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Awareness

TAK promotes new licensing Policy consultation in Fanning Island

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The consultation on the new tourism licensing policy for hotel and tour operators was conducted in Fanning Island on the 21st October 2024 by two Tourism officers from the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK). This is part of a nationwide consultation on this licensing policy, particularly to the local government councils including accommodation establishments and tour operations.

The consultation was held with a full council on Fanning informing the local government and tourism operators of a new licensing policy versus the current licensing practice in which the island council currently collects from the hotels and tour operators. TAK therefore stresses that under the new Tourism Regulation, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) will be mandated to collect tourism operation licenses by the beginning of 2025.

The consultation’s outcome was successful, with the Fanning Island Island Council supporting this change; however, the council requested to continue to collect operational licenses until the end of 2024.

This consultation makes Fanning as the 2nd island in the Line & Phoenix islands group to be consulted leaving Teraina Washington Island as the last to be visited and consulted before 2025.

TAK visits Fanning Island to Conduct Training on Mauri Way Customer Service and Community-Based Tourism

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From October 11th to 22nd, 2024, Officers from Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) office based on Kiritimati Island travelled to Fanning Island to conduct training with local tourism operators & community members on Fanning Island on the Mauri Way Customer Service program and Community-Based Tourism program. The Mauri Way customer service training took place from October 16th to 18th, with 8 hotel operators participating. On October 19th, a one-day Community-Based Tourism training session was held, with three local communities in attendance: Maurin-Eten, Inanoin-Maurin-te-Bonnano, and Paelau communities.

The introduction of the Mauri Way customer service and Community-Based Tourism programs on Fanning Island aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to bring Kiribati culture and hospitality to life. Through the Mauri Way, participants learned how to deliver authentic customer service that highlights the warmth and uniqueness of Kiribati. The Community-Based Tourism training provided insights into sharing cultural heritage with visitors, ensuring they have a memorable and meaningful experience in Kiribati.

At the conclusion of each training, participants were encouraged to share their new skills with colleagues and community members. As Mauri Way Ambassadors, they are now prepared to lead by example, applying what they have learned to welcome and serve visitors. This initiative strengthens Fanning Island’s readiness for future cruise ships and other visitors, enhancing its reputation as a vibrant and welcoming destination.

TAK engages Junior Secondary Schools on South Tarawa and Betio with their Tourism Awareness Program

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Officers from the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted a tourism awareness program with junior secondary students (year 9) from government and faith-based schools in South Tarawa and Betio from October 8th to 21st, 2024.

This annual awareness program was conducted by the Training and Development Unit with the aim of educating students about the tourism industry in Kiribati and how tourism development contributes to the nation’s economy, environment, and social-cultural aspects.

Undertaking this program with year 9 students allows TAK to consistently create effective interactions between students and TAK officers about tourism as a topic of discussion and promote engaging interactions between TAK and the local students during the sessions. One of the St. Louis High School teachers added that this program was vital to all form 3 students since Tourism is part of their Kiribati Community Studies (KCS) and Social Science syllabus, which can help them further build their understanding of tourism and its potential. She also mentioned that since Kiribati Certify of Basic Education exams or KCBE (national exam) is approaching, it was a good opportunity for them to participate in this program, as it will allow the students to revise what their teachers had already taught them.

Seven out of eight JSS schools were visited, including Santa Maria, Ngaon Te Rabakau, JSS TUC 1, William Goward Memorial College, Animwarao JSS, St Louis High School, and BTC JSS.

TAK is grateful to the Ministry of Education (MOE) through the SIU (School Improvement Unit) and the principals of church schools for their unwavering support and continued collaboration in allowing this program to be conducted in their respective schools.

TAK conducted tourism awareness to YCL Banana, Kiritimati

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On August 24th, 2024, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati was invited to conduct a tourism awareness session for the Youth Christian Living (YCL) group and Sunday School children at the Kiribati Uniting Church (KUC) in Banana, Kiritimati Island. This initiative is part of the YCL’s quarterly program, which focuses on nurturing young people’s relationship with the Lord. In addition to spiritual teachings, the program also invites the Tourism Office to deliver important tourism awareness sessions.

The event was held at the KUC Banana Mwaneaba, where a representative from the Tourism Authority presented to the youth and Sunday School students about the significance of tourism in Kiribati. The presentation emphasized their responsibility in safeguarding and protecting tourism resources and the environment to ensure future economic and socio-cultural benefits. The session was interactive and engaging, with the youth and children actively participating in Q&A discussions about their roles in supporting tourism development in Kiribati.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati expresses its gratitude to the Minister of KUC Banana and the YCL Advisor for the invitation to conduct this awareness session. This collaboration reflects strong support and teamwork toward achieving the tourism goals outlined in the KV20 vision.

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.

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 Hosts Pinktober Awareness for Employees

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) acknowledged Pinktober by hosting an information session for its staff to raise awareness on breast cancer on Tuesday 31 October 2023.

The event commenced with a breast cancer awareness presentation from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). The presentation highlighted the primary causes of breast cancer and offered guidance on how women and their families can take preventive measures against this disease.

Breast cancer is a pervasive disease that affects millions of women and their families worldwide. In an effort to increase awareness and provide support, October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, often referred to as ‘Pinktober’.

Also in the presentation, TAK staffs were reminded of the importance of understanding the early detection and symptoms of breast cancer and the value of a well-balanced diet and how an active lifestyle can also help reduce the impact of breast cancer.

The event ended with a one-minute silent prayer to remember the late Mrs Sarah Botaake Teetu, a Senior Tourism Officer who recently lost her battle with breast cancer.

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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