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Events

TERAU AND MARYS WIN AT NATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS

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Terau Beach Bungalow in Abaiang and Mary’s Motel in Bairiki scooped the top prizes for Best Accommodation Hospitality categories for the Outer Islands and South Tarawa respectively at the 2020 National Business Awards. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC) on the 05 December 2020 at the National Sports complex in Bairiki.

Terau Beach Bungalow is a beachfront property that offers both traditional over water bungalows and biua accommodation. Located on the organic island of Abaiang, it is well-regarded for its staff’s welcoming attitude and the resort offers numerous activity and day trip options including a picnic tour to Teirio islet. TripAdvisor rates Terau Beach Bungalow at 5 out of 5.

Located in Bairiki, Mary’s Motel is a family-run operation and has been in business since 1990. What started as a 4 rooms and small restaurant establishment has now expanded to 15 units, fully operational restaurant, and meeting facilities for up to 15 people. Average reviews for Mary’s Motel on TripAdvisor rates the property at a 3.5 with location and service at 4 out of 5.

The selection was based on an independent online poll survey which measured properties on facilities, customer services and overall guest satisfaction.

TAK Celebrates World Food Day

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in World Food Day Celebration on Nonouti Island on 04 – 18 November 2020. This program was organized by LDCF project in collaboration with its key stakeholders.

World Food Day is celebrated annually and this year, LDCF team commemorated it through community consultation and awareness, with its main purpose of encouraging all locals to conserve, preserve and sustain the use of their land and marine resources, against the impact of climate change.

Whilst in Nonouti, TAK  conducted school awareness program to all primary schools, and a Tourism Business Inventory Survey at the Nonouti Island Council Guest House.

This program was supported by the Kiribati LDCF-1 project, funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented under the Environment and Conservation Division with the support of the United Nations Development Programme.

77th ANNIVERSARY – BATTLE OF TARAWA & MAKIN

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20 November 2020

77 years ago, today, the US Marines began two separate attack operations on the Japanese on the islands of Makin (Butaritari) and Tarawa in Kiribati known as “Operation Galvanic”. These lasted between 20 – 23 November 1943.

To commemorate the 77th anniversary of one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific Theatre of WWII, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is releasing a series of videos and personal interviews and accounts of I-Kiribati survivors of the 1943 battles of Tarawa and Makin.

Produced locally, the videos share very personal stories of trauma and survival by Ikiribati elders who witnessed the atrocities of the war firsthand as children.

TAK Head of Marketing, Ms. Sarah Teetu says that “the stories of the battle of Tarawa and Makin hold significant place in Kiribati’s history and the Tourism Authority of Kiribati will share this part of the destination’s history through the niche battlefield tourism market”.

Teetu adds that remnants of World War 2 are still visible throughout Kiribati today for battlefield travellers to visit and these include coastal guns, bunkers, and other artilleries.

Through its Reset Kiribati program, TAK has embarked on an effort to preserve war relics and promote battlefield tours to Kiribati.

TAK Kiritimati celebrates World Tourism Day

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati office in Kiritimati Island celebrated World Tourism Day for one week from the 21 to 25 September 2020. Part of the one-week program included trainings and awareness programs conducted by Ministry of Commerce & Industry Cooperative (MCIC), Ministry of Women, Youth, Sport & Social Affairs (MWYSSA), and Wildlife.

MCIC & MWYSA conducted trainings on Business Acts and Women empowerment from 21 to 22 September 2020, while a clean-up campaign organized by Wildlife & Conservation Division conducted on 24 September 2020.

Official celebration was held on Friday 25 September at the Millennium maneaba. The program included remarks from Officer in Charge for Line and Phoenix Office Mr. Bwereti Tewareka followed by the award of certificates and reference to the 20 participants of the Business Acts and Women Empowerment trainings and the award for third prize in the National Essay writing competition.

Invited guests included OIC for MLPID, tourism operators and accommodation providers, training participants, participating schools, and markers for essay writing competition, OIC for MHMS, and the WTD committee members.

Kiritimati World Food Day

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati Kiritimati team attended a World Food Day preparatory meeting conducted by the Agriculture & Livestock Division at the Wildlife office on the 22 September 2020.

The world food day is an annual event that is celebrated on the 16th of October every year and this year theme is based on: “Grow, Nourish, Sustain, Together, Our Actions Are Our Future”.

Competition on home gardening and cleaning competition for all interested households will be part of the World Food Day Celebration as proposed by Mrs. Susana Ratu. World Food Coordinator.

Mrs. Ratu added, that a two days roadshow awareness program should also be carried out and led by the Land and Management division to help bring awareness on World Food Day. Other stakeholders are also invited to prepare a short awareness campaign during the two days.

TAK office supports the events as it is also support sustainable tourism on the island and the office look forward to participate especially in clean-up and roadshow program.

Preparation for World Tourism Day 2020

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World Tourism Day (WTD) will be celebrated around the world on the 27th of September 2020.

The theme for this year’s celebration as set by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO) is “Tourism: Building Peace and Fostering Knowledge.” Given that the 27th September falls on Sunday this year, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) will celebrate World Tourism Day on the 25th September 2020.

To celebrate this year’s World Tourism Day, TAK is working with the Ministry of Education to host an essay competition for Year 10 students on the topic “How tourism can promote peace and strengthen knowledge of the I-Kiribati people”

Through the assistance of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs, TAK will also organise a practical training on handicraft making with women from various local communities.

TAK welcomes year 10 students and women to participate in this year’s World Tourism Day celebration.

TAK Hosts Miss Kiribati 2020

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) hosted Miss Kiribati 2020, Baniti Semilota to a Tourism Industry update and morning tea at the head office in Takoronga on Thursday 30th July 2020.

As Miss Kiribati 2020, Baniti Semilota will advocate for and be engaged in the promotion of Kiribati locally and internationally. TAK recognizes the importance of such a public figure role and has taken the opportunity during her visit to educate and update her on the status of the tourism industry in Kiribati.

In her speech to the staff of TAK, Miss Kiribati welcomed the opportunity to assist in the promotion of Tourism in Kiribati during her reign.

Miss Kiribati was accompanied by Mrs. Tiinia, Chairlady of the Miss Kiribati Pageant and Ms Runeta, representative of the pageant sponsor, Shipping Agency of Kiribati (SAOK).

TAK Welcomes new Tourism Minister

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The new Minister of the Ministry of Information, Communication, Transport and Tourism Development (MICTTD) Hon Tekeeua Tarati was officially welcomed by Tourism Authority of Kiribati on 27 July 2020 during his visit to their office in Takoronga.

The visit gave TAK an opportunity to brief the Honourable Minister on the current status of tourism in Kiribati, the Covid-19 impact assessment and the Authority’s plans on resetting the industry.

In his remarks, Minister Tekeeua stressed on the important need for TAK to work closely with government and the private sector to strengthen tourism in Kiribati.

Kiribati Celebrates 41 Years of Independence

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Kiribati marked 41 years of independence from Great Britain on 13 July 2020.

For thousands of I-Kiribati (Gilbertese), celebrating Independence Day comes with certain ceremonies and traditions. Combined church service, cultural celebration, sports competition, family reunions and a marching parade are some of the most popular ways the Kiribati people mark the nation’s independence.

This year, cultural celebration included a competition on different Kiribati local dances, canoe, and a local wrestling. Other sports included, basketball, volleyball, and football (soccer). The Miss Kiribati Pageant is also another highlight of national day celebration.

The 2020 independence celebration concluded with an official marching parade in the Betio Sport complex by schools, private businesses, communities and the police.

The popular ANZ MIC competition and ATHKL(Vodafone) singing competition however did not take place this year due to covid-19 pandemic precautionary measures by these respective organizations

Kiritimati opens 2nd Medical Clinic

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Kiritimati Island opened its 2nd medical clinic at Banana Village on Friday 17th 2020. This was part of the government project, built to accommodate an increase in population in Banana due to the newly relocated residents.

Banana is located 25km away (approximately 1-hour drive) from the main hospital.  with a growing population, and government sees the need to build another medical clinic to lessen the burden of having to travel long distances to receive medical attention. The clinic is also conveniently located next to Cassidy International airport and close to recreational sites (bird-watching and game fishing grounds.)

The official opening event was attended by the Honorable Minister Mikarite Temari and Mrs Faioa Temari along with the Heads of Departments of the Ministry of Lines, Phoenix Island Development.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati welcomes this new development in Kiritimati as it believes that it will contribute to making the island tourism ready once international flights resume.

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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