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Events

Tourism Kiribati welcomes new market development in Betio

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) welcomes the initiative by the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives (MTCIC) to construct an Open Integrated Market (OIM) on Betio, South Tarawa.

At the official ground-breaking ceremony on Thursday 24 November 2022, Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Honourable Booti Nauan said that “the prime objective of the Open Integrated Market is to provide a one stop shop or market, a place to market all locally grown fruits and vegetables, and Kiribati homemade handicrafts”.

Honourable Nauan added that “the selection of Betio the location is strategic knowing that island has the highest number of the population and is the main port for all inbound and outbound shipping vessels”.

Funded by the Government of Australia, the OIM will also serve foreign vessels who may wish to purchase any fruits and vegetables along with Kiribati homemade handicrafts. The construction of the OIM will foster the development of domestic trade and create more economic opportunities for the people of Kiribati, particularly at the grassroot level, especially women and youth.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati recognises the value such a development will bring to improving visitor economy on South Tarawa especially for cruise tourism. The OIM will be a central location for local handicraft makers from all over Kiribati to sell their creations to international travellers.

This project is scheduled to be completed in 2025 and will cost AUD$6 million.

Tourism Kiribati to promote WW2 80th Year Commemoration in 2023

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As Kiribati concluded the commemoration of 79th anniversary World War 2 on the islands of Butaritari and Betio in South Tarawa, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) shares that many untold stories of these historical events in 1943 makes Kiribati an intriguing island destination for battlefield tours.

TAK Chief Executive Officer, Petero Manufolau made the comments following the final commemoration WWll event at the Japan and Korean memorial monuments in Tabon Takoronga on Betio, South Tarawa.

“Whist most of what we know about these historical World War 2 events are documented”, Manufolau added that “first-hand accounts of survivors in the islands of Tarawa and Butaritari offer a fascinating and emotional journey into what is a significant part of the island destination’s history”.

To share the many untold, undocumented and undiscovered remanence of World War 2 in Kiribati, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) will begin work to develop ‘relive and re-discover Kiribati WWll packages’ for the 80th anniversary celebrations in November 2023.

Through its engagement with the United Stated of America, Japan and the Republic of Korea on battlefield tours and war relics preservation, TAK will collaborate with local stakeholders and international World War 2 travel and tour operators to develop and promote battlefield tour products to Kiribati.

Manufolau said “the Kiribati WWll 80th anniversary in 2023 will be an excellent opportunity for families and relatives of U.S, Japanese and Korean servicemen whose lives were lost in Tarawa and Butaritari to visit Kiribati to honour their memories”. Furthermore, he said “such a visit will also allow relatives to connect with IKiribati people who have become custodians or WWll relics and guardians of the remains of their loved ones in these islands”.

Visitors to Kiribati can enjoy WWll guided tours in Tarawa and Butaritari with trained local guides and historians.

Kiribati honours Japanese & Korean WWII Monument

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The Kiribati Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Honourable Booti Nauan hosted the 79th WWll anniversary commemoration and the reopening of the Japan and Korea monuments at Tabon Takoronga, Betio Tuesday 29 November, 2022.

Present at the event was His Excellency Kawakami Fumihiro, Ambassador of Japan to Kiribati and Excellency Park Young-kyu, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kiribati.

Set against the backdrop of the re-built Japan and Korea WWll memorial monument, the event began with a welcome from the traditional landowners the Unimwane ao Unaine Betio followed by a commemoration memorial service led by Reverend Tioti Timon from the Kiribati Uniting Church.

In his address, Hon Nauan shared that “while the Battle of Tarawa will long be remembered as the bloodiest battle in the Pacific campaign of WWll, it important to acknowledge that each of the more than 5,000 lives lost, whether they were Americans, Japanese or Koreans, were sons, fathers, brothers, uncles who were loved by their families and that their memory must always be honoured”.

The Ambassadors of Japan and Korea both expressed their sincerest gratitude to the Government and the people of Kiribati for the initiative to remember their fallen countrymen.

The event was also attended by the High Commissioner of Australia to Kiribati, His Excellency David Yardley, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kiribati His Excellency Tang Songgen, the Mayor of Betio, local church leaders and community elders.

Kiribati Commemorates 79th Anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa

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Kiribati commemorated the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa in a solemn dawn ceremony at the U.S. World War 2 memorial monument in Betio, South Tarawa on Tuesday 22 November 2022.

The Battle of Tarawa was one of the first battles in the Pacific War during World War 2 and lasted between 20 – 23 November 1943. By the end of this campaign, nearly 6,400 Japanese, Koreans and Americans died on the tiny island of Betio in the 76 hours of fighting. This earned its name as the bloodiest battles during World War 2.

The commemoration ceremony began with a traditional welcome from the elders of Betio, followed by a moving memorial remembrance service led by the Kiribati Uniting Church Deputy Moderator Reverend Tioti Timon.

In his address, President of the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency Taneti Maamau said “my wife and I have the great pleasure in joining you today to pay tribute to the US Servicemen and women, that have bravely fought for peace and harmony. While history cannot be changed, the bravery, courage and selfless determination of the fallen and of the survivors must forever be recognized and honoured”.

President Maamau shared that “by remembering, by telling our stories, we hope that their legacy becomes a source of inspiration for nations to forge peace with one another”.

In attendance was a delegation from the U.S Embassy in Suva Fiji led by Army Attaché Lt. Colonel John Paul A Smock, the High Commissioner of New Zealand to Kiribati, H.E. Andre Van Der Walt, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia, Timothy Gill, Deputy Mayor of Betio, Government officials and community elders.

Lt. Colonel John Paul A Smock whilst acknowledging the commemoration said that “today, the United States is enhancing its commitment to Kiribati and the Blue Pacific, and I thank God that I am privileged enough to be part of that effort. Our shared past unites us, and our shared future will only make us stronger.” He thanked everyone present for their time today and for the opportunity to remember those who gave so much in the cause of freedom.

The event concluded with refreshments served by staffs and management of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK).

Kiritimati Island Trade Show and Quality Day 2022

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The Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives (MTCIC) in Kiritimati Island hosted the 2022 Kiritimati Trade show and Quality Day at the Mini stadium in London, Kiritimati on Friday 21st October 2022.

The theme of this year’s event was ‘Quality Domestic Trades Strengthen Product Integrity’ and was officially opened by Kiritimati Island Mayor, Mr. Naatua Teiti and was attended by representatives of the public and private sector.

This is an annual gathering of local producers and manufacturers who aim to increase public understanding of their products and services through demonstration, promotion and consumer engagement.

MTCIC used the event to also evaluate the prices and quality of the goods and services against customer expectation and the prescribed standards required for domestic and international trade.

The exhibition booths at the event featured handicraft and traditional clothing and artifact creators, local salt producer, traditional food produced like smoked fish, and outboard motor spare parts operators.

Abemama Community-based Tourism Products Launched

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Kiribati Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC), Honourable Booti Nauan led a team of government officials to launch the Abemama Island Community-based Tourism Program developed by the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) from 22 to 25 July 2022.

Abemama was selected to pilot this community-based tourism product development initiative through LDCF1 Food Security Project coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Land and Agricultural Development (MELAD).

The launch coincides with the country’s international border reopening from 01 August 2022 which aims to make Abemama a sustainable tourism ready island that offers responsible, safe and community-based tourism experiences.

At the launch, Honorable Minister Nauan encouraged participants to continue their commitment to their tourism businesses as it will enable the island to gain international recognition for its pristine environment, turquoise lagoon, unique attractions, rich history and warm hospitality.

6 communities and an accommodation provider are part of this program, which combined and will deliver a 5-days 3-days island off the beaten track packages.  Experiences offered through in these packages include cultural performances, marine-based activities, resilient farming tours and local Kiribati cuisine.

Participating communities and operator were provided with certificates of recognition for their contributions to the safe, smart and sustainable restart to tourism in Kiribati.

 

TAK joins World Food Day celebration

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) joined the World Food Day celebration at Betio, South Tarawa today. The event was organized by the Agriculture and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Environment, Lands & Agricultural Development (MELAD), with the theme “Our actions are our future – better production and better life for resilient islands and resilient communities”.

TAK presented the value of agritourism at the event, highlighting the opportunities that exist for a ‘farm to table’ concept, utilising local produce.

Product Development Officer Kiarake Karuaki shared the importance of food in the travel industry, and how local communities play a pivotal role in the development of small farms and well managed ocean catch to help improve travellers’ culinary experiences. In her presentation, Karuaki showcased the traditional food journey and highlighted that every step of the food journey is important to creating authentic and memorable experiences for visitors.

TAK is working with local island communities to develop agritourism products. One such community is the Reina Community in Abemama which has undergone numerous product development trainings and will be assisted once Kiribati’s international borders reopen.

Tourism Restart Program rolled out in Kiritimati Island

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The announcement by His Excellency, Te Beretitenti, Taneti Maamau in September to open Kiribati’s borders in January 2022 has prompted the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) to begin rolling out its Tourism Restart Program in Kiritimati Island.

A key component to the Kiribati Restart Program is the Kiribati Tourism & Hospitality Protocols for the New Normal, a set of safety protocols designed to assist tourism business operators to protect their guests and staffs against the threat of COVID-19 when borders reopen in January 2022.

The training was delivered on the 20th and 21st of October at the Inn Pacific Motel, Kiritimati and was attended by accommodation providers from around the island.

In his official address, the Minister for Line & Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID) Honorable Mikarite Temari urged the tourism operators to take the training seriously. He encouraged participants to capture as much as possible from these safety protocols.

He said that “as frontline staff, the future of border reopening for Kiritimati depends on how confident and ready you are to receive international visitors”.

Honourable Temari added that MLPID plans to have Kiritimati be the first to open its international border however this will depend on COVID0-19 safety protocols compliance by all tourism business operators.

Participants of the workshop included employees from the Villages hotel, Lagoon View hotel, Inn Pacific motel, Mauri Delights apartment, Sunset Horizon Fishing Lodge, The Little Flower Guesthouse and Ikari house.

The training included simulation exercises on each recommended protocol to allow participants to better grasp the significance of the compliance measures, particularly since Kiritimati has been COVID-19 safe since the pandemic broke out. Participants will also be assisted with a supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

In thanking the trainers, Mr Bureieta from the Village Hotel shared that all tourism operators in Kiritimati look forward to the reopening of the border as the hotel industry has been the most affected during this pandemic. He also expressed that they were equally conscious of the risks of COVID- 19 and will ensure that they are all fully compliant and well prepared for the reopening.

The protocol and training were funded through the US Embassy’s Economic Recovery Grant and supported by the Ministry of Health & Medical Services (MHMS) and the Kiribati Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI).

 

Kiribati Sport Fishing Club December Competition  

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The Kiribati Sport Fishing Club (KSFC) hosted its final fishing competition on 28 December 2020 with the weigh in at Freddy’s Bar in Takoronga.

A total of 7 teams registered including Christine, Takgee, Black Pearl, Beauty Shark, Lady Mary, Nei Buroburo and Black Belt. Each team consisted of 3 to 7 anglers.

The competition was open to both women and men, with the aim of encouraging fishing enthusiasts to continue and maintain their skill and knowledge of fishing as a job or hobby.

The teams were judged on the weight and quantity of their catch which included Yellowfin tuna, Tuna, Barracuda, Wahoo, Marlin, and Dog Tooth.

Black Pearl took out the prize for highest number of tuna species caught and the best female angler prize was awarded to Ms. Taara Tokamaen Maiu from team Christine. A special award was also presented to the Lady Mary team for reeling in a 149lbs blue marlin. Lady Mary also too out the overall winner’s prize.

Chairman of the KSFC Mr. Ritiati Ariera closed the event by thanking all the sponsors for their generous support and participants for their continuous interest in fishing. The KSFC has more exciting competitions planned for 2021.

Kiritimati Celebrates World Food Day

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati TAK) in Kiritimati Island participated in World Food Day celebration from 30th November to 04th December 2020. This program was organized by the Agriculture Division of the Ministry of Environment, Land and Agricultural Development (MELAD).

This year’s World Food Day was commemorated through a roadshow awareness program to London, Tabakea and Banana, a cleanathon, and household cleaning and gardening competition. Activities were drawn from World Food Day theme of “Grow, Nourish, Sustain, Together, Our Actions are our Future”.

The World Food Day celebrations concluded on 04th December with a fruits and vegetable farming competitions between communities and farmers. Participants were judged on the size and weight of their produce. There was also a gardening competition which was judged based on the beauty, diversity and range, health, planning and designed, and creativity.

The celebration was attended by OIC for MLPID, Lordship Mayor from the Kiritimati Urban Council and his team, Government Head of Divisions, Communities, farmers and staff of the Ministry of Environment, Lands & Agricultural Development.

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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