Tourism Investment – Kaongora Newsletter

Empowering Tourism in Kiribati: A Transition in Operational License Collection

May 14, 2024 by Maaba Katirite

The Consultation Team, comprised of representatives from the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives ( MTCIC) commenced its consultation with Local government Island Councils on April 5th, 2024. The purpose of this consultation was to inform the Island Councils of the transition in the collection of tourism operational licenses from island councils to the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, commencing early next year, 2025. These tourism operational licenses are currently managed by the island councils under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. However, under the Tourism Act 2018, the TAK has been mandated to collect these licenses from the accommodation providers. So for this year 2024, all Tourism operators are still required to pay their licenses to their respective councils prior this transition commencing early next year.

The first island council that was visited recently for the consultation with the TAK Team was Eutan Tarawa Council given its proximity to the Capital South Tarawa and has the highest number of commercial accommodations compared to other island councils of Kiribati. TAK team expressed its gratitude to the councillors for voicing their concerns and took the opportunity to provide clarity on the necessity of collecting operational licenses for accommodation from the island councils.

The rationale behind this initiative includes:

1. Marketing Fund Allocation: The funds collected through these licenses from accommodations will contribute to a Marketing Fund. This fund will be reinvested to benefit accommodation owners by facilitating marketing and promotional activities aimed at showcasing their establishments and services to international markets.

2. Service Enhancement: Additionally, the marketing fund will support tourism operators in improving their services, specifically, it will enable the provision of essential training programs, such as those focusing on hospitality and customer service provided by the Tourism Authority (TAK). These trainings aim to elevate the standards in existing guesthouses thereby minimizing potential complaints from guests and enhancing guest experiences. These are some of the key reasons elaborated by the Standards and Licensing Manager- Mr Iataake King

With all clarifications and deliberations made, the Mayor on behalf of the full council members gave a final remark or decision that Eutan Tarawa Council is supporting this plan and willing to work with TAK in this undertaking. The meeting ended with positive feedback from the full council members. The next consultation will be TAK team visiting Betio Town Council before continuing with the rest of the island councils of the outer-islands. This transition signifies a significant step towards streamlining tourism operations in Kiribati ensuring a more efficient and effective management system for operational licenses. By centralizing the collection of operational licenses, the TAK aims to empower local accommodation and tour operators, enhance service standards, and ultimately boost tourism in Kiribati.

TAK Supports 3rd PNA Leaders’ Summit

October 31, 2023 by Maaba Katirite

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.

TAK attends ‘Nei Tengarengare’ Summit on Butaritari Island

August 31, 2023 by Maaba Katirite

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 Maaba Katirite

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.

Kiribati Tourism Students gives back to Community

August 31, 2023 by Maaba Katirite

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.

Tourism Kiribati welcomes new market development in Betio

December 1, 2022November 30, 2022 by Maaba Katirite

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

December 1, 2022November 30, 2022 by Maaba Katirite

As Kiribati concluded the commemoration of 79^th 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 80^th 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 80^th 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.

Butaritari Tourism Product Development Consultation

June 30, 2022June 30, 2022 by Maaba Katirite

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted a 1-week consultation on Niche Tourism Product Development on Butaitari from 27 May – 2 June 2022.

The consultation was done with Keuea village, Ukiangang Meang and Maiaki, Bikaati islet and Tanimaiaki village, Te unimwaane association and Butaritari island council.

The five participating communities confirmed their tourism product offerings, and these include Marine Protected Area (MPA) tour, giant clam tour, mangrove forest tour, World War ll tours, including the bombing of Keuea and Kaukinanganga event, island cultural tour including Nantekei war dance, sports tourism (te uniwakaa), and agritourism.

The consultation included discussions on product development stages, product quality and pricing and a training workshop on tourism package development.

Through this mission, TAK helped establish the Butaritari Tourism Development Working Committee (BTDWC) as a standing committee of the island council. The BTDWC will be mandated to oversee the development and management of tourism product development and other tourism related activities on the island.

The Butaritari island council and the new working committee have extended their full support to TAK to help develop Butaritari as a resilient and sustainable tourism destination.

Plastic Repurposing for Sustainable Tourism in Abemama

June 30, 2022June 30, 2022 by Maaba Katirite

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) in partnership with Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) within the Ministry of Environment Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD) completed the 1-week training on the plastic waste repurposing on the island of Abemama from 20 – 24 June 2022.

The workshop is a follow-on training from the Pacific Tourism Organisation’s (SPTO) Pacific Tourism Waste Action Initiative (PTWAI) where participants from the PTWAI training shared their skills with the participants in Abemama.

Abemama is the first island selected through Urban Development Project Phase II – Solid Waste Management Project to pilot 1-week plastic waste repurposing training.

The training is also part of TAK and the ECD’s initiative to support Kiribati’s sustainable tourism goals through the upcycling of plastic waste into valuable jewellery and artifacts that can be sold to travellers that visit the island.

Chairlady of the women councillor in Abemama, Mrs Bikenteiti Rutio said that “such a program was an opportunity for them to acquire new skills and knowledge for a new revenue stream”.

Acting Island clerk Mrs Teitirua Tekamau also commented that the “initiative not only assisted with minimizing plastic wastes to support clean, safe, and healthy environment of Abemama but also to boost the economy through the women’s creativity”.

18 women representatives from the island’s women’s council participate in the event. The program was funded by the Urban Development Project – Solid Waste Management Project and implemented under the Environment and Conservation Division.

Seeking Tourism Opportunities for Banaba

February 26, 2021 by Maaba Katirite

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted an exploratory mission to the island of Banaba on 21 and 22 February 2021 to evaluate tourism opportunities for the island. The mission was conducted by CEO, Petero Manufolau and Senior Research and Statistics Officer, Nemani Tebana.

Better known as a former phosphate mining island until 1979, Banaba is Kiribati’s westernmost island with a total land area of 6.0 km² and its highest point is also the highest point in Kiribati at 81 metres.

The mission included guided tour to Te Bangabanga, the Sacred Cave of Banaba, and visits to other historical sites on the island including the Sir Albert. F. Ellis monument, WWll Japanese slaughtering area, old hospital, islands football and cricket field and the remains of colonial homes that once dominated the islands real estate.

The site visits was followed by meeting with Banaba MP Tibanga Taratai and the Rabi Council of Leaders (RCL) Island Manager Malosi Kapati to discuss opportunities for tourism development on the island. It was agreed that TAK will work with the Island Council and the RCL to develop a working group that will seek our opportunities for tourism to Banaba.

TAK will develop the Terms of Reference for the working group and will be open to contributions from stakeholders on how tourism can help create economic opportunities for the island.

Tourism Authority Kiribati