Events

Celebrated annually on September 27, Kiribati had the pleasure to celebrate the World Tourism Day as an important moment to reflect on the impacts of tourism in Kiribati – creating jobs, contributing to economic growth, connecting communities, and reducing poverty. Additionally, tourism encourages cultural exchange, cultural understanding, and social and environmental sustainability, which can help create a more harmonious society in Kiribati and for travel destinations around the world.

This year’s World Tourism Day 2024 theme by UN Tourism is “Tourism and Peace,” highlighting the potential of tourism as a mechanism for positive impacts on global peace. Sustainable tourism practices foster the inclusion of local communities and economies in the tourism sector while preserving natural and cultural resources. This theme resonates deeply with the core values of the Kiribati society, which promotes our friendly & peaceful Kiribati culture and advocates for sustainable tourism practices that protect our natural environment while enriching communities.

The World Tourism Day 2024 event in Kiribati was hosted by the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) with the celebration held on Betio in the capital South Tarawa (Gilbert Islands group) and by TAK staff on Kiritimati Island in the Line Islands. TAK also invited representatives from the tourism private sector, NGOs, and the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industries & Cooperatives (MTCIC).

The event was officially opened by the Secretary of MTCIC and the Acting CEO of TAK. The event also included the launching of the Climate Friendly Travel program to support sustainable tourism in Kiribati; a presentation of the TAK’s new Licensing Role for 2025; a Presentation on the International Visitors Survey or IVS (Jan -Jun Report 2024) & the Community Attitude Survey (CAS) Report; and a presentation on the new Kiribati tourism customer service program ‘Mauri Way.’ A short video teaser of a new Kiribati destination brand which is yet to be launched this year was also presented during the event. The day’s event was also entertained with traditional dancing and a feast to celebrate World Tourism Day 2024.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) launched the Climate Friendly Travel program on September 27, 2024, which aligns perfectly with the World Tourism Day theme of “Tourism and Peace.” This initiative is a significant step towards promoting sustainable and responsible tourism in Kiribati.

The Climate Friendly Travel program by SUNx Malta focuses on promoting sustainable tourism practices. By partnering with the Ministry of Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority, they aim to make tourism low-carbon, linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and nature-friendly. Their initiatives include educational programs like Diplomas, Registries, Chapters, Travel Clubs, and various services to encourage behavioural change toward more sustainable travel.

TAK’s officer Ms. Kiarake Karuaki completed the Climate Friendly Travel (CFT) Diploma program on the same day as the launch is a great example of commitment to sustainable tourism. Her expertise will surely contribute to the success of the Climate Friendly Travel initiative in Kiribati.

TAK will be rolling out the Climate Friendly Travel (CFT) program in Kiribati and developing a CFT Action Plan which will be a crucial step in promoting sustainable tourism practices within Kiribati. TAK will also be recruiting members (tourism operators, NGOs, and Government ministries), who be vital in making the Climate Friendly Travel (CFT) program a success in Kiribati. Their participation will help ensure that the initiative is comprehensive and impactful, addressing various aspects of sustainable tourism that contribute to peace in Kiribati.

The Kiribati National Shipping Ltd (KNSL) and the people of Kiribati are delighted with the arrival of MV Tobwaiko, a new fast ferry. The ferry is 15 metres long and 5 metres wide and can carry 50 passengers at a time. The speed of the ferry is supported by its twin jet engines that will run with speeds of 20 to 29knots. The ferry is supplied by Yahama Yachts, a Chinese-based company that builds maritime transportation.

A formal reception for the new fast ferry ‘Tobwaiko’ was hosted by KNSL at the Betio Port on the 7th of August 2024. The name of KNSL fast ferry ‘Tobwaiko’ is inspired by its meaning ‘nuture’ and will serve its purpose of providing fast ferry transportation between Tarawa port and several of the outer islands in the Gilbert Islands group of Kiribati.

On the Tourism side, ‘Tobwaiko’ fast ferry will also significantly support tourism in Kiribati by improving accessibility between islands, providing another alternative quick travel option convenient for both locals and tourists. With faster and more reliable transportation such as Tobwaiko, tourists can explore multiple islands in a shorter time, enhancing their overall experience. This increased connectivity can also help boost local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, by bringing in more visitors. Additionally, Tobwaiko can help promote lesser-known islands, spreading the economic benefits of tourism and business opportunities more evenly across the country. Overall, it would play a crucial role in making Kiribati a more attractive and accessible destination.

KNSL will prioritize safety and comfort for travelling passengers whilst the ferry will be operated by a well-trained captain and crew of KNSL. On board Tobwaiko there will be restrooms, air conditioning, meal & beverage service, and Starlink internet for passenger convenience and comfort to enjoy travel experience by sea.

The Minister for Tourism, Commerce Industry and Tourism (MTCIC), Honorable Booti Nauan led the Government team to commemorate the 132nd Anniversary of the hoisting of the Union Jack at Taratai Village on North Tarawa. The team was comprised of Government officials from MTCIC, Office of Te Beretitenti (OB) and the Ministry of Culture, and Internal Affairs (MCIA).

Each year on 8th of June, the people of Taratai honour their forefathers and commemorate the end of an intense traditional warfare in Kiribati and celebrate the signing of peace when Captain Davis established a protectorate Government and hoisted a Union Jack on Taratai Village in 1892.

In the Minister’s statement, he encouraged the people of Taratai village to continue to take pride and ownership and maintain the celebrations of this auspicious event. Mr Nauan also added, that this is a rich part of their history and culture and should be maintained for many generations to enjoy. It has great potentials to boost historical tourism that the Government of Kiribati through the Tourism Authority of Kiribati is committed to support.

The celebration was a lively one with march parades, hoisting of the Kiribati and England flag in the field followed by entertainment and feasting in the Maneaba. The one-day celebration was also joined by the Australian and New Zealand High Commissioners and their team, North Tarawa Island Council Mayor and Clerk, Church pastors and catechists, former MPs, teachers and friends of Taratai village as guests to the event.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati team attended a weeklong event organized by the Pacific Tourism Organization which took place in Nadi, Fiji from 29th April to 5th May 2024. These events ranged from Tourism research symposium, digital marketing workshop, Sustainable Tourism regional consultations, marketing managers meeting, the SPTO Board of Directors meeting and the 2 day South Pacific Tourism Exchange.

At the Sustainable Regional Consultation workshop, held at Tokatoka Resort, TAK was invited to present on its Mauri Mark Accommodation Standards program as part of the discussions on Pacific Sustainable Tourism standards.

Ko rabwa Pacific Tourism Organization and the sponsors for this successful eventful week of knowledge sharing, increased learning opportunity, regional collaboration, and wonderful networking opportunities.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) launched its Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy (KSTP) along with the Strategic Plan 2024-2026 during the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, and Industry Cooperatives Business Awards held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Sport Complex, Betio.

In presenting the documents, the Minister of Tourism, Commerce, and Tourism Cooperatives, the Honourable Minister Mr. Booti Nauan, shared that the KSTP aims to transform Kiribati into a wealthier, healthier, and more peaceful country that aligns well with relevant global and regional sustainable development frameworks and the Kiribati Government’s 20 year (KV20) Vision.

He added that this was the first-ever Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy, resulting from the collaboration between the Ministry and the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (ADB-PSDI), engaging a multitude of stakeholders within the Government and across local businesses and host communities.

While the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy and strategic plan signify an important milestone in our tourism development journey, it also envisions growth that will enable our natural environments to flourish, our socio-cultural values to thrive, and guarantee economic prosperity across our remote islands and communities.

To fulfil these ambitions, it will require a whole of government and whole of nation approach and I look forward to your continued valuable support as we endeavour to transform Kiribati into achieving its high level goals and to minimize the negative impacts of tourism while maximizing its benefits, the Honourable Minister highlighted.

The event was attended by the Kiribati Vice President and Honourable Ministers from Ministry of Education, Ministry of Employment and Human Resources, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy, Members of the Diplomatic corps, Kiribati Chamber of Commerce, and the business stakeholders.