Tourism Authority Kiribati

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Training

SPTO Board of Directors Trained on Good Governance and Effective Directors Program.

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The Officer in Charge, Tourism Authority of Kiribati participated in a 2 -day course on Governance Training – Effective Directors Program with the Governance Institute of Australia from 12-13th May 2025 held at the Crown Plaza, Nadi in Fiji.

Ms. Reeti Onorio, the OIC, TAK was amongst the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) Board of Directors and SPTO Management team who participated in the 2 days intense face to face training program. Day one was focused on Core functions of the Board and Director Dynamics including how best directors can communicate. The second day was more practical and involved the role play of the Directors in a real-life Board meeting setting.

The P4A partnered with the Governance Institute of Australia to deliver the Effective Directors training by providing practical tools and tips in building high-performing boards. Governance is key to a resilient tourism sector and the Board plays an integral part in guiding and promoting organizational culture and sustainable governance to achieve business objectives.

This training provided was a good opportunity for Pacific tourism leaders to effectively improve their Board meeting deliveries in their respective countries. As a Secretariat to the TAK Board of Directors, the course allows me to learn effective ways to better understand my Secretariat role and the role of my management team to be better prepared for Board meetings, says the OIC, Reeti Onorio.

At the end of the course, each participant was awarded a certificate of competition.

Tourism Authority of Kiribati successfully delivered training programs on Nikunau Island.

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has successfully completed a comprehensive four-day training program focused on Tourism Restart and Tourism & Hospitality Series Program enhancement. This initiative was tailored for existing and registered tourism operators and community representatives on Nikunau Island. The training was held from May 12th to 17th, 2025, at the Nikunau Island Guesthouse boardroom.

Designed to empower local accommodation providers and community members, the program equipped participants with valuable insights and skills to navigate the evolving tourism landscape. The Tourism Restart training covered essential topics such as Tourism Business Fundamentals and Tourism Revenue Management, while the Tourism & Hospitality Series provided foundational knowledge in front office operations, housekeeping, and customer service.

The Revenue Management segment emphasized best practices and strategic approaches to revenue optimization, promoting long-term growth and sustainability in the industry. Meanwhile, the Tourism Business Fundamentals training focused on marketing strategies and capacity building for human resource development, ensuring businesses enhance their services and offerings. The Tourism & Hospitality Series empowered participants with essential skills to meet customer expectations and deliver an exceptional visitor experience.

A total of sixteen participants from various local tourism businesses and communities attended the training. These included representatives from Neneinmatang Hotel and Rose Bungalow (KUC Tabutoa), as well as individuals from villages across Nikunau: Tabomatang, Manriiki, Nikumanu, Rungataa, Tabutoa, and Murubenua.

During a courtesy call, Mayor Temareti Tabuee, speaking on behalf of the participants, emphasized the significance of the program in strengthening the roles and responsibilities of island representatives within their respective tourism operations.
TAK extends its deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives for financing and facilitating this initiative, as well as to the Nikunau Island Council for their invaluable support in ensuring the successful implementation of the program.

Mauri May Training has been extended to PNI liaison officers and chauffers as part of their preparation for the upcoming PNA Meeting in Tarawa Kiribati.

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has successfully conducted a two-day Mauri Way Customer Service Training for seventeen officers, chauffeurs and liaison officers who will play a important role in the preparations for the upcoming Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Meeting, scheduled to take place from 2 to 6 June 2025 at the Kiritimati Island Fish Limited Conference Room, Ambo Tarawa, Kiribati.

The Mauri Way Customer Service Training, a key program offered by TAK, is designed to equip frontliners working with local tourism operators and government ministries with essential hospitality and customer service skills. This initiative ensures that all frontliners provide memorable first and last impressions for visitors, allowing them to experience the true essence of Kiribati.
For this session, the training program was tailored specifically to prepare selected participants to serve as responsible hosts during the PNA conference. Led by Tourism Officer (Training & Development), Monika Rikita, and assisted by Acting Assistant Tourism Officer, Tie Manueara, the training covered the following comprehensive modules:

• Module One: Introduction to the Mauri Way
• Module Two: First Impressions
• Module Three: Types of Travellers and Cultural Awareness
• Module Four: Anticipating Travellers’ Needs and Wants
• Module Five: Problem Solving, Complaint Handling, Conflict Management
• Module Six: Customer Service Excellence
• Module Seven: Bringing it All Together

Speaking at the event, Mr. Fakalongo Hopi, a representative of the Kiribati Police Service, emphasized the vital role of this training in enhancing their accountability and preparedness when working with VIPs.

A total of seventeen participants successfully completed the training, including nine police officers from the Kiribati Police Service, who will serve as chauffeurs, and eight liaison officers from key ministries, such as: Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs, Ministry of Information, Communication, and Transport, Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives and Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.

TAK expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources for financing this valuable program, as well as to the Standing Committee for their dedicated efforts in successfully coordinating and organizing the training.

TAK conducts Mauri Way Customer Service Training on Butaritari Atoll

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) successfully extended the Mauri Way Customer Service Training program to tourism operators and community-based tourism businesses in Butaritari. Held from the 2nd to the 5th of April 2025 at Isle Sunset Lodge, the training focused on enhancing customer service skills to deliver exceptional and uniquely Kiribati visitor experiences.

The Mauri Way Tourism and Hospitality Customer Service Training Program is tailored to empower employees of local tourism businesses by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to elevate customer service standards to a national level. By showcasing Kiribati’s rich culture, the program aims to foster memorable, high-quality visitor experiences.

The training comprised seven interactive modules:
1. Introduction/Overview of Te Mauri Way
2. First Impressions
3. Types of Travellers and Cultural Awareness
4. Anticipating Travellers’ Needs and Wants
5. Problem-Solving, Complaint Handling, and Conflict Management
6. Customer Service
7. Bringing It All Together

The program included dynamic activities such as interactive sessions, group discussions, role-play exercises, open forums, and Q&A sessions. It was led by Tourism Officer Monika Rikita, with support from Acting Assistant Tourism Officer Tie Manuera.

A total of 29 participants from various tourism businesses attended, including representatives from Nemat Resort, Isle Sunset Lodge, Antinbwaan Iesu Guesthouse, Te Nikabubuti Eco Lodge, Buron Takenraoi Community, Nei Rakentaai, Tekaneati, Notiruru, Butirake Community, Ukiangang Meang & Maiaki, Te Toronibwai Community, Antekana, and the Butaritari Island Council.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr. Kamoriki Willie, a tour guide and representative from the Butaritari Island Council, emphasized the significance of the training in supporting the diverse roles and responsibilities of those involved in local tourism businesses.

TAK extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Pacer Plus Implementation Unit for funding this crucial initiative. Appreciation is also extended to the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives for their unwavering support in implementing the training, as well as the Butaritari Island Council for their invaluable assistance during the program.

TAK Welcomes Three University of the South Pacific Students for Internship

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is delighted to welcome three I-Kiribati second-year students from the University of the South Pacific (USP) who are currently undertaking their internship as part of their TS216: Integrated Industry Learning for Tourism and Hospitality course. The students have completed half of their coursework and are now gaining valuable hands-on experience at TAK to complement their academic studies.

The three students are now in their second week at TAK and are in their stage of learning the different roles at TAK. Their six-week internship will conclude on 1st January 2025, providing them with valuable industry insights and practical skills that will enhance their future careers in tourism and hospitality.

TAK is proud to support the professional development of young talents from Kiribati and looks forward to seeing these students grow into skilled professionals who will contribute to the nation’s tourism industry.

The three students expressed their appreciation to TAK for receiving them stating that they have experienced wonderful hospitality from the TAK staff, who are all so friendly. Their attitude reflects exactly what we learned at USP about hospitality, and it has been inspiring to see it in practice.”

TAK wishes these students every success in their internship journey and is committed to providing them with an enriching and rewarding experience.

TAK Officer Participates in Tourism Resources & Utilization Training Workshop in Hainan, China

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Ms Monika Rikita of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati participated in a thirteen-day training focused on Tourism Resources and Utilization for Pacific Island Countries, which was hosted by the International Cooperation and Exchange Center of the Department of Commerce, Hainan Province, China, from the 27th of August to the 9th of September 2024.

The overall aim of the program is to nurture competitive tourism professionals for the South Pacific region, supporting the sustainable prosperity of its tourism industry and elevating it as an international tourism destination. This training program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to global challenges, ensuring that the tourism sector in the South Pacific remains competitive.

It is an opportunity for China’s tourism industry and tertiary institutions to present and showcase their professional courses to participants, which overall focuses on the theme, ‘Tourism Resources Development and Utilization.’ In this course, the highlighted topics covered are:

-Planning and Management of Tourism Resources in China
-Public Tourism Policies in China
-Impact of Tourism Industry: Theory and Practice
-Sustainable Development of Tourism Industry
-Tourism Destination Services and Marketing
-Planning, Design, Operation, and Management of Tourist Attractions
-Marketing and Brand Building
-Concepts and Classic Case Analysis of Cultural and Tourism Integration – Application of Digital Tourism Technology
-Hotel Management: Intelligent Hotel Development

Apart from the theory-based sessions, participants had a chance to tour Hainan Province and visit the most famous tourist attractions, such as Qinghai City, Sanya City, and Wanning City. Participants also spent three days touring Shanghai Municipality and Suzhou City in Jiangsu Province. This activity brought participants together for an interactive exercise, allowing them to reflect on and share what they had observed and learned during the training program. It encouraged them to apply these insights in the areas most relevant to their respective islands.

A big ‘Thank You’ to the People’s Republic of China through the International Cooperation and Exchange Center of the Department of Commerce, Hainan Province, for funding support and the organization of this wonderful and rewarding training program.

Kiribati participated in the Te Ūnga Mai Professional Development Training in Rotorua New Zealand

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Among the tourism professionals from the Pacific islands who participated at the Te Ūnga Mai Professional Development Training, Kiribati was represented by Ms Kiarake Karuaki – the Product Development and Investment Promotions officer from the Tourism Authority of Kiribati.

The four-day training held in Rotorua from 30 July to 2 August 2024 is designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of tourism professionals where the Pacific leaders come together and share their destination management journey including successes and challenges. It was an opportunity for networking and gathering practical knowledge, insights, and best practices where Pacific leaders further broaden their perspective allowing for a global exchange of ideas and strategies. Overall, such a program is instrumental in shaping future-ready tourism leaders who can navigate and manage destinations with foresight and responsibility.

Throughout the program, the Pacific Delegates also had the opportunity to join the New Zealand cohort of the Climate Champions Training facilitated by the Travel Foundation in partnership with Expedia Group. It brought together an interactive learning exchange that further discussed the urge for sustainable tourism development against the impact of global climate change for a resilient tourism industry in the Pacific.

TAK acknowledges the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the funding support, Regional Tourism New Zealand, Rotorua Regional Tourism Organisation and the RTOs, private sector, and government agencies at Te Unga Mai for the privilege to learn from their successes and the challenges they faced.