Consultation – Kaongora Newsletter

Empowering Tourism: Unveiling Kiribati’s Business Confidence Insights

December 5, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati, in collaboration with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), has released its first-ever Kiribati Business Confidence Index (BCI) Report. The report is based on a month-long survey conducted from October 1st to October 31st, capturing the views of local businesses on the impact and benefits of tourism in Kiribati. This comprehensive survey provides a valuable snapshot of the current business climate and offers insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by the tourism sector in Kiribati.

This marks the first time Kiribati has sought the perspectives of local businesses, making it the inaugural BCI report. In the past, Kiribati has gathered insights from international visitors through the International Visitor Survey and has also sought the views of residents. This year, through the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) project coordinated by the SPTO, Kiribati has successfully collected insights from local businesses regarding the tourism sector.

The report highlights several key findings. An overwhelming majority of businesses (82%) expressed a need for customer service training and business growth education, reflecting a keen interest in enhancing their service delivery and expanding operations. Additionally, 12% also mentioned that improved in internet connectivity is also major opportunities for their business.
Improved customer service and natural attractions were also cited as significant opportunities, each garnering interest from 11% of respondents. The importance of networking was equally highlighted, suggesting that businesses see value in building stronger connections within the tourism sector.

The report reveals a broad agreement among businesses, many of whom acknowledge that tourism is a key driver of the Kiribati economy. This consensus highlights the pivotal role tourism plays in supporting local businesses and boosting regional economic growth.

The report also highlights the impact of COVID-19 on businesses. Interestingly, it shows that the majority, 31%, were not significantly affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. This finding underscores the resilience of many local businesses during the pandemic.

Overall, the Kiribati BCI Report serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, stakeholders, and investors. It not only highlights the current state of the tourism industry in Kiribati but also points to the areas where interventions and support can drive growth and sustainability. As Kiribati continues to develop its tourism offerings, the insights from this report will be instrumental in shaping strategies that enhance the sector’s contributions to the national economy and improve the livelihoods of local communities.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the Pacific Tourism Organisation and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry, cooperatives, and local businesses in Kiribati for their unwavering support throughout the duration of the survey. Your collaboration and dedication have been instrumental in the successful completion of this significant initiative. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to the advancement of tourism in Kiribati.

You can view the Kiribati BCI report here

TAK promotes new licensing Policy consultation in Fanning Island

November 8, 2024November 5, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

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

November 8, 2024November 5, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

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 seeks support from Board Directors for Tourism activities to be rolled out in 2025

September 6, 2024September 4, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

TAK’s management team recently hosted a retreat for the Board of Directors at Nemat Resort in Buariki, North Tarawa, from August 23rd to 25th, 2024. The retreat aimed to secure the Board’s support for the new Tourism Regulations and the Kiribati Destination Brand.

With many Directors being new to the TAK team, the retreat provided an excellent opportunity for them to familiarize themselves with TAK’s management, review the organization’s mandate, and receive updates on the mid-year work review and current initiatives requiring immediate collaboration. Among these initiatives were the finalization of the preferred design concept for the new destination brand and the implementation of the Tourism Licence regulations. Additionally, the TAK team conducted a brief Mauri Way Training for the Directors during the retreat.

The retreat was very constructive and beneficial for both the Directors and Team TAK. Chairman Ruui Tabutoa emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, that the Board entrusts TAK team as the technical advisors to the TAK Board and encouraged we must work together to maintain the momentum and drive TAK forward.

Tourism Authority Team Conducts Awareness Campaign on New Licensing Role

August 7, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

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

August 13, 2024August 7, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

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.

Tourism Authority Kiribati