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Community-based Tourism

Butaritari Island Gears Up for a Major Tourism Milestone

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is making significant steps to promote Butaritari as a new outer island new destination for travellers. With the upcoming tourism launch, the focus on community-based tourism is set to offer visitors a unique and authentic experience. The preparation includes meticulous planning of tours and operations, ensuring that visitors will have a well-structured and enriching journey.

TAK will also produce a Visit Butaritari promotional video and erecting tour site signages which are strategic moves to enhance the overall visitor experience, showcasing Butaritari’s offerings and guiding visitors to the heart of the island’s culture and beauty. TAK so far has engaged village communities from Kuuma, Keuea, Tanimaiaki, Antakana, Bikaati islet, Ukiangang and Utirake communities to develop Community-based Tourism products including varied Marine Protected Area tours that feature snorkeling to exploring of the coral plantation, clam farm, and experience clam oyster hunting. At the same time visitors get to explore the islets and participate in cultural tour programs, tour WWII sites and participate in agritourism.

In collaboration with the Butaritari Island Council and CBT operators, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati has confirmed that Butaritari will be officially recognized as a tourism-ready island. Government delegation, including tour operators, will be welcomed to experience the diverse array of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) products available. This marks an exciting milestone for Butaritari, highlighting its readiness to offer unique cultural and hospitality experiences to visitors.

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.

Abemama Island revisited to re-engage Community-Based Tourism Operators.

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After launching Abemama as a tourism-ready island in 2022, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has revisited the island to support and evaluate tourism operators as part of its sustainability plan. TAK conducted a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) assessment from May 10th to 19th, focusing on Community-Based Tourism (CBT) operators.

This initial M&E mission aimed to ensure ongoing engagement with CBT operators, maintaining strong partnerships and successful tourism operations. During the visit, Ms. Kiarake Karuaki introduced the concept of homestay development to CBT operators. She emphasized how homestays can complement existing tour programs, highlighting the potential for tourism to grow and benefit the community. Homestays, being a popular trend in the travel industry, offer authentic experiences that can enhance the appeal of Abemama.

As part of the mission, TAK established the Abemama Tourism Working Group Committee. This committee includes representatives from tour operators, accommodation providers, and the island council. Its purpose is to oversee tourism operations, address challenges, and ensure smooth and effective management. The executive body of the committee will play a crucial role in coordinating efforts and supporting the tourism sector on the island.
The M&E mission reflects TAK’s ongoing commitment to supporting CBT operators. By continuously monitoring and evaluating tourism operations, TAK aims to strengthen partnerships and ensure sustainable tourism development on Abemama.

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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