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During the last quarter of 2023, Kiribati experienced a significant change in its visitor patterns, particularly in the duration of stays. Religious visitors, in contrast to corporate and leisure groups, extended their visits, averaging 20.7 nights—making them the longest-staying group in quarter 4. Religious visitors comprise a specific market segment within tourism that focuses on individuals traveling for religious purposes.

This shift contrasts with previous trends where corporate and leisure visitors tended to stay longer than religious travellers. In quarter 3 of 2023, for instance, corporate visitors spent an average of 14.6 nights, leisure groups stayed 9 nights, while religious visitors stayed only 7 nights.

This trend indicates a growing preference among religious visitors for Kiribati, possibly due to the unique appeal or significance they find in the destination. Their prolonged stays not only demonstrate a deeper connection with the local communities and their religious practices but also positively impact the tourism economy, fostering longer-lasting relationships and opportunities for cultural exchanges.

Acknowledging the importance of religious tourism and its economic impact, stakeholders are encouraged to adjust their strategies accordingly. By catering to the specific needs and preferences of religious travelers, the overall tourism experience can be enhanced significantly. Embracing this trend also opens doors for collaboration with religious institutions and community groups, promoting sustainable tourism practices and preserving the cultural heritage of Kiribati for future generations.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati participated in a 3-day Coastal Fisheries Summit from the 26th to the 28th of March, held at the KPF conference room in Kiritimati Island, with the theme, ‘collaborative efforts to move from words into actions in achieving sustainable fishery for all I-Kiribati.’

The summit was sponsored and funded by the Tobwaan Waara Project – New Zealand High Commission to Kiribati and the Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP) Kiribati Project – World Bank Project. Attendees of the Summit included mayors, clerks, fisheries officials from Kiritimati, Tabuaeran, and Teraina, along with marine-related business operators and relevant government agencies such as the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) based in Kiritimati Island.

The Summit also provided opportunities for tourism-related issues to be presented and discussed. The issues included the crowded flat, chumming of giant trevallies, and Paris marine protected area. Christmas Island Outfitters, a fly-fishing tour operation, voiced out concerns and matters affecting the fly-fishing business in Kiritimati. TAK presented on the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy and the overview of tourism in the Line & Phoenix islands.

The Summit ended with a draft ‘way forward’ or work plan drawn by the participants as an outcome of this important 3-day collaborative Summit.”

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted an exhibitor survey at the three-day National Trade and Quality Day show, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, and Industry Cooperatives (MTCIC) in Bairiki from 19 to 21 December 2023.

TAK representatives along with four interns from the University of the South Pacific (USP) organised an exhibitor survey where they gained insights into their businesses and products. The survey focused on identifying opportunities where TAK could provide support, particularly in the promotion and marketing of locally crafted items. These included local handicrafts, Mauri wear, local food, and garment items that could serve as unique souvenirs for tourists visiting Kiribati.

Throughout the discussions, TAK encouraged local handicraft makers and other exhibitors to persist in their enterprise. TAK emphasised on the importance of generating innovative ideas to enhance the quality of their products, making them more appealing to travellers.

TAK also reassured exhibitors of its commitment to continue promoting handicrafts through its marketing and promotional channels, including social media platforms like Facebook, travel guides, and the official website.

The survey results will be shared with the MTCIC and other relevant stakeholders who have a vested interest in the production and distribution of authentic and quality traditional artefacts in Kiribati.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) collaborated with the U.S Embassy in Suva, Fiji to organize the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa in Betio, South Tarawa on November 22, 2023.

In a solemn dawn ceremony at the U.S. World War 2 memorial monument, The President of Kiribati, His Excellency Taneti Maamau and First Lady Teiraeng Maamau were joined by the U.S Ambassador to Kiribati, Her Excellency Marie Damour to pay their respect and remember the lives lost and affected by the Battle of Tarawa between the U.S and Japan Forces from 20 – 23 November 1943.

While addressing attendees, H.E Taneti Maamau said ”the Battle of Tarawa will long be remembered as the bloodiest battle in the Pacific campaign of WWll, where more than 5,000 lives were lost in just 4 days”. He added “only the veterans and civilians who were involved right here on this battle ground can explain the grinding realities that they had to endure in order for us to remain free to live our lives and proposer”.

In her speech, Ambassador Marie Damour said, “the Battle of Tarawa is remembered because of the extraordinary courage displayed by the U.S. Marines who fought here and the remarkable devotion of the Japanese defenders who died here.”

The commemoration also honoured an unidentified Marine whose remains was exhumed by member of History Flight, a Non-Profit organization dedicated to researching, recovering and repatriating America’s service members back to United States of America

Also in attendance were U.S. Government officials, representatives of the U.S Embassy in Suva, Fiji, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Veterans and families of the fallen Marines, Kiribati Government and Betio town council representatives.

TAK acknowledges that remembering the Battle of Tarawa is crucial for preserving history, honouring the contributions of veterans, learning valuable lessons, fostering cultural identity, and promoting a global perspective that emphasizes peace and cooperation. Visitors to Tarawa are encouraged to visit WWll relics and sites around Betio for a better insight and understanding of this important part of Kiribati’s History.

Butaritari Island in Kiribati commemorated the 80th anniversary of Te Kaukinangananga, the Battle of Butaritari (Makin), on Tuesday 21 November 2023 at Ukiangang. The event was attended by a visiting U.S.A Battlefield Tour group, U.S Embassy, Suva, Fiji personnel, officials from the Office of te Beretitenti (OB), Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives (MTCIC), government officials, and the people of Butaritari.

The event began with a March parade led by the Kiribati Police Service (KPS) and included pre- and primary school students and local communities. The children of Ukiangang Primary School then performed an re-enactment of the raid by the U.S. Army in November 1943.

In his official address to the Parade, U.S Army Lieutenant Colonel John-Paul Smock expressed how supremely impressed he was with the people of Ukiangang on their spirit of remembrance in keeping the memory of this important part of the island’s history alive.

Mr. Glenn Frizzell, 85 years old from the U.S.A, shared his impressions of the event. “I first attended this event 7 years ago and I am impressed at how involved the children of Butaritari honor the memory of the war,” he said.

Mr. Maretino Kamaunea, of Butaritari Island, shared his personal experience of the battle. “I was only 13 years old when the Americans raided our island in their assault on Japanese Forces in 1943,” he recalled. “We were made to dig caves to hide in. We remained in the cave for over 24 hours until we were certain that the fighting between the Americans and the Japanese had stopped.” He added, “there was only a small gap in which we could peek out from and we could tell the Japanese from the Americans by their boots.”

The event concluded with a sumptuous feast prepared by the people of Ukiangang.

The village of Ukiangang in Butaritari was brimming with excitement on October 25, 2023, as it hosted the passengers and crew of the MV National Geographic Resolution, which arrived on the island.

MV National Geographic Resolution is owned by Lindblad Bluewater II Ltd and carried 34 passengers and 103 crew members.

Visitors came ashore on zodiacs at Ukiangang Red Beach and were greeted by the Mayor, Clerk and Ukiangang village community of Butaritari. The cruise guests were transported to the community hall (Maneaba), where the entire village eagerly awaited to give them a warm welcome.
The atmosphere inside the Maneaba was alive with music, traditional dance performances, and guests dancing with the locals. Outside the Maneaba, guests were treated to a local culinary experience and a showcase on the importance of various parts of the coconut tree and how vital it is to the Kiribati way of life.

The event provided an opportunity for the villagers to promote sustainable tourism through guided tours to the unique mangroves of Butaritari, a WWII tour, and swimming and snorkelling at Bikati Islet Marine Protected Area.

In line with cruise visit, Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) made significant efforts to develop Community-Based Tourism on Butaritari. The initiative has played out well especially with the alignment of the cruise visit. This endeavour aims to harness the potential of tourism to benefit both the local community and for future of the cruise ships visitations to Butaritari. By aligning these efforts with cruise visits, Butaritari not only attracts tourists but also fosters a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship between visitors and the local community. This approach helps preserve the island’s unique character while contributing to its economic and social well-being.

The cruise also made stops in both North and South Tarawa on October 26, 2023. Passengers and crew members enjoyed a morning swim and snorkelling at Naa’s end (North Tarawa) and later the ship docked at Betio Wharf, where they were greeted and entertained by a local choir and traditional Kiribati dances.

While on South Tarawa, passengers and some crew members went on guided sightseeing and WWII tours hosted by three of the tour guide operators in Kiribati, while others explored the island on their own.

The leader of the expedition, Phillip Andrew Wolff, said that the trip to Butaritari and Roteariki Islet was an amazing experience and that they are very much looking forward to an opportunity to return in the future.

The ship departed from Betio Wharf in the afternoon and received a final farewell with traditional Kiribati dance performance and warm goodbyes from local tour operators, dancers and staff of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati.