Press Releases – Kaongora Newsletter

Tourism Authority of Kiribati Showcases ‘Come Visit Kiribati’ at South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2024

May 14, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is happy to announce that its Tourism Marketing team has just returned from participating at the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2024 (SPTE2024) that took place on the 4th-5th May at Denarau, Sheraton Resort in Nadi, Fiji.

The SPTE2024 is a prestigious tourism trade meeting event (B2B) held annually and is organized by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) to present a cost-effective platform for its Pacific Island partners to travel from all corners of the Pacific to meet at one location to exchange their exciting tourism products with international buyers from across the globe who are made up of international travel agents and tour operators who are also seeking and exploring new travel holiday products to promote with their clients in their foreign countries.

The Senior Marketing Officer from TAK, Mr. George Kum Kee indicated that at SPTE2024 the TAK Marketing team engaged with 59 travel industry professionals, tour operators, and media representatives to promote the country’s unique tourism offerings. The trade networking was held in 15-minute meeting intervals which were considerably very brief meeting encounters, however, most of the work will come after the SPTE event with a series of follow-throughs to provide the buyers with a Kiribati tourism destination information e-kit. The officer added that through networking events, business appointments, and destination presentations, Kiribati aims to increase awareness of its tourism potential and attract more visitors to its shores.

George emphasized that Kiribati’s presence at this prestigious event underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable tourism growth and highlighting the promotion Kiribati’s niche tourism attractions. He added that, apart from the natural beauty of Sun, Sea & Sand that we all share similarly with our neighboring Pacific Islands, Kiribati participated in promoting its niche tourism experiences such as authentic cultural experiences through cultural community-based tourism activities, world-class fishing in Kiritimati Island, Scuba diving in Kiritimati Island, Birdwatching & wildlife tourism, and surfing Kiritimati & Fanning Island. The team shared the notion with the buyers that tourism in Kiribati is for specific travellers seeking off-the-beat & path adventure and authentic experiences like cultural encounters and experiencing aquatic marine activities. TAK therefore looks to forge new partnerships after this SPTE and looks forward to welcoming more visitors to Kiribati.

With its participation in the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2024, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati aims to position the country as a must-visit destination in the South Pacific, inviting travellers to discover the magic of Kiribati’s islands and create lifelong memorable experiences.

TAK Participates in Start & Improve Your Business Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop.

April 5, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati participated in an 8 days Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop in ‘Start & Improve Your Business’ (SIYB) held at the Marine Training Centre in Betio from 5th to 14th March 2024.

The SIYB TOT was organized by International Labour Organization (ILO) for Pacific Island Countries in collaboration with the Kiribati Government and funded by the SDG fund through the Join UN Programme on “Accelerating SDG achievement through digital transformation to strengthen community resilience in Micronesia’.
A collaboration organized to address the issue of unemployment and poverty for both rural and urban areas, allowing SIYB trainers to gain acquired knowledge and skills and be able to deliver quality business trainings and sustainable programs.

The Training will also assist the Kiribati government to strengthen and revive its entrepreneurs and cooperatives as key business players to improve economic activities, create jobs, assist in delivering basic services and generate income for communities including women and unemployed youths in the urban and rural areas.
The SIYB workshop focused on six learning components; GYB (Generate Your Business Ideas), SYB (Start Your Business), IYB (Improve Your Business), EYB (Expand Your Business), DYB (Digitalising Your Business) and GYB (Greening Your Business).

A total of 18 participants participated in the TOT training comprised mainly of representatives from the Kiribati Champer of Commerce, Central Pacific Producer Limited, Angirin Enterprises, Development Bank of Kiribati, Kiribati Institute of Technology, Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources Development, Ministry of Women, Youth, Sport and Cooperatives and Social Affairs, Te Toa Matoa (People with Disabilities), Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry Cooperatives and the Tourism Authority of Kiribati.

TAK staff stress the importance of the training and how it will boost their capacity in this area, allowing them to extend this training to existing and established tourism operators, community-based tourism businesses, as well as to anyone who might have insight into creating and establishing a sustainable tourism business in the future.

A tribute to the Late Ms Sarah Botaake Teetu Senior Tourism Officer – Tourism Authority of Kiribati

September 29, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die” John 11: 25-26

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) family in the past week mourned the loss of a valuable member of the organisation and Senior Tourism Officer – Marketing, Promotions & Communications, Nei Sarah Botaake Teetu.

Sarah took up her appointment with TAK when the organisation was established on 10 June 2019, a role that she was passionate about as she considered the opportunity to promote Kiribati internationally a privilege.

Against the challenges she faced in recent years due to her health, Sarah worked tirelessly to promote Kiribati as best she could. She is described by her colleagues as a competitive individual but would never give up the opportunity to share her knowledge with her coworkers.

She was a kind and compassionate person who always had a smile on her face and always willing to help others. Her witty sense of humour also never went unnoticed in the workplace as it was always accompanied by her contagious laughter. At same time, Sarah was never one to hold back as she would never pass an opportunity to speak her mind on work matters that she was passionate about.
Prior to taking leave to care for her health, Sarah represented Kiribati at the South Pacific Tourism Exchange in Christchurch New Zealand in May 2023 where she keenly shared her home Kiribati to a global audience and effectively connected us with tour operators from around the world.

Simply put, Sarah was a kind and compassionate person who always had a smile on her face and was always willing to help others. To the TAK family, she represented the essence of what it means to be resilient. She was a true asset to the organisation and her company, friendship and contributions will be missed by all who knew her.

The TAK offices in Kiritimati and Tarawa each held commemoration services to remember the life of our colleague Nei Sarah and we were blessed to have been joined by her husband Mr. Rennie Reymond and daughter Nei Anaa in Tarawa.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time and may Sarah’s Beautiful Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.

Tekeraoi am borau.

Tourism Authority of Kiribati Leads Betio Clean-Up in Preparation for WWII 80th Anniversary

September 19, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

In a proactive effort to preserve its pristine natural beauty and pay homage to the historical significance of World War II, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) in partnership with U.S Embassy, Suva, Betio Town Council and Betio Youth Groups conducted a one-day clean-up at Red Beach 1 & 2 at Betio on Saturday 16 September 2023.

This initiative underscores Kiribati’s commitment to environmental sustainability and honouring its past. It was also part of TAK’s preparation for the upcoming 80th-anniversary commemoration of WWI in November 2023.

Representing the U.S. Embassy, Suva at the clean-up was a group of United States Marines currently in Betio to undertake maintenance on the U.S WWll Memorial Monument.

Reeti Onorio, Deputy CEO of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, shared her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This clean-up is not only about preserving our environment but also a chance to reflect on our history. Kiribati played a crucial role in World War II, and we want to ensure that the sites and surroundings where these events occurred are respected and preserved. We invite everyone to join us in such meaningful endeavor in the future.”

In line with its commitment to sustainable tourism, TAK is actively engaged in promoting environmental conservation and responsible tourism practices. This clean-up initiative serves as a testament to TAK’s dedication to preserving Kiribati’s natural assets for generations to come.

TAK attends ‘Nei Tengarengare’ Summit on Butaritari Island

August 31, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), following contributions to the Kiribati Coastal Fisheries Summit in May 2023, joined the Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resource Development (MFMRD) at the Nei Tengarengare – Community Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) Summit on Butaritari Island from 14-16 August 2023.

The summit was attended by participants from across 14 Island councils and community representative across the Gilbert group of islands. The gathering encouraged island communities with established Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) to discuss progress towards sustaining their marine resources, share challenges and to map mitigation strategies. The program included panel discussion and presentations from the MFMRD’s Coastal Fisheries Division.

TAK Officer and Sustainable Tourism Champion, Ms. Kiarake Karuaki presented on marine tourism development potential through MPA tours, reef to fork concept of seafood culinary experiences and marine heritage conservation.

The summit concluded with an official banquet attended by the President of the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency, Taneti Maamau and First Lady Maamau, Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ms. Karen Bray, High Commissioner of Australia, and Marni Gilbert Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand to Kiribati.

When delivering his address, TAK Chief Executive Officer, Petero Manufolau, thanked the MFMRD for their visionary and inclusive approach of incorporating tourism to its Community-Based Fisheries Management programme.

Other Gilbert islands included in the CBFM programme are Makin Marakei, Abaiang, South Tarawa (Nanikaai), North Tarawa, Maiana, Kuria, Aranuka, Abemama, Nonouti, Tabiteuea Meang, Onotoa and Nikunau.

Butaritari Hosts Community-Based Tourism Product Trial Tour.

September 4, 2023August 31, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

After more than a decade of commitment to marine conservation, the three Butaritari Marine Protected Area (MPA) communities of Bikaati Islet, Kuuma, and Tanimaiaki, celebrated their inaugural community-based tourism product trial tour on Wednesday 16 August 2023.

The tour showcased the flourishing health of their marine ecosystems through site visitation and the indulgence of participants in sumptuous feast consisting of seafood and other local delicacies.

The MPA tour served as a platform for the three vibrant communities to proudly present the substantial growth of their marine ecosystems. While these communities exhibited their achievements, they also inspire other participating islands across the Gilbert Islands to explore innovative ways of enhancing the value of MPAs. This holistic approach seeks to intertwine marine conservation, economic advancement, and the preservation of rich social and cultural heritage, all of which are integral to the Gilbert Islands’ identity and of Kiribati’s tourism destination identity.

Na Itinibeia, a member of one of the MPA communities, shared his profound gratitude for this pioneering tour program. He eagerly anticipates the prospect of welcoming visitors who seek to partake in this experience, and to foster a greater understanding of the importance of marine ecosystems.

Following the trial tour, the communities of Kuuma, Bikaati, and Tanimaiaki have confirmed their readiness to extend a warm welcome to travelers interested in immersing themselves in the MPA journey. Options, including 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day itineraries will ensure that every visitor can tailor their experience to align with their interests and schedules.

Participants of the trial tours included Ms. Karen Bray, High Commissioner of Australia, and Marni Gilbert Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand to Kiribati, CEO of TAK, officials from OIC MFMRD, dedicated teams, and island stakeholders.

TAK joins Kiribati World Tuna Day Celebration

May 26, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) joined the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD) as they celebrated World Tuna Day. Observed on 02 May each year, the Kiribati celebration was moved to 26 May to coincide with the conclusion of the Kiribati Coastal Fisheries Summit that concluded on the 25 May 2023 in Bairiki, South Tarawa.

With the theme, Sustainable Tuna; Our Dream, Our Future, the event began with a float procession that included MFMRD, Kiribati Fishing Limited (KFL) and the Central Pacific Producers Limited (CPPL). Each creatively highlighted the valuable relationship between healthy oceans and sustainable tuna management across the vast waters of Kiribati.

In his keynote address, Minister for Fisheries & Marine Resource Development, Honourable Ribanataake Tiwau said the “purpose of the event is to ensure that this shared resource, which are highly migratory and traverses the entire Pacific Ocean, are well managed for the benefit of the current and future generations”.

TAK acknowledges that the tourism sector can draw inspiration from the MFMRD’s work in sustainable tuna fishing practices and apply them to other aspects of sustainable & regenerative tourism development throughout the islands, particularly in the recreational fishing and community-based-tourism markets.

The event concluded with the Tuna Bites culinary competition that featured some of the best tuna dishes.

Culture core to the Kiribati Visitor Experience

April 21, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

Goal 2 of the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework recognises that tourism must preserve cultural and historical heritage. This commitment reflects the Kiribati tourism sector’s obligation to guaranteeing authentic visitor experiences. It also an acknowledgement of the value travellers place on Kiribati’s unique culture and history as captured in the 2019 Kiribati International Visitor Survey (IVS).

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) commends the work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) through its Culture & Museum Division (CMD) to preserve, protect and promote Kiribati’s culture and heritage.

In its role as the advocate for Kiribati cultural preservation, the CMD recently conducted a 1-week training program for 25 youths in South Tarawa. Delivered by community cultural trainers at the CMD Maneaba, the program included traditional food preservation, local arts and craft, toddy cutting and Bwabwai farm cultivation.

TAK is encouraged that the sharing of traditional skills and knowledge is reinforced at a community youth level and when practiced, will offer international visitors an experience that is unique to Kiribati alone.

The preservation and showcasing of Kiribati’s cultures and traditions through tourism will remain a priority for TAK and work is currently underway to establish it as a sustainable tourism indicator for the destination.

South Tarawa Training Need Assessment

February 1, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Training and Development Unit within the Tourism Authority of Kiribati conducted a two days visit to all tourism business properties in South Tarawa to carry out the training need assessment for all employees in the tourism industry that was held on the 25^th to 26^th of January 2023.

The main purpose of this visit is to discuss and share the training needs assessment form that TAK already come up with and to take all of their specific needs so that TAK can have them and share them with national institutions for their continued assistance and support.

Six of seven tourist accommodations were part of this visit and these are The George Hotel, Betio Lodge, Fema Lodge, Utirerei Hotel, Eniita Lodge, and Tad’s Guest Homestay. Mary’s motel is the only one that has not yet been visited due to some inconvenience caused regard to the schedule raised by the office.

This is the first time that TAK roll out this activity to sit with hotel employees face to face and to take note of their needs with the hope of extending this to all tourism operators in the outer island.

South Tarawa Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS)

February 1, 2023February 1, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) through its Research and Statistics Division has conducted its survey known as the Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS) from 25^th to 26^th January 2023 in South Tarawa.

The survey is also part of TAK’s annual work plan to update the accommodation database to ensure data and information that are collected are up to date, which is the overall main purpose of the visit. The collected data and information include the number of rooms and beds, the number of employees, and contact information to name a few.

The survey results will help determine the training needs of the surveyed properties, it will also help accommodation providers to identify areas that need improvements in terms of marketing and product development needs.

The 7 surveyed properties were The George Hotel, Betio Lodge, Marys’ Motel, Fema Lodge, Utirerei Hotel, Eniita Lodge, and Tads Guesthouse.

The next TBIS will be conducted in North Tarawa in February.

Tourism Authority Kiribati