Travel Information – Kaongora Newsletter

German Hapag Lloyd Cruise Ship ‘MV Hanseatic Inspiration’ set to Visit Bikati Islet, Butaritari on the 2nd of May 2025

November 8, 2024November 8, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

On November 4th, TAK had the pleasure of meeting with Thomas Schubert from Pacific International Consulting and the Manager of Shipping Agencies of Kiribati (SAOK) to discuss preparations for the anticipated arrival of the cruise ship MV Hanseatic Inspiration at Bikati Islet in Butaritari, scheduled for May 2, 2025. This marks the third visit by a Hapag Lloyd Cruises vessel to Butaritari, following previous visits in 2015 and 2018. Unfortunately, two planned visits to Bikati in 2021 and 2022 had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but with cruise operations resuming last year, Kiribati is pleased to welcome this renewed opportunity.

During the meeting, Mr. Schubert shared that the cruise line was highly impressed with the 2018 excursion and is delighted to once again include Bikati, Butaritari, as a destination on its Great Micronesia Cruise Expedition. The MV Hanseatic Inspiration, departing from New Caledonia and Palau, will carry 220 passengers who will experience a full-day excursion on Bikati Islet. This visit is not only a wonderful opportunity to showcase Kiribati’s unique beauty and culture to international guests but also promises to generate meaningful economic benefits for the Butaritari Island community and Kiribati as a whole.

Photo above from left to right; George Kumkee Jr (Senior Tourism Officer), Reeti Onorio (Agt CEO), Thomas Schubert (Pacific International Consulting), and Naare Taukoriri (Manager Shipping Agencies of Kiribati)

Kiribati Tourism Industry Review 2023

November 7, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

In 2023, Kiribati experienced and welcomed its first resumption of tourism & travel arrivals marking the arrival of cruise ships after the border closure since the COVID-19 period. A total of 5118 cruise passengers were welcomed in Kiribati for the first time after the COVID-19 lockdown.

The first part of the report highlights important events and key activities that TAK has accomplished which ranged from the establishment of the sustainable tourism policy, preparations for cruise ship arrivals, and TAK’s participation in regional and international expos.

The reports also captured the increase in international arrivals to Kiribati when compared to the previous year 2022. An increase of 364% which doubled the international arrival figure in 2022.

This increase was caused by the resumption of regular flights to Kiribati from Fiji Airways and Nauru Airlines. The reports also provide an average length of stay by purpose of visit and by nationality which shows which country spends more nights in Kiribati. Corporate visitors stayed the longest with 15 nights.

Domestic tourism travel by sea increased by 25% when compared to 2022 marine travel while domestic travel by air also decreased by 5%.

The report further provides the number of visitors visiting the Museum and the main purpose of their visits.
The growth in tourism supply was also stated in the reports with a breakdown of the number of female staff and male staff currently working at accommodations in Kiribati.

TAK continued to give its acknowledgement to the following Ministries and companies for their continued support and contributions to the report, Air Kiribati Limited; the Marine Guard; the Immigration department, Shipping Agencies of Kiribati, Kiribati Customs Office and the tourism operators and accommodations that supplied data for the purpose of this report.

You can view the full report here

TAK Releases 2024 First Quarter Tourism Review

July 3, 2024July 2, 2024 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati has published its Quarter 1 Tourism Industry Review for 2024, revealing exciting growth in the sector. The report shows a 100% increase in international arrivals when compared to the same period in 2019, before the pandemic.

In the first quarter of 2024, the USA became the top source market for Kiribati, surpassing Pacific Islanders who had been the top source market since Q1 2023. This quarter, 25.9% of arrivals to Kiribati were from the USA. Most of these American visitors travelled to Kiritimati for leisure, specifically for fly fishing holidays.

In the first quarter of 2024, Kiribati continued to welcome cruise passengers, although only one cruise ship visited. As a result, the number of cruise passengers was 65% lower than in 2023.

The report also highlights a boost in domestic air travel and a decrease in domestic marine travel. It also captured the number of visitors to the Museum.

Additionally, the report notes improvements in the tourism supply. Employment in the tourism sector has increased by 97%, showing that more jobs are being created. The reports covered a detailed increase in the other tourism supply.

TAK would like to express its appreciation to Air Kiribati Ltd, the Marine Guard Division, the Immigration Department, Te Umwanibong Cultural Museum, the Kiribati Customs Authority, the Shipping Agencies of Kiribati (SAOK), and local Tourism operators who have been instrumental in gathering and contributing relevant data and insights, making this report a comprehensive and robust assessment of the tourism sector in Kiribati.

Kiribati Border Reopening to Reinvigorate Tourism.

August 1, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Kiribati border reopening from Monday 01 August 2022 is expected to revive the nation’s tourism sector since its international border closure in March 2020, due to the global outbreak of COVID-19.

Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) Deputy CEO, Reeti Onorio says “Kiribati’s international border closure of 2 years and 4 months has had devastating impact of tourism operators across the destination but there is optimism for a sustainable return to normalcy as we begin welcoming visitors from August 2022’.

Local tourism operator and owner of Terau Beach Bungalows Abaiang, Tiinai Kaboua shares the same sentiments and says that she is very excited that Kiribati borders are finally open. She added, “I cannot wait to meet our guest and share our culture with them. I’m just excited that business will be back to normal.”

Mary’s Motel Supervisor Teretia Teitiaki said “the past few years has been a struggle as we could not operate as per normal, but we are happy and excited that Kiribati borders are finally open, as we are now able to have our staff work full time. Now, we are fully booked with visitors coming to Kiribati for work”.

Flights to Kiribati will begin with a weekly Fiji Airways service from Nadi to Tarawa whilst regional carrier Solomon Airlines will operate a fortnightly service from Brisbane (via Honiara) in August and September which will be amended to a weekly service from 01 October 2022. Nadi and Honiara will serve as connecting hubs from key source markets of Australia, New Zealand, North America and Asia Direct weekly flights from Honolulu and Nadi to Kiribati’s second international port, Kiritimati is expected to begin later in the year.

To ease travel to Kiribati, the Government of Kiribati has removed its pre-departure COVID-19 test and quarantine requirement upon arrival. However, travellers must be fully vaccinated and will be required to undertake a COVID-19 clinic test within 3 days of arrival.

International travel to Kiribati to begin 01 August 2022

June 18, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Government of Kiribati, through the Office of Te Beretitenti today announced that all international travel to and from Kiribati will return to normal on the 1st of August, 2022.

This official announcement also confirmed that the Government of Kiribati has reduced the compulsory in-country quarantine days for all travelers from seven (7) to three (3) days.

The announcement follows the Government of Kiribati’s confirmation that the country’s COVID-19 Alert Level has been reduced from 3b to 3c and it has relaxed the SOP guidelines currently being practiced as part of Kiribati’s preventive measures against COVID-19.

The New Public Health Order was effective from Friday 17th of June, 2022 and will remain for two weeks as the curfew hours have ceased for all islands that are infected by COVID-19.

Furthermore, inter-island travel will still be subject to the availability of quarantine centres on islands that are COVID-19 free.

Despite the relaxation of some of the SOP guidelines, the Government appeals to the general public to continue practicing health safety measures such as wearing masks in public and the continuation of handwashing to help stop the spread of the virus. The public is encouraged to visit clinics to receive vaccination and booster, 5 months after receiving second dose.

As of this week, the administration of the Pfizer vaccine for youths between the age of 12 and 17 years has commenced in South Tarawa and Betio. Parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure all their children are fully vaccinated to ensure the safety and well-being of their children and the general public.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati will share the full details of Kiribati’s August border reopening conditions in the coming days.

TAK begins development of Mauri Way Programme

May 5, 2022April 29, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

Mauri is Kiribati for hello. As a greeting word, Mauri can also be adjusted to suit the situation such as Kam na bane ni Mauri, Ko Na Mauri, Mauri riki or the more casual and loud Mauri Mauri! However it is called out, Mauri epitomises the essence of the traditional Kiribati hospitality and when expressed, represents a feeling of genuine welcome, care and an assurance of safety to the person it is being expressed to.

To this effect, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is pleased to announce that it has officially commenced work on the development of the Kiribati Mauri Way Customer Service Programme in partnership with the Aotearoa New Zealand Volunteer Services Abroad (VSA).

The Mauri Way will be the Kiribati Tourism and Hospitality Customer Service guide that embraces the Kiribati style of hospitality and culture, and rooted in the traditional blessings of Te Mauri, Te Raoi and Te Tabomoa.

Through this collaboration with VSA, TAK has engaged customer service experts Ms. Anna Stevens and Mr Dominick William Valentine Coppinger to guide TAK on the development of the program and implement a comprehensive industry wide Mauri Way customer service training. This will be complimented with an online customer service training portal to be accessible to all tourism and hospitality business operators across Kiribati.

Once completed and implemented, the Mauri Way program has the potential the improve the quality of tourism and hospitality customer service delivery in Kiribati and will prepare the destination for an exciting restart to tourism when its international borders reopen.

Kiribati extends border closure

March 15, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

The Government of Kiribati has officially declared a further extension of its border closure in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

This new extension will remain effective until the end of June 2021 when another review is expected to take place for further determination of Kiribati’s border settings.

During this extension period, special approvals can be obtained for humanitarian flights to transport essential equipment, medical supplies and for the conduct of medevac operations.

Government’s Repatriation Taskforce that oversees the repatriation of Kiribati nationals abroad will continue to plan and facilitate repatriation exercises to bring back all I-Kiribati stranded. The Taskforce is also coordinating with relevant Ministries to mobilize Kiribati students to commence their studies at tertiary level in Fiji alongside key workers and other members of the travelling public.

Standard Operational Procedures that seek to safeguard the public from the potential entry and transmission of COVID-19 will remain in force for all incoming travellers including a mandatory quarantine of 14 days at the Government-designated facility on South Tarawa. This has proven helpful to the Government’s effort to maintain Kiribati’s COVID-19 free status.

The provision of medical supplies and cargoes will also continue under the established COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols to ensure necessary support is provided to strengthen the national health system and to address people’s needs.

The Government acknowledges the dedicated service of all frontline workers and all who are involved in the success of repatriations to date and continues to appeal to the general public and Kiribati’s development partners for their continued cooperation, support and understanding to ensure the necessary arrangements are strictly followed so that risks are managed and the health safety of all is not compromised.

Kiribati Extends Border Closure to End of February 2021

February 3, 2021January 13, 2021 by George Kumkee

The Government of Kiribati has officially declared a further extension of its border closure in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Government advises that this extension will remain effective until the end of February 2021 where it will be further reviewed. Special approval is required for humanitarian flights to transport essential equipment, medical supplies, and medevac operations.

In addition, Kiribati nationals travelling back on government arranged repatriation flights can enter Kiribati. A Repatriation Taskforce setup by Cabinet has been planning recent repatriation exercises to bring back all I-Kiribati stranded overseas since November last year.

The Taskforce is currently working with partners and neighbouring countries to repatriate remaining stranded nationals and Seafarers who have been affected by the border closures as a result of the pandemic.

The undertaking is being conducted in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures that seek to safeguard the public from the potential entry and transmission of COVID-19. All repatriated nationals would be required to undergo mandatory quarantine at a Government-designated facility on South Tarawa.
Throughout the repatriation period, Kiribati borders will remain closed to foreign nationals unless specific directions are given to enable critical and lifesaving operations and activities in Kiribati. During the border closure, the provision of medical supplies and cargoes will continue under the established COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols to ensure necessary support to strengthen the national health system and to support the needs of the people.

The Government continues to appeal to the general public and Kiribati’s development partners for their continued cooperation, support and understanding to ensure the necessary arrangements are strictly followed so that risks are managed and the health safety of all is not compromised. (source: Office of Te Beretitenti)

New Resort opens in Buariki, North Tarawa

December 1, 2020November 30, 2020 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is delighted to announce the opening of the NEMAT Resort in BUARIKI, North Tarawa from 01 December 2020.

Management says that the resort is ideal for getaways, gatherings & parties, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

Situated on a stretch of brilliant white sandy beach overlooking the turquoise lagoon, the property features both contemporary & locally designed houses/huts and buias with two Maneaba. For group travel, the resort can accommodate a maximum of 70 guests.

Services include a bar, café, and 24 hours restaurant services whilst the traditional beach umbrella and beach lounges offer the ideal spot for a quiet retreat. Complimentary kayaks, guitars and ukuleles are also available onsite and the beach volleyball court is perfect for team building activities.

Transportation including waauowa & speedboat is also available for pickups from and drop offs to South Tarawa. Bookings can be made by telephone on 73041868 or via email at nematkiribati@gmail.com

Q1 2020 Tourism Industry Review Report Released

June 30, 2020 by Taare Rikiai

The Q1 2020 Tourism Industry report has been released in June for the benefit of our stakeholders.

For the first time, Outbound and domestic tourism has been analysed and the basic data is presented in the report.

Furthermore, the report contains international visitor arrival data as well as justifications for the changes in numbers. It also provides analysis by region, namely Tarawa and Kiritimati.

Visitor arrivals for this period were 1409, a drop of 17% compared to the same period last year. Both regions saw drops in their visitor numbers with Kiritimati hardest hit with only 384 arrivals between January and March this year, a massive drop of 55% compared to Q1 2019.

Domestically, a total of 6290 domestic flights were recorded with the most visited island being Abemama.

Outbound travel saw a total of 3049 I-Kiribati travelling overseas and most of this travel was for education purposes.

The report was prepared by the Research & Statistics Division of the TAK.

Tourism Authority Kiribati