat safety training were boat owners while first aid training was attended by tour guides and accommodation providers.

Another key component of the project is to help generate income from the coastal zone resources sustainably and to motivate the locals to practice coastal fisheries conservation.

The training was also an opportunity to encourage Abemama communities to value their marine environments as means to build resilience against climate change condition and improve visitor experiences.

The mission was funded by the Food Security project which is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) -Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) through the United Nations Development Programme, and executed by the Environment and Conservation Division under the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development.     

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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