Tourism Authority Kiribati

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Celebrating International Volunteer Day 2025

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) team on Kiritimati Island and their Australian volunteer, Mr Spencer Liapakis, celebrated International Volunteer Day 2025 on Friday 5 December, commemorating the work of volunteers on Kiritimati Island with an event at the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Development in London.

The TAK team was joined by representatives from the Kiritimati Urban Council, who also partnered with an Australian volunteer earlier this year, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC) and the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID).

The event included a garlanding dance, remarks by Mr Liapakis about the Australian Volunteers program, and a reflection on the successes achieved by volunteers and their partner organisations from Ms Ereti Tekabwaia, Officer in Charge of TAK Kiritimati.

In Tarawa, TAK CEO, Ms Reeti Onorio, attended the International Volunteer Day 2025 event hosted by the Australian Volunteers Program and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Mr Liapakis, a Tourism Digital Marketing Mentor, has been working with the TAK team on Kiritimati Island since July, and concludes his assignment in mid-December. Mr Liapakis and his fellow volunteer at the Kiritimati Urban Council are the first volunteers from the Australian Volunteers Program to live and work on Kiritimati Island.

The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian Government-funded initiative that supports global volunteering. It works with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia and Africa to achieve locally led change.

We hope that Mr Liapakis’ assignment is the first of many, as part of an ongoing relationship between the Australian Volunteers Program and TAK, and we look forward to welcoming more volunteers in the future.

TAK REPRESENTATIVE COMPLETES BELT AND ROAD SEMINAR ON CULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY IN CHINA.

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) proudly announces that Mr. Garstang Bitauea has completed the Seminar on Integration of Culture and Technology for Belt and Road Countries, held in the People’s Republic of China from 15 to 28 October 2025.

The two-week seminar brought together participants from ten countries, including Kiribati, to explore how digital innovation and cultural integration can support sustainable tourism and development.

The program focused on key themes such as artificial intelligence in cultural industries, digital preservation of heritage, and smart tourism solutions.

As part of the program, participants visited Tencent Headquarters in Beijing, cultural heritage sites like the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven, and innovation labs in Changsha, gaining firsthand insights into China’s integration of culture and technology.

TAK extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration (CACTA) for this valuable opportunity.

The knowledge and experience gained will contribute to TAK’s ongoing efforts to embrace technology and innovation in advancing Kiribati’s tourism sector.

Kiribati International Visitor Survey 2024

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati, in collaboration with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), has successfully completed the International Visitor Survey (IVS) 2024. Kiribati was also one of ten Pacific Island countries participating in the Pacific Tourism Data Initiatives (PTDI) project, which was funded by the New Zealand Government.

The Kiribati International Visitor Survey (IVS) 2024 provides valuable insights into tourism trends, visitor experiences, and areas for improvement. Visitors found the friendly local people, the beautiful lagoon waters, and the rich culture to be the most appealing aspects of their stay. The survey results further showed that the majority of the visitors were first-time visitors to Kiribati (42%).

The survey revealed key visitor trends, with an average length of stay of eight nights. Business travel was the primary reason for visiting Kiribati, accounting for 39% of visitors, followed by holiday travel at 18%. The top source markets were Australia (31%), Fiji (18%), and New Zealand (14%). Additionally, 52% of visitors learned about Kiribati through their colleagues, highlighting the importance of word-of-mouth recommendations.

However, the survey also highlighted challenges affecting visitor satisfaction, including rubbish and cleanliness issues, accommodation quality, limited food and beverage options, and abandoned cars. To enhance the overall visitor experience, respondents suggested beach clean-ups, upgrades to accommodations, and improvements to public services and infrastructure.

The IVS 2024 report serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and businesses, offering insights that can shape the future of Kiribati’s tourism industry. By addressing visitor concerns and enhancing tourism infrastructure, Kiribati can strengthen its appeal as a travel destination. With targeted improvements, the country can ensure a more enriching experience for future visitors while promoting sustainable tourism initiatives that align with local values and environmental priorities.

As outlined in the current Kiribati Vision 20 (KV20), tourism is a priority sector from which the government aims to generate income. The IVS 2024 report provides valuable insights that could help drive economic returns by guiding strategic decisions on maximizing the benefits of tourism. More information, like average visitor spending, average household income, and tourist activities, can be viewed here: https://southpacificislands.travel/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kiribati-IVS-Jan-Dec-2024-Report_.pdf

TAK supports Kiritimati island’s Beautification Initiative

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The Kiritimati Island TAK team took a huge role in being part of the organizing committee to promote the beautification, gardening, sanitation, and water hygiene competition on Kiritimati Island. The competition was held between 30 registered households as part of the 45th Kiribati Independence Day event in July. The competition was initially planned and implemented in 2022 and will be a continuous activity for households on Kiritimati to participate and compete.

The purpose of the competition is to promote a cleaner and healthier Kiritimati Island community that will contribute to achieving Kiritimati Island’s aspiration of being a “New Paradise.”

This initiative was chaired and promoted by the Ministry of Lands, Environment & Agricultural Development through its Agriculture Division based on the island and was joined by other stakeholders from the Wildlife Unit, Ministry of Line Islands, the WASH project, and the TAK team who formed the organizing committee.

The Ministry of Linnix awarded a competition prize of $1,500, and the WASH project donated 30 filter buckets to participants. These participants were involved in cleaning water tank catchments to ensure accessible drinking water, building cooking huts for boiling water, and installing tippy taps for hand washing.

The 30 registered households participated in the competition and were all commended for their creativity and innovations in creating their household tippy taps, and waste reduction methods, and for promoting home vegetable gardening, growing cabbage, cucumber, pawpaw, and other vegetables.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati support ‘Ara Tanobakoa’ Beach Clean-Up Campaign

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati has been participating in *Ara Tanobakoa” beach clean-up campaign initiated by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD).

“Ara Tanobakoa” beach clean-up campaign is an ongoing clean-up campaign surrounding the MFMRD’s Eco-farm site at the Bonriki Ananau Causeway with an objective of transforming and beautifying the site to support an upcoming infrastructure project to develop a Marina in the area. This beautification initiative will give visitors a positive impression of Tarawa the capital and Kiribati as they start their exploration of the island beginning from Bonriki International Airport.

Team TAK continues to support this initiative aligning it to the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy which supports the key Goal 1 “Tourism will conserve the natural environment”

Religious Visitors Emerging as a New Market Segment for Kiribati

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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.

TAK participates in Coastal Fisheries Summit in Kiritimati 2024

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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.”

TAK Conducts Survey at National Trade and Quality Day show

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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.

Tourism Authority of Kiribati Acknowledges Valuable Contribution of International Volunteers.

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As the world celebrate International Volunteers Day this week, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) extends its gratitude to the dedicated remote volunteers from the Australia Volunteers International (AVI) and New Zealand’s Volunteer Services Abroad (VSA) for their invaluable contributions to the organization.

Over the years, TAK has been fortunate to collaborate with AVI and VSA, whose remote volunteers have played a pivotal role in advancing TAK’s mission of promoting sustainable tourism development in Kiribati. The collaboration has enabled the successful implementation of key initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism in Kiribati.

In 2021, TAK partnered with AVI to develop the organization’s Digital Marketing Strategy, a milestone that significantly boosted TAK’s online presence and outreach.

Looking towards the future, in 2023, TAK is excited to be working alongside VSA to develop the ‘Mauri Way’, a Tourism & Hospitality Customer Service Program. This program aims to elevate the hospitality standards in Kiribati, ensuring a positive and memorable experience for visitors. The collaboration reflects the dedication of international volunteers to sharing their expertise and knowledge to uplift the local tourism industry.

During the International Volunteer Day celebration hosted by the New Zealand High Commission and VSA, TAK’s CEO, Petero Manufolau, expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ exceptional support. He stated, “TAK is grateful for the support of volunteers who generously give up their time to impart their knowledge and skills, contributing significantly to strengthening capacity within our organization.” Mr. Manufolau emphasized that, “against limited budgetary constraints, crucial work by TAK could not have been accomplished without the invaluable support from international volunteers.”

TAK recognizes the efforts of all volunteers who have played a crucial role in fostering sustainable tourism development in Kiribati. Their dedication and expertise, creating a positive effect on the local communities and economy. TAK encourages stakeholders to join in acknowledging and appreciating the global community of volunteers whose commitment contributes to positive change around the world.