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Fanning Islands News

TAK promotes new licensing Policy consultation in Fanning Island

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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

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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.

Women in Kiritimati Island receive Basic Training in Hospitality

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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.

Kiribati prepares for cruise ship visits in October

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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.

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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