Line Islands News – Kaongora Newsletter

A Day in Paradise: MS ‘The World’ Embraces Kiritimati

December 5, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

Kiritimati, Kiribati – Friday, November 29th, 2024, marked a special day for the people of Kiritimati Island as they welcomed MS The World, a luxurious residential cruise ship, to their shores. With 92 residents and 290 crew members onboard, the island was a buzz with excitement and activity.

The day was a resounding success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Kiritimati community. Local artisans showcased their talents with vibrant displays of handcrafted goods, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s unique culture. The atmosphere was further enlivened by captivating performances from local dance and choir groups, including the mesmerizing YCL Aantaai Pipe Band, whose music filled the air at the landing beach.

A special thanks go to the dedicated tour operators who provided exceptional individual services, ensuring that guests experienced the best of Kiritimati. Their passion for their island home shone through in every interaction.

This visit would not have been possible without the collective effort of all Kiritimati people, church communities, and businesses. Their dedication to maintaining the island’s pristine beauty and welcoming atmosphere is truly commendable. The streets were spotless, the smiles were genuine, and the sense of pride in their home was palpable.

The World’s visit to Kiritimati was a testament to the power of community and the beauty of cultural exchange. It was a day filled with laughter, music, and shared experiences, leaving a lasting impression on both visitors and residents alike. To everyone who played a part in making this day so special: Kam Rabwa! (Thank you!)

TAK promotes new licensing Policy consultation in Fanning Island

November 8, 2024November 5, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

The consultation on the new tourism licensing policy for hotel and tour operators was conducted in Fanning Island on the 21st October 2024 by two Tourism officers from the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK). This is part of a nationwide consultation on this licensing policy, particularly to the local government councils including accommodation establishments and tour operations.

The consultation was held with a full council on Fanning informing the local government and tourism operators of a new licensing policy versus the current licensing practice in which the island council currently collects from the hotels and tour operators. TAK therefore stresses that under the new Tourism Regulation, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) will be mandated to collect tourism operation licenses by the beginning of 2025.

The consultation’s outcome was successful, with the Fanning Island Island Council supporting this change; however, the council requested to continue to collect operational licenses until the end of 2024.

This consultation makes Fanning as the 2nd island in the Line & Phoenix islands group to be consulted leaving Teraina Washington Island as the last to be visited and consulted before 2025.

TAK visits Fanning Island to Conduct Training on Mauri Way Customer Service and Community-Based Tourism

November 8, 2024November 5, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

From October 11th to 22nd, 2024, Officers from Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) office based on Kiritimati Island travelled to Fanning Island to conduct training with local tourism operators & community members on Fanning Island on the Mauri Way Customer Service program and Community-Based Tourism program. The Mauri Way customer service training took place from October 16th to 18th, with 8 hotel operators participating. On October 19th, a one-day Community-Based Tourism training session was held, with three local communities in attendance: Maurin-Eten, Inanoin-Maurin-te-Bonnano, and Paelau communities.

The introduction of the Mauri Way customer service and Community-Based Tourism programs on Fanning Island aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to bring Kiribati culture and hospitality to life. Through the Mauri Way, participants learned how to deliver authentic customer service that highlights the warmth and uniqueness of Kiribati. The Community-Based Tourism training provided insights into sharing cultural heritage with visitors, ensuring they have a memorable and meaningful experience in Kiribati.

At the conclusion of each training, participants were encouraged to share their new skills with colleagues and community members. As Mauri Way Ambassadors, they are now prepared to lead by example, applying what they have learned to welcome and serve visitors. This initiative strengthens Fanning Island’s readiness for future cruise ships and other visitors, enhancing its reputation as a vibrant and welcoming destination.

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.

Women in Kiritimati Island receive Basic Training in Hospitality

April 6, 2024April 5, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

Women on Kiritimati Island were provided with invaluable Basic Training in Hospitality, a program orchestrated by the Tourism Authority of Kiribati to commemorate International Women’s Day. Held on March 27th, 2023, at the MLPID’s Boardroom at London Village, the session welcomed all women eager to expand their expertise in hospitality services, drawing in a total of 10 enthusiastic participants.

The training workshop was very engaging with interactive group discussions and hands-on exercises covering essential facets of housekeeping and customer service, the training equipped attendees with a comprehensive understanding of creating an inviting and secure environment for guests.

The participants were practically taught techniques ranging from room preparation including cleaning, maintaining, organizing, and preparing rooms for guests. In addition, they were also educated in customer service interaction such as ways to respond to customer inquiries and complaints professionally and courteously, all vital to the industry’s hospitality success.

The training culminated as a resounding success, offering the women a transformative platform to cultivate their talents and thrive within the tourism hospitality sector on Kiritimati Island.

Kiritimati Island first to Welcome New Year

January 9, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

Kiritimati Island, located in the western part of Kiribati, welcomed the world’s first sunrise of 2024 with a festive dawn event featuring songs and dance at Bay of Wrecks site on January 1st, 2024.

Shared live via the Tourism Authority of Kiribati’s (TAK) official #VisitKiribati page, the Minister for Line & Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID), Honourable Mikarite Temari delivered a New Year welcome address and expressed gratitude for Kiribati’s unique distinction as the world’s first sunrise destination.

Minister Temari welcomed the more than 16,000 viewers to appreciate the cultural richness presented by the people of Kiritimati Island and encouraged them to consider Kiritimati Island in their 2024 travel plans. Furthermore, Honourable Temari invited travellers to travel to and join the people of Kiritimati Island welcome the world’s first sunrise on 01 January 2025.

TAK Acting CEO, Ms. Reeti Onorio expressed appreciation to all its partners that supported the event including the Aibwea Student Association from Brigham Young University, traditional entertainers from Banana village, Kiritimati Island tourism operators, visitors, and the people of Kiritimati Island.

Kiritimati Island is renowned for world-class saltwater fly-fishing and boasts some of the world’s most secluded and pristine golden sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon, and a diverse marine life.

The island is serviced through a weekly Fiji Airways service from Nadi and Honolulu and an Air Kiribati service from the nation’s capital, Tarawa.

TAK Supports 3rd PNA Leaders’ Summit

October 31, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati actively supported planning and preparatory work for the 3rd Party to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Leaders’ Summit, led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Resource Development, which took place on Kiritimati Island on October 26, 2023

The meeting centered on pressing concerns, including the sustainability of fisheries, climate resilience, and the promotion of sustainable development, demonstrating a strong dedication to the well-being of the Pacific region.

TAK took this opportunity to promote Kiritimati as the largest coral atoll in the world, a renowned fly-fishing destination, and the home of some of the world’s endangered seabirds.

The office in Kiritimati was also tasked in the allocation of rooms for the PNA delegations and organize tours and activities for leaders and their spouses and head of delegations. These tours and activities included fly fishing, birdwatching, and an island tour.

The leaders and their delegations had the opportunity to experience fly fishing, and each were accompanied by some of Kiritimati Island best fishing guides. Spouses got to enjoy a two-day tour program which included birdwatching, meeting the Island Women’s Association known as Nei Baneawa and touring the world’s largest coral atoll from Ronton Village to Paris. Delegates also toured the Solar Salt Company as part of their half day tour.

The Summit has given Kiritimati international recognition through the ‘Kiritimati Communique’, and TAK hopes that such an exposure will yield tourism advantages in the coming years.

Kiribati prepares for cruise ship visits in October

October 7, 2023October 2, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) in partnership with local stakeholders and service providers, preparing for cruise ship visits in October 2023.

The MS Volendam is scheduled to call into Tabuaeran (Fanning Island) on the 17th of October whilst the MS Noordam will call into Kiritimati Island on the 21st of October and the National Geographic Orion has scheduled calls into Butaritari and Tarawa on the 25th and 26th of October 2023 respectively.

To ensure a seamless visit for the National Geographic Orion, a team from the TAK in Tarawa has been dispatched to Butaritari. Their mission is to explore various options and collaborate with the Island Council, Bikaati Community, and Ukiangang Community to identify the most suitable location for the cruise ship to visit.

Meanwhile, the TAK office in Kiritimati has been engaged in extensive preparations for the arrival of MS Noordam and MS Volendam. These preparations include regular clean-up efforts at potential tourism sites every Saturday leading up to the cruise ship’s arrival. Additionally, they have been conducting customer service training for handicraft vendors and transport operators. Furthermore, surveys have been conducted to assess the safety and usability of wharf facilities, and depth sounding of boat passages has been carried out.

Preparations are ongoing to ensure that they are fully prepared for the arrival of cruise ships with the goal of providing a warm and welcoming experience for passengers and crews alike.

CLICK HERE for Kiribati cruise ship experience.

Kiribati Tourism Students gives back to Community

August 31, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

A group of dedicated I-Kiribati students, affiliated with the Aibwea organization at BYU Hawaii recently completed a series of tourism awareness initiatives on Kiritimati Island from August 09 to 23, 2023.

Accompanied by their professor, Jeff Christensen, Director and Head Faculty for Tourism and Hospitality Management, and a local photographer, the students worked in close partnership with the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) and under the guidance of the Ministry of Lines and Phoenix Island Development (MLPID) whilst on Kiritimati.

Hailing from diverse backgrounds, these students all share a common passion for Tourism and support for the Kiribati government’s vision for comprehensive Tourism development across the Line Islands.

The team initiated a robust campaign of tourism awareness where the primary objective was to educate, engage, and empower communities, youths, and high schools on Kiritimati Island about the many advantages of tourism.

11 Kiritimati Island communities, two senior secondary schools and the youth communities of Tabwakea and Ronton benefited from this engagement. This campaign strengthened awareness of tourism, roles crucial in advancing tourism development, and the support from both Aibwea organization and TAK for entrepreneurs interested in ventures related to tourism.

Through this initiative, communities gained a deeper understanding of the rewards offered by tourism-related businesses, and their pivotal role in fostering the growth of the tourism sector on Kiritimati Island. Their enthusiasm to initiate community-based tourism (CBT) ventures was also a well-received by TAK who is also developing CBT across the Gilbert Islands.

The team explored various natural attractions, including bird nesting areas, parks, and pristine beaches. These ventures also served to create promotional and awareness videos that promise to amplify the appeal of Kiritimati Island and boost its tourism industry.

Kiritimati island Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS)

February 28, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted its first Tourism Business Inventory Survey for 2023 in Kiritimati Island from 30^th January to 3^rd February.

TAK took the opportunity during the survey to encourage all Kiritimati Island tourism accommodation and businesses operators to begin preparing their properties and facilities for when commercial flights to the island resumes.

Through the survey, TAK gathered tourism data and information to be used for visitor’s information and marketing purposes.

The survey confirmed that Kiritimati Island has a total of 9 accommodation providers of which 8 were surveyed. These include The Village Hotel. Lagoon View Resort, The Inn Pacific, Little Flower, IKARI House, Dive & Fishing Adventure Lodge and Port Apartment Service. The Captain Cook Hotel was not included in this year survey due to its ongoing maintenance and renovation.

Kiritimati currently has a total of 65 rooms inventory available on the island with 126 beds and 11 units (8 kiakia & 3 huts) with 12 beds.

Tourism Authority Kiribati