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Bridging the Digital Divide: Kiribati Digital Marketing Training Workshop

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Kiribati Tourism operators, government agencies, and stakeholders in Tarawa and nearby outer islands have committed to digital transformation by participating in the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Pacific Digital Champions training program under the Digital Transformation Project (Phase 2) on 29-30 August 2023.

Workshop participants commended the 2-day digital training, recognizing its relevance to industry demands. The training was led by digital consultant Tasneem Hussain, who helped participants learn the basics of digital marketing, how to use digital tools to create and manage their online presence, including social media marketing, and content marketing.

Land & Marine Transport Agency Benaata Webb commended the two-day workshop as it highlighted the vital role of diverse social media platforms in propelling business development and encouraging more client engagement. “It’s interesting to know about the many social media platforms and the different audiences they cater to. This will definitely boost our business and help us engage with clients.”

Karianako James Media Officer from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource Development (MFMRD) mentioned that his key takeaway from the workshop was on search engine optimisation. “Embracing SEO is like embracing visibility, accessibility, and relevance in the digital realm. If you can grasp the dynamics of SEO you are able to unlock a space of possibilities in the interconnected web of information.”

Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT) trainer Rosie King Kumkee stated that the workshop was an eye-opener for her, especially using digital marketing tools like artificial intelligence that could assist in writing out social media posts or other documents, however, there was a need to tread carefully on the information produced by these AI. “I learned a lot from the workshop, especially about the potential of artificial intelligence to assist with digital marketing tasks. However, I think it’s important to be aware of the limitations of AI, and to always double-check the information that it produces.”

Aligned with the SPTO Digital Strategy, the Pacific Digital Champions training program aims to empower individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape successfully.
In acknowledging the positive feedback from participants, Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) CEO Petero Manufolau commended SPTO in facilitating the workshop across its member countries and the New Zealand Government in providing funding to host these workshops.

“We are committed to digital transformation in the tourism sector, and this training program is an important step in that journey. Participants are all eager to learn how to use digital technologies to promote their business and Kiribati as a tourism destination. This training program will help us to develop the skills and knowledge we need to use digital technologies to sustainably grow tourism in Kiribati”.

He added that “In this day and age of digital connectivity, it is important for tourism businesses, government agencies, and tertiary institutions to understand the various platforms and tools available to them. This is especially true for small island states like Kiribati. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it has on tourism and other related sectors in Kiribati.”

The activity was funded by the New Zealand Government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT) and Kiribati now joins other Pacific Island destinations that have completed this training. Wave Two training will continue virtually until December 31, 2023.

Honouring the Life and Legacy the Late Mr. Martin Tofinga.

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Earlier this month, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) family was saddened by the untimely passing of the Deputy Chairman of our organization’s Board of Directors, Mr. Tofinga. The loss of Mr. Tofinga has left an irreplaceable void in our midst.

Mr. Tofinga was not just a member of our team; he was a visionary, a leader whose contributions were pivotal to the realization of the TAK’s key strategic priorities. Through his years of dedicated service as Deputy Chairman, his vast experience and knowledge in commerce, community service, youth development and environment conservation to name a few were invaluable assets that guided the growth and progress of TAK.

His absence will be felt as we reflect on the many moments when his wisdom, leadership, and charisma motivated us as an organisation. Mr. Tofinga’s commitment to our cause and his tireless efforts has helped us as a young and small organisation to work through the many challenges we experienced in recent years.

Beyond his professional expertise, Mr. Tofinga’s humility and approachable nature made working with him a joy . The Board, Management, and Staff of TAK will forever cherish the warmth of his personality, and the genuine friendship and kind spirit that he shared.

As we mourn the loss of an exceptional individual, we take comfort in the legacy he leaves behind – one that will continue to inspire and guide TAK.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his Wife, Nei Katarina, his children, grandchildren and all who knew and admired Mr. Tofinga. He will forever remain in our thoughts and hearts.

Rest in Eternal Peace Deputy Chair.

Dive Resort Operator Explores Tourism Prospects in Kiritimati Island

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Owners and operators of Beqa Lagoon Resort in Fiji, Mr. Alex Ilnitsky and Mr. Alexander Bryantt completed a week-long expedition to Kiritimati Island, uncovering a range of untapped tourism potential and investment prospects on the island.

Beqa Lagoon Resort, renowned for its exceptional shark feeding tours, catering to international markets, especially the United States of America and Australia aims to expand its operations by delving into the mostly undiscovered charm of Kiritimati Island.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), in a collaborative effort, facilitated engagements between the Beqa Lagoon Resort team and government officials on Kiritimati Island. The program began with visits to earmarked tourism investment sites throughout the island, followed by meetings with the relevant authorities. These included the Ministry of Line & Phoenix Island (MLPID), and representatives from the Environment Conservation Division (ECD) and the Lands Management Division. A meeting was also organised with registered dive tour operator, the Village Hotel.

“Kiritimati Island has the potential to emerge as a premier scuba diving destination because of it undiscovered rich and diverse underwater marine life and close proximity to the United States,” remarked Mr. Ilnitsky during his engagement with The Village Hotel.

Mr. Bryantt was equally enthusiastic highlighting a range of activities that could be offered on Kiritimati Island. “In addition to diving, we envision motorbike adventure tours, particularly utilizing four-wheeled motorbikes in shallower waters. The captivating scenic surround of the island will appeal to travel bloggers seeking captivating content for their videos,” Bryantt elaborated.

Scuba diving, an untapped niche market on Kiritimati Island, holds the promise of becoming a successful segment of its growing tourism landscape.

TAK Welcomes New Kiritimati Island Direct Domestic Connection

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) applauds Air Kiribati and Nauru Airlines on their partnership initiative that will enhance travel connectivity within Kiribati. This collaboration will see the introduction of a weekly direct service between Tarawa and Kiritimati Island beginning on Saturday 12 August 2023.

Kiritimati Island and Tarawa serve as the primary international ports of entry in Kiribati, and are situated 3,288 km apart with an approximate flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes. Travelling between these islands currently requires an additional international flight with a 1-night layover in Fiji. This partnership between Air Kiribati and Nauru Airlines means travellers can now easily expand their exploration across Kiribati without the need to take an additional international flight.

“We are particularly excited of the potential that this new service will offer our visitors, in particular Kiribati fishing loyalists and adventure seekers” said Petero Manufolau, CEO, Tourism Authority of Kiribati. “Fly fishing enthusiasts can now book multiple destination fishing adventures across different islands in the Line and Gilbert Islands through this new service without having to break their travel”.

The new direct domestic service will also offer travellers from North America a direct connection to Tarawa via Kiritimati Island and a similarly convenient direct connection from Australia to Kiritimati Island via Tarawa.

TAK commends Air Kiribati and Nauru Airlines for their visionary approach in establishing this direct service between Tarawa and Kiritimati and recognises that this initiative will open new avenues for travelers to experience more of Kiribati’s islands.

TAK participates in National Cultural and Senior Citizen Day

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in the National Cultural and Senior Citizen Day celebrated on 11th July 2023 at the Sports Complex, Betio, South Tarawa.

The event was part of the Kiribati independence celebration organized by the Cultural and Museum Division (CMD) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) with the theme ‘Good Governance through sustaining our I-Kiribati Cultural Heritage’.

Our cultural heritage provides sense of unity and belonging within a group and allow us to better understand previous generations and the history of where we come from. Understanding our cultural heritage gives us a sense of personal identity.

A drama on celebrating womanhood was performed by committee members of the National Cultural Day showcasing the importance and significance of celebrating womanhood in Kiribati and why we need to preserve this part of Kiribati cultural heritage.

The event also included local stakeholders and relevant ministries sharing and showcasing their skills through traditional arts and crafts TAK used the opportunity to raise awareness on its services.

Attending the event was His Excellency President Taneti Maamau, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Government officials, and community. The program concluded with refreshment and booth inspection.

Kiritimati Island hosts Cleaning, Beautification, Gardening, & Sanitation Competition

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Kiritimati Island, also known as Christmas Island, witnessed a spectacular showcase of community spirit and environmental stewardship as it hosted the inaugural Cleaning, Beautification, Gardening, and Sanitation Competition. This event was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Lands & Agriculture Development (MELAD) through the Agriculture & Livestock Division, and the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) played a pivotal role as part of the organizing committee. The competition took place in conjunction with the grand celebrations of the 44th National Day, signifying the island’s commitment to becoming the “New Paradise.”

The primary objective of the competition was to foster a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Kiritimati Island while advancing its aspiration of becoming a true “New Paradise” for its residents and visitors alike. The organizing committee, comprised of the Wildlife Conservation Unit, the Ministry of Line & Phoenix Islands Development, and the EU-funded Water & Sanitation project, worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this community-driven initiative.

Participants from 19 households across three villages – Banana, Tabakeauea, and Ronton – participated in the competition, demonstrating their dedication to making a positive impact on their local environment. The competition witnessed the participation of various individuals and groups, each showcasing their innovative approaches to cleanliness, beautification, gardening, and sanitation.

The competition was supported by generous donations from the government-owned petroleum company, Kiribati Oil Limited (KOIL), and four privately-owned hotels in Kiritimati, namely Little Flower Guesthouse, Sunset Horizon Fishing Lodge, Lagoon View Resort, and Tekabaia Lodge. The gracious contributions of Mum’s Kitchen and the 44th National Day mother-committee also played a significant role in making the event a success.

The Cleaning, Beautification, Gardening, and Sanitation Competition served as a testament to the unity and dedication of the Kiritimati Island community in preserving its natural beauty and promoting a clean and healthy environment. TAK extends its appreciation to all the participants, donors, and organizing committee members for their unwavering support and commitment to the cause.

As the island continues to progress towards its environmental and developmental goals, TAK is dedicated to supporting and promoting similar initiatives that contribute to the well-being of the local community and the preservation of Kiritimati Island’s charm.

Renowned U.S Pro-Surfer Acknowledges Kiritimati Island’s Surfing Potential

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) successfully completed a collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s East West Center’s Outbound Exchange program, through which it received valuable assistance from Mr. Keone Downing, a renowned pro-surfer and tourism expert from Downing, Hawaii. This partnership aims to foster the growth of surfing as a niche market for Kiritimati Island.

Mr. Keone Downing, who is the son of big-wave pioneer, George Downing is a distinguished surfer with numerous national and international accolades to his name. He has wealth of experience and expertise, having won various competitions throughout his career, including victories in the Makaha International and the Quicksilver in memory of Eddie Akau big-wave contest.

During his one-week visit, Mr. Downing engaged in meetings with several hotel and tour operators who expressed keen interest in surf tourism. Together with TAK, he scouted potential surf sites around the island, charting them for further observation and assessment during the upcoming winter season (September/October and March/April).

Beyond his crucial role in identifying promising surf spots on Kiritimati Island, Mr. Downing also undertook an essential mission to impart surfing skills to the local youth. His training sessions proved immensely valuable as he coached young boys and girls on the fundamentals of surfing. Furthermore, the young surfers were left elated by the generous donation of five surfboards and three bodyboards, a generous contribution made possible by the U.S. Department of State through the East West Center’s Exchange program.

The East West Center’s Outbound Exchange program represents the final component of the U.S. funded East West Center administered Pacific Islands Tourism Professional Fellows Program. Designed as a professional development exchange, the program promotes knowledge exchange and cultural understanding between tourism professionals in the Pacific Islands and the United States, while also nurturing long-lasting people-to-people bonds.

TAK expresses gratitude to the U.S. Department of State, the East West Center, and Mr. Keone Downing for their invaluable support and commitment to promoting surf tourism on Kiritimati Island.

Clean Oceans and Beaches Essential for World Class Surfing

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The pristine white sandy beaches of Kiritimati Island will hold a special place in the hearts of surfers as their cherished playground if they are care for. This was emphasized by Mr. Keone Downing, Pro-Surfer and Outbound Exchange Fellow from the East West Center when delivering training for the Island’s youths his one-week stay in Kiritimati Islands.

In addition to imparting surfing skills to the young surf enthusiasts, Mr. Downing encouraged them to adopt a noble habit – beach cleaning. His inspiring words, “Pick one trash before you surf and pick another one when you’re done surfing,” resonated deeply with the young surfers. The message was simple yet impactful – if each surfer commits to this practice, their cherished playground, the ocean, will always remain clean and free from debris washed down from the beaches.

Although Mr. Downing’s stay concluded on the 19th of July, the local surfers conducted their own beach clean-up activity on Thursday, 27th July, attracting new participants to join in the cause.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) supports and recognizes these proactive cleaning initiatives, particularly by the young people. In this spirit of environmental stewardship, they were also invited to participate in the Ronton beach clean-up that was held on Saturday, 29th July 2023.

As the next generation of surfers emerges on Kiritimati Island, their dedication to beach cleaning paves the way for a brighter, cleaner future, where both the ocean and the shore remain pristine for the enjoyment of locals and travellers alike.

TAK contributes to Kiribati Digital Strategy Consultation

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) recently participated in the Consultation Workshop on the development of the Kiribati Digital Strategy. Organized by the Digital Transformation Office (DTO) of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Transport (MICT) in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), this two-day workshop focused on crucial policy aspects and included representatives from various government and private sector organizations.

The Kiribati Digital Strategy is set to become a cornerstone of the Government of Kiribati’s (GoK) efforts in driving digital transformation across multiple sectors, including tourism. TAK recognizes the significance of this strategy in fostering technological advancements, enhanced communication and promoting economic growth through a whole of government and whole of society approach.

As the agency responsible for sustainable tourism development in Kiribati, TAK shared its vision for the future of tourism in a digitally integrated world. TAK firmly believes that embracing digital technologies and solutions will be instrumental in elevating Kiribati’s tourism offerings, attracting a diverse range of visitors, and providing an enriched traveler experience.

Petero Manufolau, CEO of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, expressed his enthusiasm for the Kiribati Digital Strategy, stating, “We are genuinely excited about the potential of the Kiribati Digital Strategy in shaping the future of tourism in Kiribati. Embracing digital technologies will enable us to showcase the breathtaking beauty and unique cultural heritage of Kiribati to a global audience, while also streamlining our operations and enhancing the overall travel experience.”

As the Kiribati Digital Strategy continues to take shape, TAK looks forward to contributing actively to its implementation and exploring innovative ways to harness the potential of digitalization to further develop Kiribati’s tourism landscape.

TAK releases Kiribati Q1 2023 Tourism Industry Review

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is pleased to present the Kiribati Quarter 1 (Q1), 2023 Tourism Industry Review. This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the tourism sector in Kiribati during the first quarter of 2023, focusing on international visitor arrivals and other relevant tourism data. The report compares the Q1 2023 international visitor arrivals with Q1 2019, providing valuable insights into the sector’s recovery and progress following the COVID-19 pandemic.

During Quarter 1 of 2023, Kiribati experienced a decrease of 8.2% in the number of international visitor arrivals when compared with the pre-COVID figures of Q1 2019. While this decline indicates the ongoing impact of the pandemic on global travel, it is essential to note that there has been a positive development on a quarterly basis. Comparing Q1 2023 with Quarter 4 of 2022, there was an encouraging increase of 3.8% in international visitor arrivals.

Australia emerged as the leading source market for Kiribati in Q1 2023. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Australian visitors continued to show their interest in exploring the unique attractions and experiences that Kiribati has to offer.

The Quarter 1 report includes additional research and data that provides valuable insights into the state of tourism in Kiribati. This data covers tourism operator sentiments and tourism intensity, which further enhances our understanding of the sector’s current situation. TAK recognizes the importance of capturing and presenting comprehensive tourism-related data to support effective decision-making and strategic planning.

An exciting development in Quarter 1, 2023, was the return of inbound tourists by cruise ship. After border reopening in August 2022, Kiribati successfully welcomed inbound travellers via cruise ships in February and March, with visits to Tarawa and Fanning Island. This milestone signifies a step towards normalcy and a positive outlook for the cruise tourism segment in the country.

TAK would like to express its appreciation Air Kiribati Limited, Marine Guard, Immigration Department, Te Umwanibong, Kiribati Customs Office, Shipping Agencies of Kiribati (SAOK), Kiribati National Statistics Office (KNSO) and Tourism operators. Their collaboration and support have been instrumental in gathering relevant data and insights, making this report a comprehensive and robust assessment of the tourism sector in Kiribati.

CLICK HERE to download a copy.

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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