Events – Page 2 – Kaongora Newsletter

TAK welcomes Miss Kiribati 2024 as a new ambassador for promoting Kiribati tourism

September 5, 2024September 4, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati proudly welcomed Miss Kiribati 2024, Ms. Kimberly Tokanang Aromata as the new ambassador for tourism in Kiribati. In her new role, Miss Kiribati will promote the unique beauty and cultural heritage of the islands, helping to raise Kiribati’s profile as a must-visit destination.

To kick off her ambassadorship, Miss Kiribati was given the opportunity to travel to North Tarawa with TAK for a special photo and video session. This initiative is part of a broader effort to capture and showcase the natural wonders and cultural richness of Kiribati, with Miss Kiribati serving as the face of upcoming promotional campaigns.

Her involvement as an ambassador highlights the important role of young leaders in supporting and promoting the growth of tourism in Kiribati, contributing to the nation’s economic and cultural development.

KNSL’s new Fast Ferry provides a new alternative to improve Travel & Tourism in the Gilbert Islands of Kiribati

September 5, 2024September 4, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

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.

TAK conducted tourism awareness to YCL Banana, Kiritimati

September 4, 2024September 4, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

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.

Kiritimati Island Celebrates 45 Years of Kiribati Independence

August 13, 2024August 7, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

Kiritimati Island marked its 45th year of independence of Kiribati with a joyous celebration, showcasing the island’s unique culture and community spirit. The festivities spanned several days, featuring events that captivated both residents and visitors alike.

The celebration kicked off with the Inter Pre-School Sports Day, where the island’s youngest athletes showcased their budding talents in a series of friendly competitions. This was followed by a Beauty Contest and Poem Drama, highlighting the children’s creativity and expressions. The Inter Primary School Sports and Quiz provided a platform for older students to demonstrate their athletic prowess and academic knowledge.

Meanwhile, local Sports enthusiasts on Kiritimati Island were treated to a competitive series of knockout matches and finals in volleyball, basketball, and football. The intense competition showcased the island’s passion for sports. The excitement culminated in the crowning of the champions in each sport, solidifying their place in Kiritimati’s Independence Day sporting events.

The celebration continued with a Talent Show, where individuals of all ages took to the stage to display their unique skills and artistic flair. The audience was entertained by a variety of performances, ranging from singing and dancing to magic tricks and comedy routines. The island’s rich cultural heritage was further celebrated through a Local Choir Competition, where groups from different villages competed with their harmonious melodies.

The Kiritimati Beauty Contest captivated the audience with the contestants from across the island showcasing their beauty, intelligence, and cultural pride, competing for the Miss Kiritimati title. The event was a testament to the island’s appreciation for both inner and outer beauty.

The festivities were also marked with a colorful parade March on the 12th of July. The streets of Kiritimati came alive with vibrant floats, energetic dancers, and enthusiastic participants, all celebrating the island’s 45 years of independence. The parade was a fitting tribute to the island’s history, culture, and resilient spirit.

The 12th of July was also showcased with a ceremonial colorful parade performed by the Kiribati Police, Government offices, and schools who paraded and marched to honor the day celebrating the 45th Kiribati Independence Day. The parade was a fitting tribute to the island’s history, culture and resilient spirit.

The 45th independence celebration on Kiritimati Island was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all who participated and who came to spectate. The events fostered a sense of unity, pride, and community spirit, showcasing the island’s unique identity and unwavering determination to thrive.

Minister of Tourism highlights historical tourism potentials during the 132nd Anniversary of Union Jack in North Tarawa.

July 2, 2024July 2, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

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.

TAK joins the Kiribati Delegation to the 13th FESTPAC 2024

July 4, 2024July 1, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in the FESTPAC 2024 (Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture) held in Honolulu, Hawaii from the 6th to 16th June. TAK was part of Kiribati delegation to the FESTPAC 2024 comprised of local weavers, dance performers, handicraft vendors, composers, local designers, and artists who attended the vibrant celebration along with their brothers and sisters from other Pacific Island nations to share their unique cultural heritage and artistic expression.

Representing one of the smallest nations in the Pacific, the Kiribati delegation brought a rich tapestry of traditional dances, music, crafts, and storytelling to the festival. Their performances captivated audiences, showcasing the resilience and deep-rooted cultural pride of the Kiribati people.

Throughout the event, the Kiribati delegation actively engaged with participants from other Pacific nations, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding. They shared their traditional knowledge and practices, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous cultures in a globalized world.

Beyond performances, the Kiribati delegation’s presence at Festpac 2024 underscored their commitment to cultural preservation and sustainability. Discussions and workshops focused on environmental challenges facing Kiribati and other Pacific Island nations, emphasizing the interconnectedness of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.

Overall, the Kiribati delegation’s participation in Festpac 2024 was a testament to their cultural vitality and their role in the broader Pacific community. It reinforced the importance of cultural diversity and collaboration in celebrating and safeguarding the unique identities of Pacific Island nations. The delegation also used this festival to connect, learn and share with other participating Pacific artists, as a way to promote cultural tourism.

TAK participates in Pacific Tourism Organization’s events.

May 10, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

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.

TAK Launched Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy and Strategic Plan 2024-2026

January 18, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

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.

Kiribati participates in China International Import Expo 2023

December 1, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) led the Kiribati delegation to the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2023 at the CIIE National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China from 05 – 10 November 2023. This marked Kiribati’s first every participation in the event which was hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.

CIIE is renowned as China’s premier trade event providing a unique platform for countries such as Kiribati to showcase their products, explore business opportunities, and engage in dialogue on key economic and trade potentials. Kiribati’s participation is a testament to the nation’s dedication to expanding its economic horizons and strengthening diplomatic ties with China.

This event marks a new chapter in Kiribati’s engagement with China on a global scale and underscores the country’s commitment to fostering international trade, tourism, and cooperation.

Kiribati’s participation not only symbolizes its commitment to global trade in fish and coconut products with China but also presented a unique opportunity to bolster its tourism sector through promoting Kiribati as a tourism & travel destination for the Chinese travel market through its products.

The participation at the 6th CIIE was coordinated by the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives (MTCIC) and the delegation was made up of representative officials from TAK, Kiribati Coconut Development Ltd (KCDL) and Central Pacific Producers Ltd (CPPL). Kiribati Fish Ltd (KFL), a joint venture with the Kiribati government, Shanghai Deep Sea Fishery and Golden Ocean Fish Ltd also participated in CIIE playing a significant role in the official launching of their Kiribati fish products during the 6 days CIIE trade event.

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

August 23, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

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.

Tourism Authority Kiribati