Events

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.

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.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in the National Cultural and Senior Citizen Day celebrated on 11th July 2023 at the Sports Complex, Betio, South Tarawa.

The event was part of the Kiribati independence celebration organized by the Cultural and Museum Division (CMD) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) with the theme ‘Good Governance through sustaining our I-Kiribati Cultural Heritage’.

Our cultural heritage provides sense of unity and belonging within a group and allow us to better understand previous generations and the history of where we come from. Understanding our cultural heritage gives us a sense of personal identity.

A drama on celebrating womanhood was performed by committee members of the National Cultural Day showcasing the importance and significance of celebrating womanhood in Kiribati and why we need to preserve this part of Kiribati cultural heritage.

The event also included local stakeholders and relevant ministries sharing and showcasing their skills through traditional arts and crafts TAK used the opportunity to raise awareness on its services.

Attending the event was His Excellency President Taneti Maamau, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Government officials, and community. The program concluded with refreshment and booth inspection.